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hot spinach dip recipe

The BEST Hot Spinach Dip Recipe

This creamy, flavorful spinach dip is a crowd favorite, perfect for any gathering or casual snack. With a blend of spinach, creamy cheese, and a hint of garlic, this dip is smooth, savory, and sure to please. Whether served with crispy chips, fresh veggies, or warm bread, it's always the first dish to disappear at the table!
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: caramelized onions, cream cheese, dips, Hot spinach dip, party appetizer, spinach
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 225kcal

Equipment

  • 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish (or similar size baking dish. If you opt for a larger or smaller baking dish, you'll get a thinner or thicker dip).

Ingredients

Caramelized Onion (for dip)

  • 1 cup finely chopped Vidalia (sweet) onion, about 1/2 a medium onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing the onion
  • pinch of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic clove, about 2 garlic cloves

Spinach Dip

  • 1 cup (8 ounces - 1 block) cream cheese, soft at room temperature
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise, regular or light
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) Monterey jack cheese, substitute mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, use half the amount if using Morton's
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley, substitute 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish/decoration
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, omit or reduce if you're not a fan of spice

Instructions

Make the Caramelized Onion

  • To make the caramelized onions for your spinach dip, start by finely chopping the onion. Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onions and stir to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the onions to cook slowly, stirring occasionally.
    Be patient — this process will take about 20-25 minutes, as the onions need time to break down and caramelize without burning.
    If the onions begin to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and aim for a deep golden-brown color and a sweet, tender texture. This will bring a rich, savory flavor to your spinach dip.
    Once cooked, set aside and allow to cool.

Make the Spinach Dip

  • Defrost and Drain the Spinach: Allow the spinach to defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
    To drain the previously frozen spinach, place it in a fine-mesh strainer or colander. Press down with a spoon or your hands to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. You want the spinach to be as dry as possible to avoid making your dip too watery.
    For an even better result, you can wrap the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to wring out the remaining moisture. This ensures a thick, flavorful dip without excess liquid.
  • Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Dish: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat the small baking dish or skillet with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • Mix all Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the cooled caramelized onions, parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup of the Monterey jack cheese, and all remaining ingredients. Make sure to reserve about 3/4 cup of the Monterey jack cheese for the topping.
    Stir well until fully combined.
  • Spread into Dish & Bake: Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
    Bake for 20 minutes or until dip is bubbly and cheese is melted. Turn the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 more minutes or until cheese starts to brown. Remove from the oven.
    Dust the top of the dip with smoked paprika. Garnish with more parsley. Serve hot with pita or tortilla chips.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Dinner at the Zoo's Spinach Dip 
  • This recipe works well in an 8x8-inch baking dish, but you can use any similar-sized baking dish. Larger dishes will result in a thinner dip, while smaller ones will make the dip thicker.
  • Monterey Jack is recommended for its excellent melting qualities, but mozzarella or cheddar will also work well if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal