This super easy spinach dip is always a crowd pleaser at any event. Whether you serve it warm or cold, people can’t seem to get enough of this fabulous appetizer.
This is naturally a gluten free spinach dip recipe without any special ingredients. If you’re serving this at a get-together that you’re hosting, offer a variety of things to dip, including some that are wheat-free for those who can’t have gluten.
I highly recommend reading this entire post before you begin preparing the recipe. However, if all you want is the list of ingredients with full directions, please either click on the jump-to-recipe button above or scroll to the bottom of this post.
I love the fact that this recipe delivers such a delicious result. Plus it’s easy to make with ingredients you are likely to have on hand or can pick up at almost any grocery store.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to serve spinach dip. In fact, I enjoy making it for my husband and me to enjoy before or with light meals. When you do make it for a party or other event, make sure you have enough for the number of people. This dip goes quickly, so you might even want to double or triple the recipe.
Spinach Dip with Cream Cheese
There’s something special about this spinach dip with cream cheese that keeps hungry folks coming back for more. So you really need to make enough for everyone. It goes with so many things. The blend of flavors is perfect for dipping either veggies or crackers.
Ingredients
I like to keep things as simple as possible in the kitchen, so I experimented with different ingredients.
Here are the ingredients for spinach dip:
- Frozen chopped spinach
- Mayonnaise
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Cream cheese
- Onions
- Salt
For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.
You can add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder. But I don’t think that’s necessary because it’s delicious without them.
I’ve also added a dash of hot sauce or ground cayenne. However, I rarely do that when I bring it to a party, in case someone doesn’t care for spicy food. For some extra crunch, make this spinach dip with water chestnuts or even walnuts. The texture will be different and fun.
How to Make Spinach Dip
Now that you have your ingredients assembled, it’s time to make the magic happen. This is such an easy dip to make. First of all, thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out the moisture.
I started by straining it in a colander. Make sure to use a colander with tiny holes because you don’t want to lose any of the spinach.
Then I wrapped it in paper towels and wrung it out. If you don’t do this, you’ll wind up with watery dip, which is okay if you like it that way. But I prefer some substance. After you squeeze out all of the extra water, put the spinach in a medium saucepan.
Add all of the remaining ingredients and heat it over medium heat until everything has melted. Stir it every couple of minutes. You don’t want it to scorch.
Now you can serve it while it’s still warm. Or you can refrigerate it and serve it cold. It’s all a matter of personal taste. I actually like it either warm or cold.
Cheesy Spinach Dip Recipe
If you want your spinach dip to be cheesy, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir the cheese into the mixture until it melts. You can add more if you like, but be careful not to lose the flavor of the spinach.
Or if you prefer, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top of the serving bowl. That adds color and makes it more festive.
Spinach Dip Recipe with Water Chestnuts
For a little extra crunch, you can add some sliced water chestnuts. This is particularly good when you’re serving any Asian-inspired meal. Add 1/2 cup of water chestnuts about a minute or two before you finish heating the dip. That enables them to get hot without softening them.
Creamy Spinach Dip
Something funny happened with the batch I made for this post. I wasn’t sure if my grandkids would like it. So I didn’t bring any over when I went to watch my younger granddaughter while my daughter and her husband went out. But I told her about the dip.
Fortunately, they don’t live far because our granddaughter asked if she could try it. Of course, I said yes!
So we got in my car and drove to my house (less than 5 minutes away). The instant she tasted it, her eyes widened, and she gave me a two-thumbs-up. Then she said she wanted more. Of course, I said yes again. I set out a platter of crackers, vegetables, and spinach dip.
It was gone in about 10 minutes. Then, I packed some for her to take back home with her.
When a 7-year-old girl prefers spinach dip to dessert, you know you’ve done something right. And I have to agree with her. This spinach dip is delicious.
This dip is ideal to serve a hungry family while they wait for dinner to cook. Or you can bring it to a potluck or buffet dinner.
And next time you host game night, put out some of this dip alongside this party mix, chips with these rotisserie chicken nachos, this Greek yogurt onion dip, and oven fried plantain chips. Your friends will definitely be impressed with your culinary skills.
Another thing you can offer with this recipe is a spinach dip bread bowl. Hollow out a large, round loaf of bread and put it on the appetizer table. Your guests will love it!
A Few Questions
You may have a few questions about spinach dip. Here are some of them, along with the answers.
How Long Does Spinach Dip Last?
The length of time you can store this spinach dip depends quite a bit on how you handle it. If you place it on a table for guests to enjoy for a couple of hours, you can cover it and refrigerate it for a day or two. However, if you store the spinach dip in an airtight container immediately after you make it, it should be good for 3 or 4 days.
Can You Freeze Spinach Dip?
Yes, you can freeze spinach dip. However, since freezing temperatures alter the consistency of the cream cheese, it may be runnier than you like. For this reason, I prefer not to freeze any type of dip that’s made with cream cheese, sour cream, or yogurt.
What Should You Serve with Spinach Dip
You can eat this dip any number of ways and with a variety of foods. In addition to the choice of serving it hot or cold, you can have it with chips, crackers, or bread.
Or you can scoop it with vegetables for even more nutrition. I like using celery sticks because they’re like little scoops.
It’s good with pretzels too. I prefer the twisted ones for this because if the spinach dip is somewhat firm, they hold more.
If you enjoy scooping bread, try this yummy cloud bread. It’s easy to make, and it’s gluten-free!
If you choose to leave out the hot spices, yet you still want them, add some of these delicious fire crackers as an option. Just make sure to label them as “hot” to prevent an unpleasant surprise for those who can’t handle the heat.
More Appetizer Recipes
I’ve made quite a few recipes that my husband and I really enjoy. I can’t really say that any of them are better than others because they’re all our favorites.
We enjoy this zesty dipping sauce. In fact, you can make this one of the options to dip veggies and chips, alongside this spinach dip.
There are many things to love about these classic sausage balls. They only have 3 ingredients, they’re easy to make, and everyone loves them.
Add color, nutrition, and even more deliciousness to your appetizer table with these stuffed cherry tomatoes!
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious appetizer, try these roasted Brussels sprouts. Although I originally made them as a side dish, they also make a great appetizer.
Bacon lovers will definitely appreciate these absolutely fabulous bacon wrapped potato wedges. After all, what’s not to like?
Spinach Dip Recipe
Spinach dip is a delicious and colorful appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package of frozen chopped spinach (10 ounces), thawed
- 2/3 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces of cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of diced onions
- Pinch of salt
- Dash of pepper
Instructions
- Press the spinach in a strainer to get rid of as much moisture as possible. You can also squeeze out some of it in a cheesecloth or paper towels. Put the strained spinach in a saucepan.
- Add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on medium. Stir often until everything melts and mixes together.
Serve warm or refrigerate and serve it after it cools.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 248Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 30mgSodium 273mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 3g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.
See this recipe shared at Miz Helen’s Country Cottage.
Esme Slabbert
Thursday 25th of January 2024
This does sound rich and creamy. Yumminess, Pinned it. I visited you via Miz Helen’s Cottage: Full Plate Thursday, 677 My links: 44+45. It would be awesome if you would share your links with us M-S at SeniorSalonPitStop. You will find it under BLOGGING
Jennie
Tuesday 29th of June 2021
The recipe looks great, but I was wondering what size package of frozen chopped spinach did you use?
southernhomeexpress
Tuesday 29th of June 2021
Hi Jennie. I used a 10-ounce package, but you can use a little more or less with great results. Sorry I wasn't clear. I hope you enjoy this delicious dip!
Emma
Thursday 22nd of October 2020
That looks sooooo good!!!!!!!
southernhomeexpress
Friday 23rd of October 2020
Hi Emma! Thanks! It is really good.
Miz Helen
Tuesday 10th of September 2019
Your Spinach Dip looks awesome and healthy! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday,448 and hope you will come back soon! Miz Helen