South Of The Border Spinach Dip

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Mexican

South of the Border Spinach Dip combines spicy green chilies, fresh tomatoes, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, making it a flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies, drained
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro
  • 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Butter a 1-quart baking dish.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  6. Serve with tortilla chips or toasted pita bread.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier dip, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a spicier kick, try using diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. For a lighter version, opt for low-fat cream cheese. This dip is versatile and can be served with tortilla chips or even paired with Easy Nacho Appetizer Spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this South Of The Border Spinach Dip warm with crispy tortilla chips, toasted pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It makes a delightful appetizer for parties or game days. For a complete spread, pair it with other Mexican recipes like Oven-Fried Beef Chimichangas or Chili Con Quesa. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the dip in a baking dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of South Of The Border Spinach Dip contains roughly 194 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 516mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

194 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 13.5g 17% DV
Carbs 15.1g 5% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 3.6g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 515.8mg 22% DV
Potassium 200.2mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 25.5mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 132.4mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 12.6mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 47.8mg 4% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply combine all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, but you can also serve it with toasted pita bread or fresh veggies like bell peppers and carrots. For a complete party platter, consider adding other appetizers such as M Y F Cheese Nachos or Tamale Cheese Dip.

Can I freeze this spinach dip?

Yes, you can freeze the dip before baking it. Just prepare the mixture, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.

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).

Mexican recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →