When it comes to pleasing a crowd, few things hit the spot like a well-made dip. This spinach and cream cheese dip is not only rich and creamy but also has a wonderful zesty freshness from the tomatoes and jalapeno. It's a versatile dip that can be served with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
All the ingredients of this recipe are generally easy to locate in your local supermarket. However, pepperjack cheese, a variety of semi-soft cheese that is flavored with spicy chili peppers and jalapenos, might not be in your regular shopping list. If it's not available, you can use any other semi-soft cheese like cheddar or Gouda and add a bit of extra jalapeno to compensate for the heat.
Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip Ingredients
Oil: Used as a base for sautéing the onions, tomatoes and jalapeno.
Onion: Adds a sweet and tangy taste which balances the creaminess of the cheese.
Tomatoes: Provide a refreshing tang and color.
Jalapeno pepper: Gives the dip a spicy-kick.
Spinach: Its mild and slightly sweet flavor complements the cream cheese well.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor.
Half-and-half: Makes the dip rich and creamy.
Pepperjack cheese: Adds a spicy, creamy taste to the dip.
Cream cheese: Gives the dip a thick and creamy consistency.
One reader, Britney Paxton says:
This spinach and cream cheese dip recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh spinach, creamy cheese, and a hint of jalapeno creates a flavorful and indulgent dip that's perfect for any gathering. It's a crowd-pleaser and always the first to disappear at parties. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
How to sauté the onions: Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat and sauté the onions until softened, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
How to wilt the spinach: After adding the tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, and spinach to the saucepan, cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
How to melt the cheese: Once the half-and-half, pepperjack cheese, and cream cheese are added to the saucepan, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the cheese is completely melted, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
How To Make Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
Spinach and cream cheese produce a surprisingly delicious treat like this spinach dip, for example. It’s creamy with the right mix of flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspoil,or to taste
- ½onion,chopped
- 2small tomatoes,chopped
- 1jalapeno pepper,seeded and chopped
- 10ozfresh spinach,chopped
- 2cloves garlic,minced
- ½cuphalf-and-half,or more to taste
- 8ozpepperjack cheese,shredded
- 8ozcream cheese,cut up and softened
Instructions
-
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute onion in hot oil until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
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Stir tomatoes and jalapeno pepper into the onion. Add spinach and garlic and cook until the spinach wilts, 3 to 5 minutes.
-
Pour half-and-half into the saucepan; add pepperjack cheese and cream cheese. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until the cheese is completely melted, 5 to 7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 264.24kcal
- Fat: 22.99g
- Saturated Fat: 12.21g
- Trans Fat: 0.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.45g
- Carbohydrates: 5.46g
- Fiber: 1.25g
- Sugar: 2.81g
- Protein: 10.31g
- Cholesterol: 65.70mg
- Sodium: 321.89mg
- Calcium: 275.78mg
- Potassium: 351.48mg
- Iron: 1.22mg
- Vitamin A: 369.82µg
- Vitamin C: 16.14mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
When preparing the spinach for this dip, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry it before adding it to the pan. Any excess water can dilute the flavors and make the dip too runny. Additionally, when adding the cream cheese and pepperjack cheese, cut them into small cubes or thin slices. This will help them melt more evenly and quickly, resulting in a smoother, creamier dip.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a single pot for cooking to minimize cleanup time.
Multitask: While the dip is simmering, use the time to prepare accompaniments or tidy up the kitchen.
Efficient chopping: Master the art of efficient chopping to save time during the prep stage.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a pile of dishes at the end of the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich and creamy flavor to the dip, enhancing its overall taste and texture.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can complement the creaminess of the dip without overpowering it.
tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers can provide a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, adding depth to the dip.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with anaheim pepper: Anaheim peppers have a similar heat level to jalapenos but offer a slightly fruitier and milder flavor, making them a suitable alternative.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can provide a hearty and earthy flavor, and its sturdy texture holds up well in dips, adding a nutritious twist to the recipe.
garlic - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can offer a more delicate and sweet flavor compared to garlic, complementing the creaminess of the dip without overpowering it.
half-and-half - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can provide a similar creamy texture and richness to the dip, making it a suitable substitute for half-and-half.
pepperjack cheese - Substitute with monterey jack cheese with added spices: This substitute maintains the spiciness of the original cheese while offering a similar creamy texture and flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese can provide a lighter and slightly grainy texture, adding a unique twist to the dip while still contributing to its creaminess.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
Elevate the plating: Arrange the dip in a shallow, wide bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro or parsley over the dip to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Pair with artisanal crackers: Serve the dip alongside a selection of artisanal crackers or toasted baguette slices for a sophisticated touch.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavors and add a luxurious sheen.
Serve with crudites: Accompany the dip with an assortment of colorful crudites, such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips, for a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few carefully chosen edible flowers on top of the dip for an elegant and artistic touch.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the dip in a beautiful, ornate serving bowl or on a sleek, modern platter to elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a long stem, used for cooking food over direct heat.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients while cooking.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing food.
- Stove: A cooking appliance used for applying heat to the bottom of pans or pots.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cup: A cup used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a long stem, used for cooking food over direct heat.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, or other ingredients into fine pieces.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Cheese grater: A tool used specifically for grating cheese into fine pieces.
- Garlic press: A tool used for crushing and mincing garlic cloves.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening cans of ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining water from cooked food.
- Wooden spoon: A spoon made of wood, used for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
- Whisk: A utensil with a handle and wire loops, used for beating and mixing ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
- Let the spinach and cream cheese dip cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the dip to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Press out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the dip in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld and intensify over time, making it even more delicious!
- To freeze the dip, place the airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the freezer. It will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen dip in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any separated ingredients.
- If the thawed dip seems a bit watery, you can reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches the desired consistency. Add a splash of half-and-half or milk if needed to adjust the texture.
- Serve the spinach and cream cheese dip with your favorite dippers, such as tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks and bell pepper slices.
How To Reheat Leftover Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
Reheat the spinach and cream cheese dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through and the cheese is melted. This method ensures that the dip warms up evenly without burning or separating.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the dip in the microwave. Transfer the dip to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat the dip, as it may cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
For a crispy twist, spread the leftover dip on slices of bread or tortilla chips, then bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. This method works well if you have a small amount of leftover dip and want to transform it into a tasty snack or appetizer.
If you have a lot of leftover dip, you can use it as a filling for quesadillas or wraps. Spread the dip on a tortilla, add some shredded chicken or beef if desired, then fold the tortilla in half and cook it in a skillet or on a griddle until the outside is crispy and the inside is heated through.
For a healthier option, use the leftover dip as a sauce for steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes. The creamy and cheesy dip will add flavor and richness to the vegetables, making them more appealing and satisfying.
Interesting Trivia About Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
Spinach and cream cheese dip is a delicious and nutritious appetizer that can be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet, and the creamy texture makes it a hit at parties and gatherings. Plus, spinach is packed with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, making this dip a healthy choice for snacking. So, next time you're looking for a tasty and wholesome dip, consider making this spinach and cream cheese dip for a crowd-pleasing option!
Is Making Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip at Home Cost-Effective?
This spinach and cream cheese dip recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Spinach and cream cheese are affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The overall verdict for this recipe is an 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
Is Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip Healthy or Unhealthy?
The spinach and cream cheese dip recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, and onions. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while onions offer prebiotics that support gut health. However, the recipe also contains high-fat ingredients such as cream cheese, pepperjack cheese, and half-and-half, which can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cream cheese and pepperjack cheese by half, and replace the other half with low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a protein boost and creamy texture
- Swap the half-and-half for unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk to decrease the overall fat content
- Increase the amount of spinach to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dip
- Add more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or shredded carrots, for added color, crunch, and nutrients
- Serve the dip with whole-grain crackers, sliced vegetables, or baked tortilla chips instead of high-fat, processed options
Editor's Opinion on the Deliciousness of Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
This spinach and cream cheese dip recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sautéed onions, tomatoes, and jalapeno add a depth of savory and spicy notes, while the creamy blend of pepperjack and cream cheese creates a rich and indulgent base. The addition of fresh spinach provides a vibrant pop of color and a boost of nutrition. Overall, this dip is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.
Enhance Your Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Tasty Alternatives to Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Serve with Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip
Why trust this Spinach and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh spinach and creamy cream cheese, creating a luscious and flavorful dip. The addition of pepperjack cheese and half-and-half adds richness and depth to the dish. The use of jalapeno pepper provides a subtle kick of heat, while the tomatoes contribute a burst of freshness. With the careful sautéing of onion and garlic, the flavors are beautifully developed. Trust in the quality and balance of these ingredients to create a dip that will surely impress your guests.
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