Description
Creamy spinach dip brings Mediterranean flavors to your appetizer spread. Herbs and garlic complement rich cream cheese for a delightful starter perfect for gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz (280 g) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional topping)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Spinach Preparation: Meticulously drain thawed frozen spinach or swiftly sauté fresh spinach, ensuring optimal moisture removal and flavor concentration.
- Creamy Foundation: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
- Flavor Infusion: Integrate finely minced garlic, delicate onion pieces, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the creamy base, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Texture Integration: Gently incorporate the prepared spinach throughout the mixture, distributing evenly and seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional complementary herbs for enhanced depth.
- Serving Transformation: Choose between a chilled appetizer by refrigerating or a warm, bubbling presentation by transferring to an oven-safe dish. If opting for a hot version, bake at 350F (175C) until the surface turns golden and edges become delicately crisp, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Notes
- Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Remove all excess moisture to prevent a watery dip, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out liquid completely.
- Blend Ingredients Smoothly: Whisk cream cheese at room temperature for a lump-free, silky texture that ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Customize Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining a creamy consistency.
- Temperature Matters: Allow dip to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and achieve optimal spreadability, especially when serving as a cold appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg