Spinach Appetizer Spread
A creamy spinach and cheese spread with basil, garlic, and pimento, perfect as an appetizer for gatherings, served warm with crackers and garnished with parsley.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried or fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimento, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, basil, salt, and garlic cloves until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine the blended mixture with grated Parmesan cheese, thawed and drained chopped spinach, chopped water chestnuts, and diced pimento.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Grease a 9-inch spring-form pan and pour the mixture into it.
- Bake at 325°F for 45 to 55 minutes until set and golden on top.
- Garnish the top with fresh parsley snips and additional pimento if desired.
- Serve warm with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using mascarpone cheese in place of some of the cream cheese. If you prefer a sharper flavor, add a dash of lemon juice or zest. Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just ensure it's thoroughly wilted and drained. Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, as it can vary in intensity.
Serving Suggestions
This spread pairs beautifully with Saltine Cracker Crunch Candy or can be served alongside fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful platter. It also works as a delightful topping for toasted baguette slices or as a dip for tortilla chips. Consider serving it at a gathering or as part of a vegetarian recipes spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spinach appetizer spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold or at room temperature with crackers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Appetizer Spread contains roughly 596 calories, with 11g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (121% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 953mg per serving (41% 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 spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spread a day in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover the mixture in the spring-form pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, allowing extra time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the spinach appetizer spread?
Freezing is possible, but it may alter the texture slightly. To freeze, bake the spread first, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use chopped celery for a similar crunch or even chopped artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile. Just remember that the texture may change slightly, but the overall dish 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).