A delightful medley of creamy textures and tangy flavors, this slow cooker spinach feta dip offers an easy option for a party appetizer or snack. With the rich depth of spinach, feta, and cream cheese, melded together in a slow cooker, this dip is the epitome of comfort food.
The main ingredients, such as spinach and feta cheese, are easily found in most supermarkets. However, please be sure to purchase a good quality feta cheese, as it is key to the tangy, salty flavor of the dip. If possible, opt for block feta cheese rather than pre-crumbled, as it tends to have a superior taste and texture.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip
Spinach: A leafy green packed with nutrients, it lends a nice texture and earthy flavor to the dip.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the spinach, it adds a rich, fruity note.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cream cheese: Provides a creamy base for the dip.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy kick and creamy texture.
Feta cheese: A Greek cheese that is tangy and salty, adding a unique flavor to the dip.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory taste.
Pita chips: Ideal for scooping up the dip, but you could also use sliced veggies.
One reader, Darrelle Sexton says:
This slow cooker spinach feta dip recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and creamy, and the spinach adds a healthy twist. It's so easy to make, and the aroma while it cooks is mouthwatering. It's a hit at every gathering, and my friends always ask for the recipe. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip
How to cook down spinach: If using fresh spinach, trim off any long stems and add the spinach to a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and cook until the spinach is completely cooked down and all the liquid has cooked off. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely in the microwave, then press the spinach between bunches of paper towels to press out as much liquid as possible. Add the thawed spinach to a skillet with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
How to make spinach feta dip in a slow cooker: Combine the cream cheese, feta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and cooked spinach in a 3 to 4-quart slow cooker. Cook on high for 60 minutes, then turn to low for 30 minutes more, stirring a few times to make sure the dip is cooking evenly. Turn to the warm setting to keep the dip warm until serving. If the dip separates slightly, stir it well to recombine.
How to serve spinach feta dip: Serve the dip with pita chips or sliced veggies. Enjoy!
How To Make Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip
Pair your party snacks with this spinach feta dip, slow cooked to creamy and savory perfection with cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic seasoning!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 10ozspinach,frozen, or 2 bunches fresh
- 1tbspolive oil
- ⅛tspkosher salt
- 8ozcream cheese
- ½cupsour cream
- 6ozfeta cheese,crumbled
- ¼tspgarlic powder
- pita chips,or sliced veggies, for serving
Instructions
-
If using fresh spinach, trim off any long stems and add the spinach to a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil.
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Season with a pinch of salt and cook until the spinach is completely cooked down and all the liquid has cooked off.
-
If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely in the microwave, then press the spinach between bunches of paper towels to press out as much liquid as possible.
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Add the thawed spinach to a skillet with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.*
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Combine the cream cheese, feta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and cooked spinach in a 3 to 4-quart slow cooker.
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Cook on High for 60 minutes, then turn to Low for 30 minutes more, stirring a few times to make sure the dip is cooking evenly.
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Turn to the Warm setting to keep the dip warm until serving. If dip separates slightly, stir it well to recombine.
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Serve the dip with pita chips or sliced veggies. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*The spinach won’t wilt like fresh spinach, but it’s good to season it anyway and cook off any extra water.
Nutrition
- Calories: 272.29kcal
- Fat: 25.19g
- Saturated Fat: 14.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.19g
- Carbohydrates: 5.06g
- Fiber: 1.05g
- Sugar: 3.13g
- Protein: 8.04g
- Cholesterol: 76.78mg
- Sodium: 444.39mg
- Calcium: 244.79mg
- Potassium: 361.98mg
- Iron: 1.66mg
- Vitamin A: 429.11µg
- Vitamin C: 13.45mg
Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Consistency in Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip
To ensure your spinach maintains its vibrant green color in the dip, blanch it quickly before sautéing. This involves plunging the spinach into boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transferring it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This technique not only preserves the color, but also helps to reduce the bitterness of the spinach, resulting in a more balanced and appealing dip.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dip Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop the spinach and measure out the other ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use frozen spinach: Opt for frozen spinach instead of fresh to skip the step of cooking down the spinach, saving both time and effort.
High setting: Start the dip on the high setting for the slow cooker to speed up the cooking process, then switch to low to keep it warm.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip Recipe
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can provide a similar earthy flavor and texture to spinach, and it holds up well in slow cooking, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for sautéing the spinach without altering the taste of the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity as kosher salt and will provide a similar level of seasoning to the dip.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can add a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to cream cheese, while also reducing the overall fat content of the dip.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can replace sour cream to add creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor to the dip, while also offering a lighter alternative.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy texture similar to feta, making it a suitable replacement in the dip while adding a slightly different flavor profile.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar savory and aromatic flavor to the dip, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.
pita chips - Substitute with tortilla chips: Tortilla chips can be used as a dipping option, providing a crunchy and sturdy base for enjoying the spinach feta dip.
Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip
Elevate the plating: Arrange the pita chips in a circular pattern around the slow cooker, creating a visually appealing frame for the dip.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or dill over the top of the dip to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Incorporate texture: Place a few whole pita chips standing upright in the dip, creating varying heights and adding an element of visual interest.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the dip in a sleek, modern bowl or dish to enhance the overall presentation and create a sophisticated aesthetic.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, lightly drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the top of the dip for a luxurious finishing touch.
Accent with a sprinkle of feta: Crumble a small amount of additional feta cheese over the dip to highlight the star ingredient and add a touch of decadence.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Place the pita chips in a precise, geometric pattern around the dip, showcasing attention to detail and precision in plating.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the dip with a few delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to introduce a whimsical and elegant element to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Spinach Feta Dip in a Slow Cooker
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Microwave: A kitchen appliance used for cooking and heating food quickly.
- Paper towels: Absorbent paper used for cleaning and drying food items.
- Slow cooker: An electric cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures over a long period of time.
- 3 to 4-quart slow cooker: A specific size of slow cooker suitable for this recipe.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting and turning food.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Spinach Feta Dip
- Let the spinach feta dip cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the dip to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Refrigerator storage: Store the spinach feta dip in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any separated ingredients.
- Freezer storage: Place the airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the freezer, where the dip can be stored for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen spinach feta dip from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, give the dip a thorough stir to recombine any separated ingredients and restore its creamy texture.
- If the dip seems watery after thawing, you can place it in a skillet over low heat and stir until the excess moisture evaporates and the dip returns to its original consistency.
- Serve the thawed and stirred spinach feta dip with fresh pita chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables for a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Feta Dip
To reheat leftover spinach feta dip in the microwave, transfer the desired amount to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dip is heated through and reaches your desired temperature. This method is quick and convenient, but be careful not to overheat the dip, as it may cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
For a more even reheating, use the oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the leftover dip to an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil. Heat the dip for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating to allow the top to brown slightly and develop a delicious, bubbly texture.
If you have a small amount of leftover dip, you can reheat it on the stovetop. Transfer the dip to a small saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or cream if the dip seems too thick or dry. Heat until the dip is warmed through and reaches your desired consistency.
For a unique twist, use your leftover spinach feta dip as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or as a topping for baked potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), fill the mushroom caps or top the potatoes with the dip, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the mushrooms or potatoes are tender.
No matter which reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the dip well after reheating to redistribute any separated ingredients and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. If the dip seems too thick, add a small amount of milk, cream, or sour cream to help loosen it up and restore its original consistency.
Random Fact About Spinach Feta Dip
Spinach feta dip is a popular appetizer that can be served at parties or gatherings. It's a great way to incorporate healthy greens into a delicious snack.
Is Making Spinach Feta Dip in a Slow Cooker Economical for Home Cooking?
This slow cooker spinach feta dip recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as spinach, feta cheese, and sour cream, are reasonably priced and readily available. The dip is rich in flavor and can be served as a delicious appetizer or snack. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable option for any occasion. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Spinach Feta Dip Healthy or Unhealthy?
This spinach feta dip recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe contains high-fat ingredients such as cream cheese, sour cream, and feta cheese, which can contribute to high calorie and saturated fat content.
- The use of olive oil, although a healthier fat option, still adds to the overall calorie count.
- The recipe lacks a significant source of fiber or other nutrient-dense ingredients that could balance out the high-fat content.
However, the inclusion of spinach does provide some beneficial nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace some or all of the cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative, such as Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt.
- Use a reduced-fat sour cream or substitute it with additional Greek yogurt for a protein boost and lower fat content.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dip, such as artichokes, roasted red peppers, or chopped kale, to increase fiber and nutrient density.
- Serve the dip with an array of fresh, raw vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber slices, in addition to or instead of pita chips, to encourage healthier dipping options and reduce overall calorie intake.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious spinach feta dip that still satisfies your cravings for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Editor's Thoughts on This Slow Cooker Dip Recipe
This slow cooker spinach feta dip recipe is a delightful blend of creamy and tangy flavors. The combination of cream cheese, feta, and sour cream creates a rich and luscious base, while the spinach adds a pop of freshness. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a decadent dip that's perfect for entertaining. The addition of garlic powder provides a subtle warmth, and serving it with pita chips adds a satisfying crunch. It's a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip Recipe:
This recipe for slow cooker spinach feta dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of spinach and feta cheese creates a rich and savory flavor profile, while the addition of cream cheese and sour cream ensures a creamy and luscious texture. The use of garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor, and the slow cooker method allows the ingredients to meld together perfectly. Trust the expertise of this recipe, as it promises a delectable and irresistible dip that will elevate any gathering.
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