Hey everyone, Craig here from With the Bickhams! Today, I’m sharing one of my go-to appetizers that’s perfect for any occasion – Hot Spinach Dip. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just looking for a tasty snack, this hot spinach dip is a must-try. Let’s get right into it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Two 8 oz packs of softened cream cheese
- 10 to 12 oz of fresh spinach
- 4 tbsp of butter or garlic butter
- 1 tbsp of garlic paste
- Seasoning to taste (use your favorite blend)
- Heavy cream (to thin the mixture to a smooth and creamy consistency)
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for the topping)
Step 1: Preparing the Spinach
The key to a great spinach dip is getting the spinach cooked down just right. Here’s how you do it:
- Melt the Butter:
- Start by adding the butter to a nonstick pot over medium heat. If you’re using garlic butter, even better – it adds a nice depth of flavor right from the start.
- Cook Down the Spinach:
- Once the butter is melted, add in the fresh spinach. You’ll need to cook it down in batches, as spinach tends to wilt down quite a bit. As you cook it, add more spinach until all of it is wilted.
- Add Garlic Paste:
- While the spinach is cooking, add in the garlic paste and mix it in well. This gives the dip that rich, garlicky flavor we all love.
- Drain the Spinach:
- Once all the spinach is wilted, transfer it to a bowl lined with paper towels. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out any excess water. This step is crucial to avoid a watery dip.
Step 2: Mixing the Dip
With the spinach prepped, it’s time to bring everything together.
- Mix the Cream Cheese:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with your favorite seasoning and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Add the Spinach:
- Once the spinach is drained and cooled, add it to the cream cheese mixture. Stir it in until everything is well combined.
- Adjust the Consistency:
- To get the perfect dipping consistency, start adding in the heavy cream, about 1/4 cup at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is creamy – not too thick, but not runny either. You want it to be smooth and easy to scoop with a chip or cracker.
Step 3: Baking the Dip
Now that the dip is ready, it’s time to bake it to cheesy, bubbly perfection.
- Prepare the Dish:
- Pour the spinach mixture into a casserole dish that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. This will make sure the dip doesn’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip. This will create that irresistible cheesy layer on top.
- Bake the Dip:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Once preheated, place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When the dip is done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. This hot spinach dip is best served warm with your favorite chips, crackers, or even sliced veggies. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor – the perfect appetizer for any occasion!
Why This Dip Is a Must-Try
Hot spinach dip is a classic appetizer for a reason – it’s simple to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. By using fresh spinach and real cream cheese, you’re elevating this dip to a whole new level. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re serving it at a party, bringing it to a potluck, or just enjoying it at home with the family, this dip is sure to disappear quickly. And the best part? It’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping it up whenever you need a quick and delicious snack.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and eating this hot spinach dip as much as I do! It’s one of those recipes that’s so easy to customize – you can add in extra ingredients like bacon, artichokes, or different cheeses to make it your own. But even in its simplest form, it’s a winner every time.
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen! If you try this recipe or have any questions, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Don’t forget to check out our With the Bickhams Cookbook Volume 1 for more delicious recipes and our Amazon storefront for all your cooking essentials.
Happy cooking, and I’ll see you next time!
Watch the YouTube video tutorial below!
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By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious hot spinach dip that’s perfect for any gathering. Be sure to watch our YouTube video for a visual guide to making this tasty dip. Enjoy, and happy cooking!