Spinach dip is a creamy, savory appetizer made with chopped spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Garlic powder, green onions, and a little lemon juice add flavor, while water chestnuts provide a subtle crunch in every bite.
This easy spinach dip takes just a few minutes to prepare before chilling in the refrigerator. Serve it cold with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables for a simple appetizer that works well for parties, gatherings, and casual snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Dip
- Simple ingredients: The recipe uses familiar ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores.
- Quick preparation: There is no complicated cooking process. Just mix the ingredients and let the dip chill.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it a day in advance to save time before serving.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the seasonings, vegetables, and consistency to suit your preferences.
- Good for sharing: The recipe makes eight servings, making it convenient for a small gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen chopped spinach: A 10-ounce package provides the base of the dip. Thaw it completely and squeeze out the excess moisture before mixing.
- Cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the other creamy ingredients.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and helps create a smooth, scoopable consistency.
- Mayonnaise: Makes the dip richer and brings the creamy ingredients together.
- Water chestnuts: Finely chopped water chestnuts add a crisp texture that contrasts with the soft spinach.
Chef’s Tip: Squeeze the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel until very little liquid remains. This small step makes a noticeable difference in keeping the finished dip thick rather than watery.
Spinach Dip Recipe
Spinach Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer made with tender spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a blend of seasonings. It has a smooth texture, a mild garlic flavor, and plenty of spinach in every bite.This easy spinach dip comes together with simple ingredients and requires very little preparation. Serve it chilled with crackers and fresh vegetables, or warm it in the oven for a comforting party appetizer.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Spatula
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach thawed
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely chopped water chestnuts
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Thaw the Spinach: Remove the frozen spinach from its packaging and thaw it completely. You can thaw it in the refrigerator or use the microwave according to the package directions.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This helps keep the dip thick and creamy rather than watery.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add the Creamy Ingredients: Add the sour cream and mayonnaise to the cream cheese. Mix until everything is evenly combined and the mixture has a smooth consistency.
- Season the Dip: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Fold in the Vegetables: Add the well-drained spinach, chopped water chestnuts, and green onions. Fold gently with a spatula until the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to develop and gives the dip a firmer consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chilled spinach dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with crackers, bread slices, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Drain the spinach thoroughly: Excess water is the main reason spinach dip becomes runny. Squeeze the spinach well before mixing.
- Use softened cream cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends more easily and prevents lumps.
- Adjust the consistency: Add a little extra sour cream if you prefer a softer dip, or use slightly less for a thicker texture.
- Fresh spinach option: Use approximately 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it until wilted, cool completely, and squeeze out the excess liquid before chopping.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dip up to one day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 390mg |
Easy Spinach Dip Variations
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Add finely chopped, well-drained artichoke hearts for a familiar spinach and artichoke combination.
- Cheesy Spinach Dip: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesier version.
- Spicy Spinach Dip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little finely chopped jalapeño.
- Bacon Spinach Dip: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon just before serving.
- Herb Spinach Dip: Add chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives for extra herbal flavor.
What to Serve with Spinach Dip
- Garlic Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Spicy Mayo for Sushi Recipe
- Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe
- Spicy Mayo for Sushi Recipe
- Navajo Fry Bread Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make spinach dip with fresh spinach?
Yes. Use approximately 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it until wilted, allow it to cool completely, and squeeze out the excess moisture before chopping and mixing it into the dip. - Can I make spinach dip without mayonnaise?
Yes. You can replace the mayonnaise with additional sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. The flavor and consistency will be slightly different. - Why is my spinach dip watery?
The most common reason is excess moisture in the spinach. Thawed spinach needs to be squeezed thoroughly before it is mixed with the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes. Low-fat cream cheese can be used, although the dip may have a slightly lighter texture and less richness than the full-fat version. - Can I blend spinach dip until smooth?
You can use a food processor for a smoother consistency, but avoid over-processing. - Can I serve spinach dip warm?
This recipe is designed as a chilled dip. If you want a baked version, use a recipe specifically formulated for heating, as the consistency of this sour cream and mayonnaise mixture may change when baked. - What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
Finely chopped celery is a useful alternative if you want to retain some crunch. You can also leave the water chestnuts out entirely.
