Easy Homemade Spinach Dip Recipe

Spinach dip is a classic party favorite that brings people together. This creamy, flavorful appetizer combines fresh spinach with rich cheeses and savory seasonings. I’ve made this recipe hundreds of times for gatherings, and it never fails to disappear within minutes. The best part? You can make it in less than 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, attending a potluck, or just craving something delicious to snack on, this spinach dip delivers every time. The combination of textures—from the tender spinach to the smooth cream cheese base—creates a satisfying dip that pairs perfectly with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. This recipe is foolproof, budget-friendly, and always impressive.

Reasons to Try This Spinach Dip

It’s Incredibly Versatile You can serve this dip hot or cold, which makes it perfect for any season or occasion. The warm version offers a comforting, gooey texture, while the cold version provides a refreshing option for summer gatherings.

The Flavor Combination Is Unbeatable The tanginess from sour cream balances beautifully with the richness of cream cheese. Garlic adds depth, while the spinach provides a fresh, earthy note that prevents the dip from feeling too heavy.

It’s a Crowd-Pleaser I’ve never met someone who doesn’t enjoy this dip. Kids love it, adults love it, and even picky eaters find it irresistible. The mild flavor profile appeals to almost everyone.

Quick Preparation Unlike many appetizers that require extensive prep work, this recipe comes together quickly. You can have it ready in the time it takes to preheat your oven.

Budget-Friendly The ingredients are inexpensive and widely available. You don’t need specialty items or expensive cheeses to create something that tastes restaurant-quality.

Great for Meal Prep You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake or serve it. This makes party planning stress-free.

Where Did Spinach Dip Come From?

Spinach dip became popular in the United States during the 1950s when cream cheese-based appetizers gained mainstream attention. The recipe likely evolved from European spinach preparations, but Americans transformed it into the party food we know today. The famous bread bowl presentation emerged in the 1980s and became a restaurant staple. Knorr vegetable soup mix versions appeared around this time, making the dip even more accessible to home cooks. Today, countless variations exist, from simple three-ingredient versions to elaborate baked preparations. Despite all the modern twists, the classic combination of spinach, cream cheese, and seasonings remains the foundation of this beloved appetizer.

Ingredients Notes

Fresh or Frozen Spinach I prefer frozen spinach because it’s pre-washed and chopped. Fresh spinach works too, but you’ll need about a pound to get the right amount after cooking and squeezing out water. Always squeeze spinach completely dry—excess water makes your dip runny and bland.

Cream Cheese Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Let it soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that are difficult to smooth out.

Sour Cream This adds tanginess and helps create a lighter texture. Full-fat sour cream provides the best results, but light versions work if you’re watching calories.

Mayonnaise Mayo adds richness and helps bind everything together. It also contributes to the creamy texture that makes this dip so addictive.

Garlic Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch. I use about three cloves of fresh garlic, minced very fine. The garlic should be noticeable but not overpowering.

Cheese Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese create the perfect combination. Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds stretch, while Parmesan brings a sharp, salty flavor. Shred your own cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Seasonings Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes add depth. Some people add onion powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

How to Make Spinach Dip

Step 1: Prepare Your Spinach If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Squeeze hard to remove as much liquid as possible. You should get at least half a cup of water out. This step is critical.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Base In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or stir vigorously until completely smooth with no lumps. This creates your base.

Step 3: Add Flavorings Mix in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings you’re using. Taste the mixture at this point—it should be well-seasoned because the spinach will dilute the flavors.

Step 4: Fold in Spinach and Cheese Add the squeezed spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, and most of the Parmesan cheese (save some for topping). Fold everything together until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish or oven-safe serving bowl. An 8×8 inch dish or medium-sized round dish works perfectly. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Add Topping Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. This creates a golden, bubbly crust when baked.

Step 7: Bake Place the dish in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. If you want extra browning, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it carefully.

Step 8: Cool and Serve Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to thicken slightly and prevents anyone from burning their mouth on molten cheese.

What You Must Know About Spinach Dip

The Water Content Issue This is the biggest mistake people make. If you don’t squeeze your spinach dry enough, your dip will be watery and disappointing. Take the extra time to really wring it out—your arm might get tired, but it’s worth it.

Temperature Matters Softened cream cheese mixes smoothly, while cold cream cheese creates lumps. Plan ahead and leave your cream cheese on the counter for 30-60 minutes before you start.

Don’t Overbake Once the cheese melts and the dip is hot, it’s done. Overbaking dries it out and makes the edges crusty in a bad way.

Serving Temperature Hot spinach dip tastes best right out of the oven, but it becomes unsafe to eat if left at room temperature for more than two hours. If your party lasts longer, consider making a smaller batch and keeping backup in the refrigerator.

Garlic Strength Raw garlic has a sharp bite. If you’re sensitive to garlic, sauté it briefly in butter before adding it to the dip, or use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Helpful Tips

Make It Ahead Prepare the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dip.

Use a Slow Cooker For parties, keep your spinach dip warm in a small slow cooker set to low. This keeps it at the perfect temperature for hours without burning the edges.

Prevent Burning If the top starts browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Enhance the Flavor Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. A tablespoon of white wine or chicken broth can also add depth.

Create a Crispy Top Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking. This creates a crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy dip.

Variations and Substitutions

Artichoke Spinach Dip Add one 14-ounce can of chopped artichoke hearts (drained and squeezed dry) to the mixture. This is my personal favorite variation.

Greek-Style Version Replace half the mozzarella with feta cheese and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh dill.

Lighter Version Use light cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduce the cheese by half. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’s still delicious.

Vegan Option Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and nutritional yeast for the cheeses. Add extra garlic and lemon juice to boost flavor.

Add Protein Mix in shredded chicken for a heartier dip that works as a light meal.

Spicy Version Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give your dip some heat.

Water Chestnut Addition Chop water chestnuts and fold them in for extra crunch and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Spinach Dip

Classic Dippers Tortilla chips are the traditional choice. Pita chips, crackers, and bagel chips also work beautifully. I like to offer several options so guests can choose their favorite.

Vegetable Platter Serve with bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. The fresh vegetables balance the richness of the dip.

Bread Bowl Presentation Hollow out a round sourdough loaf and fill it with the dip. Cut the removed bread into cubes for dipping. This presentation always impresses guests.

Warm Breadsticks Freshly baked breadsticks or garlic bread make excellent vehicles for this dip.

Potato Chips Ridged potato chips provide sturdy scooping ability and add a satisfying crunch.

Crostini Slice a baguette, brush with olive oil, and toast until golden. These elegant dippers work well for fancier gatherings.

Inside Sandwiches Use leftover spinach dip as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage Store leftover spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to prevent a skin from forming.

Freezing While technically possible, I don’t recommend freezing this dip. The cream cheese and sour cream separate when frozen and thawed, creating a grainy texture. If you must freeze it, expect texture changes and plan to stir it well after reheating.

Reheating in the Oven Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Reheating in the Microwave Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until hot throughout.

Reheating on the Stovetop For small portions, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or cream if the dip seems too thick.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and based on one serving (about 1/4 cup) from 8 servings total. Values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredients used.

Easy Spinach Dip Recipe

This creamy spinach dip recipe is the perfect party appetizer. Made with cream cheese, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, it's ready in 40 minutes and always a crowd favorite. Serve hot or cold!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 185 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 10 ounces frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or oven-safe serving bowl.
• Thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze it dry using a kitchen towel until no more water comes out.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
• Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture and stir well.
• Fold in the squeezed spinach, 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
• Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the dip.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot throughout and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
• Let the dip cool for 5 minutes before serving with your choice of chips, crackers, or vegetables.

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