If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy dip that will make your taste buds dance, Espinaca Dip is the answer! This rich and velvety dip is packed with the goodness of fresh spinach, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheese—all blended together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving up a game-day snack, or just in the mood for a cheesy indulgence, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s super easy to make and comes together in no time!
This dip is like a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl—perfect for pairing with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh veggies. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a regular in your snack rotation. It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-dippable!
Why You’ll Love Espinaca Dip
Creamy and Cheesy Goodness
There’s something magical about the combination of melted cheese, creamy sour cream, and a hint of cream cheese that makes every bite of this dip irresistible. The flavors just melt together in a way that’s pure heaven.
Perfect for Parties
Espinaca dip is always the first thing to disappear at parties, and for good reason! It’s creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit spicy, making it the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Guests will be raving about it all night.
Quick and Easy
You can whip this up in about 20 minutes, making it an excellent last-minute appetizer for unexpected guests or when you need something quick but impressive.
Healthy-ish Spinach
Okay, let’s be real, spinach gets a bad rap sometimes, but when it’s mixed with cheesy goodness, it’s practically a superfood, right? You’ll be getting some greens in without even realizing it.
Customizable
Feel free to play around with the level of heat! If you’re not into too much spice, simply omit the jalapeños or use mild green chilies. Want it extra spicy? Add more jalapeños or some red pepper flakes to kick it up!
Ingredients
Fresh Spinach
Fresh spinach gives this dip its vibrant green color and a slight earthy flavor. When sautéed, it softens and melds perfectly with the creamy dip base.
Cream Cheese
This is what makes the dip so creamy and rich. Cream cheese adds a velvety texture that coats every bite with indulgence.
Sour Cream
Sour cream lightens up the dip just a bit, balancing the richness of the cream cheese. It adds a nice tang that elevates the flavors.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese gives the dip its savory, melty goodness. It’s the cheese that makes you want to keep dipping!
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack adds a creamy meltiness that helps create that perfect cheesy consistency. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack is unbeatable!
Jalapeños (optional)
For a bit of spice and crunch, jalapeños bring just the right amount of heat. You can adjust how much you use depending on your spice tolerance!
Garlic
A little minced garlic enhances the flavor of the dip, giving it a rich and aromatic base.
Olive Oil
A small amount of olive oil helps sauté the spinach and garlic, bringing out their flavors while keeping everything nice and smooth.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Sauté the Spinach and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes. If you have a lot of spinach, you may need to add it in batches.
Prepare the Creamy Base
While the spinach is cooking, in a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheeses (cheddar and Monterey Jack). Stir until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this.
Combine the Ingredients
Once the spinach is wilted, add it to the creamy mixture, and stir to combine. Then, add the remaining shredded cheeses, and fold them in until everything is melted and gooey. If you’re using jalapeños, stir them in at this stage.
Heat Everything Together
Transfer the dip mixture back to the skillet and cook over low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and bubbly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the dip is nice and warm, serve it immediately with tortilla chips, pita bread, crackers, or fresh veggies. Watch as everyone digs in and enjoys the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: 180-220
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Espinaca Dip
With Tortilla Chips
The classic choice! Pair this creamy dip with crispy tortilla chips, and let the crunchy texture complement the dip’s creaminess.
With Veggies
For a lighter option, serve Espinaca dip with fresh-cut veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumber. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
On a Party Platter
If you’re hosting a gathering, this dip looks gorgeous served on a platter surrounded by your favorite dippers. Add some sliced baguette or pita chips for a nice variety.
With Soft Pretzels
For a fun twist, serve the dip with warm, soft pretzels. The dip’s creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the chewy pretzel.
As a Nacho Topping
Turn your nachos into something extraordinary by using Espinaca dip as a topping. Just layer some tortilla chips with your favorite toppings and pour the dip over for an indulgent twist!
Additional Tips
Make it Spicy
If you love spice, feel free to add more jalapeños or some red pepper flakes. You can also use hot sauce or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.
Swap the Spinach
If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can try substituting it with artichokes for a similar creamy texture with a slightly different flavor. You could also use a blend of leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard.
Prep Ahead
If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare the dip the night before. Simply make the dip, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it up in the skillet until warm and bubbly.
Add Protein
For a more filling dip, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to the mix. It makes the dip heartier and perfect as a meal or a party main dish.
Store Leftovers
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
A1: Yes! You can definitely use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the dip.
Q2: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and heat it up before serving. It actually gets even better as it sits!
Q3: Is this dip spicy?
A3: The dip has a mild heat due to the jalapeños, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your preference.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cheeses. Pepper Jack cheese would add extra spice, or you can use cream cheese and cheddar for a different flavor.
Q5: Can I make this dip without sour cream?
A5: Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor and a bit more protein.
Q6: Can I make this dip without cream cheese?
A6: Yes, you can substitute with a combination of more sour cream or use a bit of ricotta cheese for a lighter version. The dip may not be as rich, but it will still be delicious.
Q7: Can I make this dip vegetarian?
A7: Yes, this dip is naturally vegetarian. Just be sure to check your cheese labels if you’re looking for a fully vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Q8: Can I freeze leftover Espinaca dip?
A8: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftover dip for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop once thawed, but be aware that the texture may change slightly.
Q9: How can I make this dip dairy-free?
A9: You can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan sour cream. Just check that the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture.
Q10: How do I make the dip thicker?
A10: If you want a thicker dip, add a little more cream cheese or cheese, or reduce the amount of liquid (milk or sour cream) to achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
This Espinaca Dip is everything you need in a dip—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a party or just for a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable to fit your preferences. So grab your chips, veggies, or bread and get ready for a seriously delicious snack!
PrintEspinaca Dip
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and cheesy Espinaca Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering! Made with Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, spinach, and spicy jalapeños, it’s a flavorful and easy dip that everyone will love. Serve with tortilla chips, strips, or veggie dippers for a mouthwatering treat!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 16 oz. pkg. cream cheese, cut into cubes (two 8-ounce blocks)
- 1/2 pt. heavy whipping cream (1 cup)
- 29 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies, drained (two 14.5-ounce cans)
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, chopped, thawed, and squeezed dry
- 4 cubes chicken bouillon
- 1/2 cup 2% milk, add more if needed
- 1/4 cup jalapeno, chopped, to desired heat (most online sites recommend ½ cup – I use about ¼ cup)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a crockpot.
- Heat through until melted and well combined, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with tortilla chips or strips
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook this dip. One or two hours in the crockpot should do it. After cooking, set the crockpot to warm to keep the dip hot.
- This dip is also excellent with veggie dippers like celery, carrots, or bell pepper strips for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours (on high)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg