Spinach Dip Bites Recipe

Spinach Dip Bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. These bite-sized treats are packed with spinach, artichoke hearts, cheesy goodness, and wrapped in a crispy crescent dough. They are deliciously addictive and will be the star of your next gathering.

Photos of Spinach Dip Bites Recipe

The ingredients in this recipe are generally familiar, but you may not have artichoke hearts or seamless crescent dough readily available in your pantry. Artichoke hearts can usually be found in the canned vegetable aisle of the supermarket, sometimes near the olives and pickles. Seamless crescent dough is usually found in the refrigerator section, often near the biscuits and cookie dough.

Ingredients for Spinach Dip Bites

Spinach: Not just for salads, spinach adds a ton of nutrients and a subtle flavor.

Artichoke hearts: These give a nice tangy flavor and unique texture.

Garlic: Adds a bit of zing and aroma to the bites.

Parmesan cheese: Known for its hard texture and sharp flavor.

Cream Cheese: Gives the bites a creamy and tangy flavor.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give the bites a gooey texture.

Garlic salt: Helps to season the bites and enhance the other flavors.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat.

Seamless crescent dough: This forms the crispy, flaky shell for the bites.

One reader, Gage Booker says:

These spinach dip bites are a game-changer! The combination of creamy spinach and artichoke with the flaky crescent dough is simply divine. They're perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Plus, they're so easy to make. I can't get enough of these delicious bites!

Gage Booker

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Spinach Dip Bites

How to prepare the spinach mixture: Combine the frozen spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, and parmesan cheese in a bowl. Blend in the cream cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

How to prepare the crescent dough: Roll out the seamless crescent dough on a cutting board and lightly stretch it to an 8 x 12 rectangle. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares, yielding 24 squares in total.

How to assemble the spinach dip bites: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin and place a square of dough in each slot, gently pressing down to create an indent. Scoop one teaspoon of the spinach mixture on top of each crescent square and gently push it in. Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese over the tops of each cup.

How to bake the spinach dip bites: Bake at 375°F for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the bites cool for 5-10 minutes before removing them from the tray.

How To Make Spinach Dip Bites

Sink your teeth into these creamy and savory spinach dip bites, made with tender artichokes, three kinds of cheeses, and flaky dough, for a tasty appetizer!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupsfrozen spinach,chopped and thawed
6ozartichoke hearts,drained and chopped
½tspgarlic,minced
2tbspparmesan cheese,grated
4ozcream cheese,softened
¾cupmozzarella cheese,shredded and divided
½tspgarlic salt
pepper,to taste
1canseamless crescent dough

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic and Parmesan cheese. Blend in the cream cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Using a rolling pin, lay out dough on a cutting board and lightly stretch to a 8×12 rectangle. Cut the dough into 2 inch squares to have 24 squares total.
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin and place a square in each slot, gently pushing down to create an indent.
Scoop 1 teaspoon of the spinach mixture on top of each crescent square and gently push in. Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese over the tops of each cup.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown.
Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before moving from tray.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 75.22kcal
Fat: 4.18g
Saturated Fat: 2.39g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.28g
Carbohydrates: 6.13g
Fiber: 0.73g
Sugar: 0.40g
Protein: 3.48g
Cholesterol: 12.95mg
Sodium: 152.50mg
Calcium: 74.09mg
Potassium: 66.26mg
Iron: 0.49mg
Vitamin A: 46.72µg
Vitamin C: 1.55mg

Expert Tip for Elevating Your Spinach Dip Bites

When preparing the spinach and artichoke mixture, make sure to thoroughly drain both ingredients. Excess moisture can make the crescent dough soggy and prevent it from crisping up properly in the oven. For the frozen spinach, you can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out any extra water after it's thawed. For the artichoke hearts, pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping. This will ensure your spinach dip bites have a perfect, crispy texture every time.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Appetizer

Prep ahead: Prepare the spinach and artichoke mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of baking.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to eliminate the time-consuming step of grating the cheese yourself.

Double the batch: Consider making a double batch of the spinach dip bites and freeze the extras for later. This way, you can simply reheat them when needed, saving time on future occasions.

Opt for pre-made dough: Instead of making the crescent dough from scratch, consider using pre-made seamless crescent dough to cut down on prep time.

Invest in a mini muffin tin: Using a mini muffin tin allows for uniform baking and portioning, saving time and ensuring consistent results.

Substitute Ingredients For Spinach Dip Bites Recipe

frozen spinach - Substitute with chopped kale: Kale can provide a similar texture and flavor to spinach, and it's a great way to add more nutrients to the dish.
artichoke hearts - Substitute with chopped roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers can add a sweet and smoky flavor similar to artichoke hearts, while also providing a pop of color to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan cheese, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy texture similar to cream cheese, while also adding a boost of protein to the dish.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild and creamy flavor similar to mozzarella, making it a good substitute for this recipe.
garlic salt - Substitute with onion powder and salt: Mixing onion powder and salt can replicate the savory and slightly sweet flavor of garlic salt.
crescent dough - Substitute with puff pastry sheets: Puff pastry sheets can be used as a substitute for crescent dough, providing a flaky and buttery texture to the spinach dip bites.

Creative Ways to Serve These Tasty Bites

Elevate the plating: When presenting the spinach dip bites, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element to the dish by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs over the spinach dip bites. This will provide a delightful contrast in texture and elevate the overall dining experience.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism and allow for some negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the beautifully arranged spinach dip bites and create a sense of balance in the presentation.
Consider the vessel: Choose a sophisticated and modern serving vessel, such as a sleek slate platter or a minimalist ceramic plate, to showcase the spinach dip bites. The vessel should complement the overall aesthetic and elevate the dining experience.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the finer details by garnishing the plate with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. This attention to detail will demonstrate a high level of culinary finesse.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spinach Dip Bites

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly preparing the spinach and artichoke mixture for the dip bites.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese to create the flavorful filling for the spinach dip bites.
Rolling pin: A rolling pin is used to flatten and stretch the seamless crescent dough to the desired thickness for cutting into squares for the spinach dip bites.
Mini muffin tin: A mini muffin tin is used to shape and bake the spinach dip bites. It helps create the perfect bite-sized portions and ensures even baking.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to place the mini muffin tin on while baking the spinach dip bites in the oven. It helps to catch any drips and provides stability during the baking process.

Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Spinach Dip Bites

Let the spinach dip bites cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled bites in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For freezing, arrange the cooled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated bites, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat frozen bites, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. No need to thaw before reheating.
For best results, consume the spinach dip bites within the first 1-2 days of storing in the refrigerator or freezer, as the crescent dough may start to lose its crispy texture over time.

How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Dip Bites

To reheat leftover spinach dip bites, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help restore the crispiness of the crescent dough while ensuring the filling is hot and creamy.
Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to reheat the spinach dip bites. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bites in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method is quick and will result in a texture similar to freshly baked bites.
If you're in a hurry, you can also use a microwave to reheat the spinach dip bites. Place the bites on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture and the crescent dough may not be as crispy as the oven or air fryer methods.
For a crispy exterior and a hot, creamy filling, you can use a combination of the microwave and oven methods. First, microwave the spinach dip bites for 15-20 seconds to warm up the filling. Then, place the bites under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Interesting Trivia About Spinach Dip Bites

Spinach dip bites are a delicious appetizer that combines the flavors of spinach, artichoke, and cheese in a convenient bite-sized form.

Is Making Spinach Dip Bites at Home Cost-Effective?

This spinach dip bites recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as spinach, artichoke hearts, and cheeses, are relatively affordable and readily available. The use of crescent dough is also budget-friendly. The recipe yields 24 bites, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe would be around $10-$15, making it a reasonable choice for a delicious and satisfying appetizer. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Appetizer Healthy or Not So Much?

This spinach dip bites recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe relies heavily on cheese (cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan), which is high in saturated fat and calories.
Crescent dough is made from refined flour and contains unhealthy fats, offering little nutritional value.
The recipe lacks fiber-rich ingredients, such as whole grains or vegetables, which could help balance the dish.
The sodium content may be high due to the use of canned artichoke hearts and garlic salt.

To make this recipe healthier, try the following modifications:

Replace the cream cheese with a low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
Use whole wheat pizza dough or whole grain pita bread instead of crescent dough to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutrient-dense base.
Incorporate additional vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or carrots, to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
Use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt to reduce the sodium content, and opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added artichoke hearts.
Reduce the amount of cheese used, or choose low-fat or part-skim varieties to decrease the overall fat and calorie content.

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on Spinach Dip Bites

The spinach dip bites recipe is a delightful and flavorful appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. The combination of spinach, artichoke hearts, and cheeses creates a rich and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky crescent dough. The individual bite-sized portions make it easy to serve and enjoy, making it a great option for entertaining. The recipe is simple to prepare and yields delicious results, making it a must-try for any gathering or party.

Enhance Your Spinach Dip Bites Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and olive oil.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings: Spicy and sweet chicken wings with a sticky honey sriracha glaze, perfect for dipping.

Similar Appetizer Recipes to Try

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Combine ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Grill or bake chicken breasts and top with a refreshing salsa made with mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

Butternut Squash Soup: Simmer butternut squash, onions, and broth until tender, then blend until smooth and creamy. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Bake individual chocolate cakes until the outside is set but the inside is still gooey. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Perfect Main Course and Dessert Pairings

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and decadent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is sure to satisfy any pasta lover's cravings.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, packed with tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This dish is a perfect combination of textures and tastes, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey chocolate from the center. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Create a luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. Top it with fresh, juicy strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

Why trust this Spinach Dip Bites Recipe:

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring a delightful combination of spinach, artichoke hearts, and mozzarella cheese. The use of garlic and parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor that will surely tantalize your taste buds. The seamless crescent dough provides a perfect base for these delectable spinach dip bites, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the straightforward instructions to create a mouthwatering appetizer that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more.

Want to share your experience making these Spinach Dip Bites or have any tips to enhance the recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's talk about it!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Simply blanch the fresh spinach in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain and chop it before using it in the recipe.

Can I prepare the spinach dip mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach dip mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it in the recipe.

Can I freeze the spinach dip bites?

Yes, you can freeze the spinach dip bites. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven until heated through.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Gruyere, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well in this recipe.

Can I make the crescent dough from scratch?

Yes, you can make the crescent dough from scratch if you prefer. There are many homemade crescent dough recipes available online that you can use for this recipe.