What Makes This Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip So Special?
The key to a good dip is balancing flavours and textures, and this Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip nails it every time. Here’s what makes it absolutely delicious:
- Double Spinach Hit: Using both fresh and frozen spinach adds extra texture and a deeper, richer spinach flavour. The frozen spinach helps maintain that classic creamy texture, while fresh spinach brings a pop of colour and freshness.🌱
- Cream Cheese: This is what makes the dip so indulgent. The cream cheese melts into the spinach mixture, creating a rich and creamy base that you can’t get enough of. 🧀
- French Onion Soup Mix: This ingredient is my little secret to a perfect Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip! It brings an incredible depth of flavour and the perfect amount of seasoning without you having to worry about adding a tonne of other spices. 🧅
- The Cheese Factor: Not only do we fold cheese into the dip, but we also top it with an extra layer of cheese that gets golden, melty, and irresistible in the oven. Honestly, that cheesy, bubbly top is pure magic! ✨
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip Every Time
Every recipe has its little tricks to take it from good to GREAT. Here’s how you can make sure your Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip stands out at your next party:
1. Get Rid of Excess Water 💦
Whether you’re using fresh or frozen spinach, it’s crucial to cook off the extra moisture. You don’t want a watery dip! After cooking the spinach in the pan, give it a light press with a spatula or drain off the excess liquid before combining it with the other ingredients.
2. Cheese Matters! 🧀
When it comes to cheese, quality is key. For this recipe, I recommend using a good melting cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or even tasty cheese (a popular choice here in Australia!). Want to add a touch of sharpness? Try adding some parmesan to the mix too.
3. Use Fresh Garlic 🧄
While garlic powder can be convenient, nothing beats the flavour of fresh garlic in a dish like this. It elevates the entire dip and brings out the best in the cheesy goodness.
4. The Perfect Bake 🧑🍳
Make sure you preheat your oven and bake the dip just until the top is golden and bubbly. You don’t want to overcook it because the cheese can become too thick and lose its smooth creaminess. Keeping an eye on the dip for that perfect golden top is key!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip
While Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip is incredible on its own, what you serve with it makes all the difference.
- Crusty Bread or Cob Loaf 🍞
Hands down, my favourite way to serve this dip is in a freshly hollowed-out cob loaf! The crisp edges of the bread combined with the creamy dip are a match made in heaven. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, crusty baguettes or slices of sourdough work brilliantly too. - Veggie Dippers 🥕
For a healthier spin, serve this dip with fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. The crunch of the veggies adds a delightful contrast to the creamy dip. - Crackers or Tortilla Chips 🌽
If you’re in a pinch, crispy crackers or tortilla chips are always a good option. They bring that salty crunch which complements the rich dip beautifully.
Pairing Suggestions 🍷
The richness of Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip pairs well with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you’re a beer fan, a light pilsner or lager also complements the cheesy goodness without overpowering the dish. For non-alcoholic options, try serving with a sparkling water infused with citrus or cucumber for a refreshing balance.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love to Try! 🍽️
If you’ve enjoyed this Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip, I’ve got a few more recipes that will keep your snack table on point and your guests happy. Check out these delicious, ideas for your next gathering:
Share Your Creations!
I can’t wait to see your creations! Snap a picture of your Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s spread the cheesy love! ❤️
Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip
- Author: Steph de Sousa
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
👋 Hi everyone! Today, I’m super excited to share my Creamy Cheesy Hot Spinach Dip recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering, and oh-so-delicious! 😋🥘
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200C.
- In a hot pan with olive oil, add the onions, fresh and frozen spinach, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the spinach is defrosted and the excess water has evaporated. 🍳
- Stir in the French onion soup mix, cream cheese, sour cream, and grated cheese. Keep stirring until everything is melted and well combined. 🌪️
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake for 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. 🧀🔥
- Serve it hot with crusty bread or in a cob loaf for an extra special touch! 🍞🥖
Trust me, this dip will be the star of your party table! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for sharing with your loved ones! 🎉👨👩👧👦
Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next snack recipe in this series! Happy cooking! 🌟👩🍳
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Just assemble it in your baking dish and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake it until it’s hot and bubbly.
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the frozen spinach with more fresh spinach. Keep in mind that fresh spinach wilts down a lot, so you might need to add a bit more than the recipe calls for.
Technically, yes, you can freeze this dip, but cream cheese-based dishes can sometimes become grainy when frozen and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Hi, I'm Steph!
I turned a lifelong passion for food into a career as a professional chef, stopping in the Masterchef kitchen along the way. My goal is to inspire everyone to learn to love cooking, using basic pantry ingredients and fresh local produce to create delicious dishes.