Do you always order the spinach dip when you see it on the menu at casual restaurants? You know, the kind that's sometimes served in a hollowed-out bread bowl? Well, you don't need to be a restaurant chef to make spinach dip like that at home.
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The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak
In fact, with this very simple recipe, all you need is five ingredients and five minutes to whip up an irresistible dip perfect for parties. Sour cream and mayonnaise are combined with chopped spinach, then seasoned with onion soup mix and freshly cracked pepper to create a rich and creamy dip, bursting with herb and veggie flavor.
Once you've mixed your ingredients, be sure to chill the dip for at least one hour to allow the ingredients to mingle. The chilling step is crucial for flavor, but it also makes this dip an ideal party appetizer, as you can prep it several hours or even a full day in advance.
Is Fresh or Frozen Spinach Better for Dip?
While this recipe is written for frozen spinach, you can easily use fresh. It just takes a bit more effort. Place 10 ounces of fresh chopped spinach in a pot of boiling water and boil it for 1 minute, then drain it in a colander, squeeze out the excess moisture, and follow the recipe as directed. Alternatively, use a combination of fresh spinach and kale. If you do use fresh greens, be sure to thoroughly wash them, as they can trap dirt.
Tips for Making the Best Spinach Dip
Squeeze your spinach - Excess moisture in the spinach will make your dip watery and less flavorful, so it’s essential to get rid of as much as possible. Here’s a quick shortcut: Place the spinach in the center of a lint-free kitchen towel, preferably one you don’t mind staining, pull up the sides to create a bundle, and squeeze over the sink.
Add color and crunch - Cut-up vegetables are perfect for serving with this creamy dip but be sure to opt for ones that are good for dipping and will add some color to your platter. Think carrot and celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, and broccoli florets.
Consider your carbs - Crackers are an ideal accompaniment, as long as they are sturdy. Pita chips, pretzel crackers, and thicker tortilla chips are also great. Another option is to brush baguette slices with olive oil and garlic, before toasting to create homemade crostini.
Ingredients
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1 (8 to 10-oz) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 packet onion soup mix
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Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak
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Mix 1 (8 to 10-oz) box frozen spinach, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 packet onion soup mix, and black pepper thoroughly, making sure there are no clumps of spinach.
The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak
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Chill the dip for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to mingle.
The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak
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Serve with fresh pita bread.
The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak
How to Store Leftovers
In the unlikely event that you have leftover spinach dip, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Feeling Adventurous? Try This:
- Make it vegan - You can make this recipe vegan by using vegan sour cream and vegan mayonnaise.
- Make it gluten-free - While most of the ingredients in this dip are naturally gluten free, many onion soup mixes and vegetable soup mixes contain gluten. To make a gluten-free version, skip the soup mix and replace it with 1/2 teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder, and season the dip with both salt and pepper, as soup mixes often contain salt.
- Warm or cold is delish - If you prefer warm spinach dip, heat all the ingredients in a slow cooker and serve the dip whenever you're ready.
- Love spinach dip in a bread bowl? - Consider making your own homemade Pretzel Bread Bowls.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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174 | Calories |
16g | Fat |
6g | Carbs |
2g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 8 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 174 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 16g | 20% |
Saturated Fat 5g | 23% |
Cholesterol 23mg | 8% |
Sodium 513mg | 22% |
Total Carbohydrate 6g | 2% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
Total Sugars 1g | |
Protein 2g | |
Vitamin C 4mg | 19% |
Calcium 87mg | 7% |
Iron 1mg | 8% |
Potassium 243mg | 5% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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