Spinach And Cheese Dip
A creamy, flavorful spinach and cheese dip with a hint of jalapeno and tomato, perfect for parties or casual gatherings with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place frozen chopped spinach in a 1-quart microwavable casserole dish and microwave on High for 7 to 9 minutes, until defrosted and cooked. Let cool slightly and then place a clean dry towel in dish to remove excess water.
- In a 2-quart bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cubed cream cheese, chopped tomato, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno peppers.
- Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Stir in grated sharp Cheddar cheese and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve piping hot with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider blending in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can substitute the jalapenos with diced bell peppers for a milder flavor. If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 10 oz. of cooked, chopped spinach instead of frozen. Try adding some spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach and cheese dip is perfect for game day or a casual gathering. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. It also pairs beautifully with recipes like Wild Rice And Spinach Casserole for a complete meal. Consider offering a side of salsa or guacamole for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach and cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Cheese Dip contains roughly 253 calories, with 9g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 475mg per serving (21% 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 up to a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply microwave it until heated through. This is a great way to save time on the day of your gathering.
Can I freeze the spinach and cheese dip?
Yes, you can freeze this dip! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk to restore its creamy texture.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat option, or use a vegan cream cheese alternative if you're looking for a dairy-free version. Cashew cream is another great substitute that can provide a similar creamy texture.
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).