Grandpa'S Spinach Dip
A creamy spinach dip with chopped green onions, water chestnuts, and savory leek soup, perfect for parties and served with French bread for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook, drain, and cool the spinach.
- Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and leek soup.
- Chop green onions and water chestnuts and add to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Squeeze water out of the cooked spinach and chop it.
- Add the chopped spinach to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Refrigerate the dip overnight.
- Cut off the top of the French bread, scoop out the bread to create a crust, and put the dip into the bread shell.
- Serve with the bread crusts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen; just ensure it's thoroughly drained. Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. If you want extra heat, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. This dip also pairs beautifully with Classic American Pie Crust if you want a different serving option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spinach dip in the hollowed-out French bread shell for a fun presentation. It pairs well with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside Janice'S Peanut Butter Fudge for a sweet treat to balance the savory flavors of the dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dip thickens too much, you can stir in a little mayonnaise or sour cream to restore its consistency. Reheat it gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, but avoid overheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandpa'S Spinach Dip contains roughly 899 calories, with 8g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2555mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spinach dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip is perfect for make-ahead preparations! Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight to enhance the flavors. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container. When ready to serve, scoop it into the bread shell and enjoy.
What can I substitute for the water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts on hand, you can use diced celery or chopped bell peppers for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can simply omit them if you prefer a smoother dip. Just keep in mind that the texture will change slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this spinach dip is entirely vegetarian! It uses ingredients like spinach, mayonnaise, and sour cream, making it suitable for a vegetarian diet. For a vegan version, look for plant-based mayo and sour cream alternatives to keep it cruelty-free while enjoying the same delicious flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).