Spinach Ricotta Dip
A creamy spinach and ricotta dip with fresh tomato and Parmesan, perfect for entertaining or a delicious appetizer that appeals to cheese lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 quart fresh spinach, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz cream cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place chopped spinach and onion in a small saucepan with a small amount of water.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until tender; drain well.
- In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, basil, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and pepper at medium speed until well blended.
- Stir in the spinach mixture and spread into a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Top with chopped tomato and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with crisp rye crackers or bagel chips.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. If you're out of ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute, though it will alter the texture slightly. Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach; just ensure it's well-drained before mixing. For a twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes to the mix for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach ricotta dip pairs beautifully with crisp rye crackers or bagel chips, making it a delightful appetizer for gatherings. Serve alongside a fresh veggie platter for a colorful presentation. For a more filling option, consider it alongside Cheese Tarts or as a spread on toasted baguette slices. This dip also works well at parties or as part of a vegetarian buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Ricotta Dip contains roughly 77 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 664mg per serving (29% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, just bake it as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for an even tastier dip!
Is this dip suitable for freezing?
If you want to avoid this, consider preparing it fresh for the best texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you're looking for a lighter or vegan option. Keep in mind that using Greek yogurt will make the dip tangier, while dairy-free alternatives may vary in flavor and creaminess. Adjust seasonings as needed to achieve your desired taste.
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).