Indulge in the warm, creamy goodness of this delectable roasted garlic and bacon spinach dip. This rich and savory dip will make for a perfect addition to your next gathering, or simply a delightful snack for a night in. Its complex flavors of roasted garlic, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach, melded together with creamy cheeses will leave you craving for more.
All the ingredients for this recipe are pretty standard and should be easily found in your local supermarket. However, do take special note of the garlic. For the best flavor, you'll want to find a fresh bulb and roast it yourself. Also, the recipe calls for both shredded and shaved parmesan, so make sure to have both forms on hand.
Ingredients for Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip
Bacon slices: The crispy, salty, and slightly smoky flavor of the bacon greatly enhances the overall taste of the dip.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives this dip both color and a healthy twist, adding a nice contrast to the rich and creamy base.
Cream cheese: This provides the main body of the dip, giving it its rich, creamy texture.
Plain yogurt: Yogurt adds a slight tang to balance out the richness of the other ingredients.
Mayonnaise: This helps in making the dip extra creamy and flavorful.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful savory and slightly salty flavor to the dip.
Salt and Pepper: Used for seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
Garlic cloves: Roasted garlic adds a delicate, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
One reader, Karly Mayhew says:
This roasted garlic and bacon spinach dip recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy bacon, savory garlic, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible. It's the perfect appetizer for any gathering. The flavors are so rich and delicious, it's always a hit with my friends and family. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip
How to wilt spinach: Wilt the spinach in a skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes tender and reduces in volume.
How to roast garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are golden and soft.
How to crumble bacon: Once the bacon is cooked and cooled, use your hands to crumble it into small pieces.
How to shred parmesan cheese: Use a box grater or a food processor to shred the parmesan cheese into fine pieces.
How to shave parmesan cheese: Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin slices of parmesan cheese from a block.
How To Make Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip
Try making this loaded spinach dip for your next dinner party! It’s packed with tasteful garlic, crispy bacon and creamy cheese for a heartier dip.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5bacon slices
- 4cupsspinach,fresh
- 8ozcream cheese,brick-style, softened to room temperature
- ⅓cupplain yogurt,like low fat Greek yogurt, or sour cream
- ¼cupmayonnaise
- ⅓cupparmesan cheese,shredded
- ¼tspsalt,or to taste
- ¼tspground pepper,fresh, or to taste
- 3garlic cloves,roasted, chopped
- ½cupparmesan cheese,shaved, or shredded
For Serving:
- pita crackers,toasted
- chips
- carrots
- celery
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.
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Turn off the heat, leave the grease in the pan, then transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Set bacon aside.
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Wilt the spinach in the still-warm skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
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Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, yogurt, and mayonnaise together on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth.
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Add the shredded parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and roasted garlic. Beat on high speed until combined.
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Taste, then add more salt or pepper, if desired.
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Crumble up 4 slices of bacon, then add it to the cream cheese mixture, along with the wilted spinach.
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Fold them into the mixture until combined.
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Spoon the mixture into an 8-inch casserole or baking pan.
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Top evenly with the shaved parmesan cheese.
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Crumble the last piece of bacon, then sprinkle on top. Sprinkle ground pepper, to taste.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and the sides are bubbling.
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Serve with pita crackers, chips, carrots, celery, or other desired dippers, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Cover leftovers tightly, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 300 degrees F oven until the sides are bubbly again.
Nutrition
- Calories: 393.06kcal
- Fat: 35.81g
- Saturated Fat: 15.30g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.72g
- Carbohydrates: 4.45g
- Fiber: 0.50g
- Sugar: 2.35g
- Protein: 13.83g
- Cholesterol: 77.10mg
- Sodium: 660.02mg
- Calcium: 322.31mg
- Potassium: 259.33mg
- Iron: 1.00mg
- Vitamin A: 281.26µg
- Vitamin C: 6.16mg
Key Technique Tip for Perfecting This Spinach Dip Recipe
When roasting the garlic, it's important to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Garlic can quickly turn from golden and flavorful to bitter and burnt. A good tip is to roast it in a small oven-safe dish with a bit of olive oil, covered with foil. This will help the garlic to cook evenly and become beautifully caramelized without burning. The roasted garlic will add a deep, sweet, and savory flavor to the spinach dip, enhancing the overall taste.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Spinach Dip Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the roasted garlic and cook the bacon in advance to save time when assembling the dip.
Use pre-washed spinach: Opt for pre-washed spinach to skip the step of washing and drying the spinach leaves.
Substitute with pre-cooked bacon: Use pre-cooked bacon bits or crumbles to eliminate the need for cooking and crumbling bacon slices.
Pre-portion ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and minimize prep time.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly blend the cream cheese mixture, roasted garlic, and spinach for efficient preparation.
Opt for pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded parmesan cheese instead of shredding it manually.
Bake in advance: Prepare the dip a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake it just before serving for a time-saving make-ahead option.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip Recipe
bacon - Substitute with smoked turkey or tempeh bacon: Smoked turkey or tempeh bacon can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture to the dish, while also offering a healthier alternative to traditional bacon.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt or blended silken tofu: Greek yogurt or blended silken tofu can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to cream cheese, while also reducing the overall fat content of the dip.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream: Greek yogurt or sour cream can offer a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to mayonnaise, while also providing a healthier alternative with less fat.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino or nutritional yeast: Grated pecorino or nutritional yeast can offer a similar umami flavor and texture to parmesan cheese, while also providing a lactose-free or vegan alternative.
garlic cloves - Substitute with roasted garlic powder or garlic paste: Roasted garlic powder or garlic paste can provide a similar depth of flavor and aroma to fresh garlic cloves, while also being more convenient to use in the recipe.
Best Way to Present Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the dip in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each ingredient is showcased beautifully.
- Incorporate contrasting textures: Add a variety of dippers such as crispy pita crackers, crunchy chips, and fresh, crisp vegetables like carrots and celery to provide a textural contrast to the creamy dip.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dip with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Consider the serving vessel: Choose an elegant and sophisticated serving dish that complements the richness of the dip, enhancing the overall presentation.
- Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element, ensuring that the presentation is meticulous and refined.
- Create a focal point: Highlight the roasted garlic and bacon as the star ingredients, drawing attention to their enticing flavors.
- Emphasize the layers: Showcase the layers of the dip, allowing the guests to appreciate the different components and flavors in each bite.
Essential Tools for Making Spinach Dip with Roasted Garlic and Bacon
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
- Paper towel: Absorbent paper used to drain excess oil or moisture from cooked food.
- Handheld or stand mixer: An electric kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients.
- Paddle attachment: A mixer attachment used for combining ingredients and mixing batters.
- 8-inch casserole or baking pan: A dish used for baking and serving various dishes, typically made of glass or ceramic.
How To Store and Freeze Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip
- Let the spinach dip cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the dip to an airtight container and cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the spinach dip:
- Transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, then wrap the entire container in aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer.
- Frozen spinach dip will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw frozen spinach dip, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, give the dip a good stir to redistribute any separated ingredients.
- If the dip seems a bit watery after thawing, you can place it in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels and let it drain for a few minutes to remove excess liquid.
- Reheat the thawed dip in the microwave or in a baking dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the reheated spinach dip with your favorite dippers, such as pita chips, crackers, carrot sticks, or celery sticks.
How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Dip
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover spinach dip to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to brown slightly. This method ensures that the dip is evenly heated and the flavors of the roasted garlic, bacon, and spinach are revived.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the spinach dip in the microwave. Transfer the dip to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dip is heated through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat the dip, as this can cause the cream cheese to separate and become grainy.
If you have a small amount of leftover dip, you can reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop. Place the dip in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and stir frequently until it is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method allows you to control the heat more easily and prevents the dip from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
For a crispy twist, spread the leftover spinach dip on slices of bread or baguette, then place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This method creates a delicious and crunchy appetizer that showcases the flavors of the roasted garlic, bacon, and spinach.
Random Fact About Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip
The roasted garlic and bacon spinach dip is a delicious appetizer that combines the rich flavors of bacon, roasted garlic, and creamy spinach. This dip is perfect for gatherings and parties, and it pairs well with a variety of dippers such as pita crackers, chips, carrots, and celery. The combination of savory bacon, creamy cheese, and flavorful spinach creates a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to be a hit at any event. Plus, the addition of roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste of the dip. Enjoy this flavorful and indulgent treat at your next gathering!
Is Making Spinach Dip at Home Economical?
This roasted garlic and bacon spinach dip recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of bacon and parmesan cheese may increase the cost, but the dish can serve as a satisfying appetizer or snack. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the flavorful combination of ingredients and the versatility of serving options.
Is This Spinach Dip Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This roasted garlic and bacon spinach dip recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the bacon, cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- The dip is also high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
- While spinach is a nutritious ingredient, the amount used in this recipe is relatively small compared to the other high-fat ingredients.
However, there are some redeeming qualities:
- The recipe does include some beneficial ingredients, such as spinach (a good source of vitamins and minerals) and yogurt (which provides probiotics and calcium).
- The garlic used in the recipe may offer some health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon instead, which is lower in fat and calories.
- Replace some or all of the cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative, such as Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt.
- Increase the amount of spinach to boost the nutrient content and fiber in the dip.
- Use whole-grain pita crackers or vegetables as dippers instead of chips to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the overall dish.
- Reduce the amount of mayonnaise or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as avocado or hummus.
- Use a low-fat parmesan cheese to reduce the overall fat content of the dip.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious spinach dip that still satisfies your cravings for a savory and indulgent appetizer.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delectable Spinach Dip
This roasted garlic and bacon spinach dip recipe is a delightful combination of savory flavors and creamy textures. The addition of roasted garlic adds a rich and mellow depth, while the bacon provides a satisfying crunch and smoky aroma. The use of cream cheese, yogurt, and mayonnaise creates a lusciously smooth base, complemented by the earthy spinach and sharp parmesan cheese. The dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with an array of dippers, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.
Enhance Your Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Roasted Garlic and Bacon Spinach Dip Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delectable dip experience, featuring bacon for a savory crunch, spinach for a burst of freshness, and roasted garlic for a rich, aromatic flavor. The combination of creamy cream cheese, tangy yogurt, and zesty parmesan cheese creates a luscious texture. The use of mayonnaise adds a hint of indulgence, while the inclusion of pita crackers, chips, carrots, and celery as dippers ensures a versatile serving option. This recipe promises a delightful and satisfying culinary experience.
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