Savory Spinach Spread
A creamy, savory spinach spread with roasted garlic and hot pepper sauce, perfect for serving with crackers or tortilla chips for a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package instructions.
- Drain the spinach well and press out excess liquid.
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, oil, bottled roasted garlic, salt, hot pepper sauce, and cream cheese.
- Cook and stir over low heat until the cream cheese is melted and heated through.
- Stir in the cooked spinach.
- Serve the spinach spread with crackers or tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese or add a splash of sour cream. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce or use fresh garlic instead of bottled. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen; just sauté it until wilted. Pair this spread with crackers or tortilla chips for a great appetizer, or serve it as a side with Grandma'S Vegetarian Meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
This savory spinach spread is perfect for entertaining. Serve it alongside a selection of crackers or tortilla chips for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with fresh vegetable sticks for a healthier option. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light salad or as a spread on sandwiches. Explore more American recipes to complement this dish for a delightful gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Spinach Spread contains roughly 880 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (17% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1997mg per serving (87% 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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach in a bit of oil until wilted before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. This will give your spread a fresh flavor and vibrant color.
How can I make this spread ahead of time?
You can prepare the spinach spread a day in advance. Follow the recipe and then cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this spread vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a non-dairy milk. Ensure that the bottled roasted garlic and hot pepper sauce are also vegan-friendly. The resulting spread will still be delicious and creamy!
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).