Creamy Garlic Spinach Dip

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

easy spinach dip recipe is my party secret.
Creamy garlic notes shine through every spoonful.

I made this for friends last weekend.
They asked for the recipe twice.

Brief Overview

This American style dip grew from deli classics.
Think comforting, scoopable, and nostalgic.

Difficulty is easy for home cooks. Prep takes about 15 minutes active time.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for twelve to fifteen minutes.

Or skip baking for a chilled, no-bake version.

Yields about eight appetizer servings.
Serve in a bread bowl or with sturdy chips.

Main Benefits

Spinach adds vitamins and iron.
This dip makes greens feel indulgent.

Perfect for game nights and casual parties.
It also shines as a make-ahead party spinach dip.

Cream cheese makes it luxuriously smooth. Garlic and Parmesan add a savory kick.
Think of a garlic parmesan spinach dip recipe twist.

You can make a baked spinach dip with cream cheese.
Or try a no-bake spinach dip with sour cream.

This recipe also folds into a spinach and artichoke dip easy mix.
Swap Greek yogurt for a lighter spinach dip with Greek yogurt.

The trick is knowing how to drain frozen spinach for dip. Squeeze hard in a clean towel to remove water.
Room temperature cream cheese blends without lumps.

A small stat to chew on.
Spinach delivers vitamins K and folate in a small serving.

Honestly, I once under drained spinach. The dip was watery and I learned fast.
Now I never skip the squeeze step.

Ready to dive into ingredients?
Next up is the full ingredient list and step-by-step method.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

For the dip base:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese , room temperature. Use full fat for best texture.
• 1 cup (240 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang.
• 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise or swap for 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt to lighten.
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup (45 g) grated Parmesan .

Aromatics & spinach:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil .
• 1 small yellow onion (about 3/4 cup / 120 g) , finely chopped.
• 2 garlic cloves (about 2 tsp / 6 g) , minced.
• 10 ounces (285 g) frozen chopped spinach , thawed and squeezed dry. Or 6 cups fresh spinach wilted (about 180 g cooked).

Optional mix-ins:

• 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped artichoke hearts .
• 4 slices cooked bacon (≈40 g) , crumbled.
• 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh chives or parsley .

Quality notes:

• Use full fat cream cheese for a silky dip.
• Fresh garlic beats jarred, honestly.
• Buy a block Parmesan, not pre-grated.

Fun hook: I always say ‘life’s better with dip’. True fact.

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice pairings:

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) pepper.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.

Flavor enhancers:

• A splash of lemon juice brightens richness.
• Smoked paprika on top adds color and depth.

Quick swaps:

• No cream cheese? Use 1 1/4 cups (300 g) full fat Greek yogurt plus 1/4 cup (60 g) ricotta .
• Want a lighter dip? Use Greek yogurt for a lighter spinach dip with Greek yogurt variation.

Pro tip about how to drain frozen spinach for dip:

• Squeeze in a clean towel until nearly dry. I always make a mess. Learn from me.

Equipment Needed

Essentials only:

• 10 12 inch skillet (oven safe) or skillet plus 8x8 inch baking dish.
• Spatula or wooden spoon.
• Mixing bowl and measuring spoons.
• Colander or clean kitchen towel for squeezing spinach.

Household alternatives:

• No towel? Use a potato ricer or clean hands.
• No oven safe skillet? Use a regular skillet and transfer to a baking dish.

This setup handles baked spinach dip with cream cheese and no-bake spinach dip with sour cream. It also works for garlic parmesan spinach dip recipe or spinach dip in bread bowl presentations.

Trust me, this is a make-ahead party spinach dip winner.

Cooking Method

Love a good easy spinach dip recipe? Me too. I call this my creamy garlic spinach dip. Spinach packs iron and vitamin K. It also tastes insanely good.

Prep Steps

Get your mise en place ready. Chop onion and mince garlic. Thaw frozen spinach for 10 minutes , then drain.

Learn how to drain frozen spinach for dip by squeezing in a clean towel.

Save time with this trick. Measure dairy before you heat the pan. Use room temperature cream cheese. It blends smoother.

Safety note: handle hot pans carefully. Use oven mitts. Avoid cross contamination with raw meats.

step-by-step Process

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Sauté 1 small chopped onion 4– 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook 30 60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t burn.
3. Stir in drained spinach. Toss 1– 2 minutes until heated through. Cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, beat 8 ounces cream cheese with 1 cup sour cream. Fold in 1/2 cup mayo, cheeses, salt, pepper. Mix in spinach.
5. Transfer to an oven safe dish. Top with remaining mozzarella. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 12– 15 minutes until edges bubble.
6. Finish under broiler 1– 2 minutes for golden top. Watch closely.

Visual cues matter. Look for bubbling edges. Seek a lightly golden top. If reheating, reach 165° F ( 74° C) for safety.

This works as baked spinach dip with cream cheese. Or try a no-bake spinach dip with sour cream for quick service.

For a twist, fold in artichoke hearts for a spinach and artichoke dip easy upgrade.

Pro Tips

Use a clean towel to squeeze spinach dry. This prevents a watery dip. Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter spinach dip with Greek yogurt.

That makes a make-ahead party spinach dip easier to love.

Avoid these mistakes. Don’t skip draining. Don’t overcook garlic. Don’t broil without watching.

make-ahead option: mix the base a day ahead. Chill, then bake before guests arrive. Or serve as garlic parmesan spinach dip recipe by adding extra Parmesan.

For rustic flair, serve in a spinach dip in bread bowl. I promise guests will swoon.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this easy spinach dip recipe warm or chilled. Spoon into a shallow bowl. Or go showy and serve in a spinach dip in bread bowl for instant party vibes.

Pair with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crunchy crudités. For drinks, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Or grab a light lager. Honestly, iced tea with lemon works every time.

I once brought a baked spinach dip with cream cheese to a potluck. People kept asking for seconds. True story.

Storage Tips

Cool the dip to room temperature first. Then cover and chill within 2 hours . Refrigerate up to 4 days .

You can freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat slowly in a 350° F oven until bubbling.

Stir occasionally to avoid hot spots.

For microwave reheating, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between bursts. Target internal temp 165° F for safety.

Pro tip on how to drain frozen spinach for dip : thaw fully. Then press in a clean towel. Or squeeze with a fine mesh strainer.

Get it nearly dry. No one likes a watery dip.

Variations

Want a lighter option? Swap half the mayo and sour cream for plain Greek yogurt. This makes a lighter spinach dip with Greek yogurt without losing creaminess.

Love artichokes? Fold in chopped hearts for a classic spinach and artichoke dip easy twist. Add bacon and sharp cheddar for a smoky bite.

For a no-bake crowd, try the no-bake spinach dip with sour cream version. Mix, chill, and serve. Boom.

Nutrition Basics

Roughly 330 360 kcal per serving. About 8 10 g protein and 28 34 g fat . Carbs stay low, around 5 8 g .

Spinach gives vitamin K and folate. Dairy adds calcium and protein. Swap to Greek yogurt to cut fat and boost protein.

A quick stat: dips rank as top party starters. So your dip matters.

Final thought: I love this creamy garlic spinach dip and even whip a garlic parmesan spinach dip recipe variation sometimes.

Make it ahead as a true make-ahead party spinach dip . Bake, chill, or serve in a bread bowl. You’ve got options.

Go make it. You’ll crush it.