Hot Spinach Cheese Dip
A spicy, cheesy hot spinach dip packed with hot chilies, tomatoes, and Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for parties and gatherings with tortilla chips or bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In skillet, cook onion and hot chilies in oil until softened, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and cook 2 more minutes.
- Transfer the cooked mixture to a bowl and stir in spinach, vinegar, cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and half and half.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, approximately 1/2 teaspoon.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish and bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Serve hot with tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. If you're looking for a bit more heat, add some cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the mixture. You can also use frozen spinach instead of fresh; just make sure to thaw and squeeze it dry thoroughly. To save time, chop the onions and tomatoes ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
This hot spinach cheese dip pairs beautifully with tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or pita bread. You can also serve it alongside a lighter main dish like a salad to balance the richness. For a fun twist, use it as a filling for quesadillas or topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Avoid reheating too long to prevent the dip from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Spinach Cheese Dip contains roughly 482 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% 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 dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving. If it thickens up, add a splash of half and half before reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can use any melty vegetarian cheese or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for a similar flavor and texture. Just ensure that the cheese you choose is labeled vegetarian, as some cheeses contain animal rennet.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover spinach cheese dip can be repurposed in several ways! Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, mix it into pasta dishes, or even spread it on toast for a quick snack. It also works great as a topping for baked chicken or fish.
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).