Julie'S Hot Spinach Dip
A creamy, flavorful spinach dip with a spicy kick from jalapenos, perfect for parties and gatherings, served with crackers or vegetables for a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Mix the cooked onion, frozen spinach (thawed and drained), cream cheese, half and half, chopped tomato, and sliced jalapeno peppers in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve warm with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider using mascarpone cheese in place of cream cheese. You can also add garlic or spices like cumin for extra flavor. If you prefer a milder dip, remove the seeds from the jalapenos or substitute with bell peppers. Thaw the spinach overnight in the fridge for best results, or quickly microwave it on low power to save time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot spinach dip warm, accompanied by an assortment of crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Fannie Mae Fudge as a sweet contrast. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or alongside a hearty soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick snacks.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Julie'S Hot Spinach Dip contains roughly 229 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein.
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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to replace the frozen spinach. Sauté it in the skillet until wilted, then drain excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapeno peppers or include a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also mix in some diced habanero peppers for an extra kick. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking, and keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.
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).