Homemade Espinaca Dip!

🧀 Homemade Espinaca Dip (Spinach Dip)

This creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dip is packed with spinach, perfect for parties, game nights, or just because. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Espinaca Dip from scratch!

Ingredients:

• For the Dip:

  • 1 lb (16 oz) fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a mix of Jack and cheddar)

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice flavor)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Optional for extra flavor:

  • 1-2 tbsp chopped green chilies (fresh or canned)

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness)

Instructions:

1. Prep the spinach:

   • If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Roughly chop the spinach. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out any excess water from the spinach.

2. Cook the spinach:

   • In a large pan, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

   • Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted and any liquid is evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, just warm it up and make sure it’s dry.

3. Make the dip base:

   • Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the pan with the spinach, stirring until it’s melted and combined.

   • Stir in the sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until the cheese is melted and smooth. If the dip is too thick, add a little heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.

4. Season the dip:

   • Stir in nutmeg (if using), salt, pepper, and any additional spices like red pepper flakes for heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, and serve immediately while warm. Top with extra cheese or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• Tortilla chips

• Soft bread or pita wedges

• Crackers

• Fresh veggies (carrots, celery, cucumbers)

• Quesadillas or tacos (for a Tex-Mex meal)

• Stuffed mushrooms (use this as a stuffing!)

Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain it very well, as excess water can make the dip too runny.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the dip and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals. You can also freeze the dip for up to 3 months, but fresh is always best!

Q: Can I make this dip spicier?
A: Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to give it a nice kick.

Q: How can I make this dip lighter?
A: You can substitute the cream cheese with a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or even swap some of the cheese for a reduced-fat version.

This Espinaca Dip is the ultimate cheesy comfort food with a touch of spinach goodness! Perfect for dipping and sharing with friends and family. Enjoy! 😋