A few things went in to making this homemade spinach dip; the beautiful spinach from Meacham Urban Farm in our Fresh Produce Boxes, my recent successful sourdough loaf (I had an extra), the Super Bowl, and another recipe to cook through and share with you from The Whitegrass Cross Country Skiing cookbook (with their permission, of course). This was my first time making a spinach dip. Before this, I was only familiar with a cold spinach dip recipe using packaged spinach.
I was excited to try this one. The best thing about it is how quickly it comes together without the need to heat or cook (other than the chopped spinach). It feels like a crowd-pleaser especially as we approach the season for game day munchies. In this blog post, we’re diving into a spinach dip recipe that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. Here’s the step-by-step recipe:
Ingredients and Preparation for a Creamy Dip
Let’s start by gathering the essentials:
- 14 oz of tangy sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz of fresh spinach (or 8 oz of frozen spinach, cooked to package instructions)
- 2 clove of minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon of finely minced raw onions
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Loaf of sourdough bread (or other dippers – suggestions below)
Other Great Dippers:
- tortilla chips
- pita chips or pita bread
- baguette slices
- veggie sticks (carrot sticks, celery sticks)
Preparation involves a few simple steps:
- Cook the fresh spinach down.
- Drain and cool the spinach, ensuring it loses excess moisture. Too much moisture will cause it to be too watery.
- Mix the prepared spinach with the other ingredients until well incorporated.
- Serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl with excess bread torn for dipping or with your favorite dippers (some examples offered above).
This spinach dip recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious, but it’s the small details that make the difference. Let’s explore each step further.
Cooking Technique:
The star of this easy party appetizer is the fresh spinach. The best way to cook the fresh spinach is by adding a splash of water to a sauce pan, topping with your fresh spinach, cover, and cooking over medium heat until the spinach cooks down. Make sure to give the spinach ample time to wilt and cook off any excess liquid. Then add to a colander to let any excess water drain. Properly draining and cooling the spinach is crucial to achieving the creamy consistency that makes this easy dip a crowd pleaser.
Mixing and Incorporation:
While the spinach cools, take the opportunity to mix the sour cream, parmesan, garlic, onion, and a host of seasonings in a separate bowl. Now incorporate the spinach with spices making sure to give them all a good stir. Balancing the salt, pepper, and dried herbs is a what gives this dip its extra flavor, so don’t shy away from tasting as you go. Remember, the best spinach dip is all about combining the best flavors to make it one of your favorite appetizers. It also tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit. Put it in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap for a few hours up to overnight before serving.
Presentation and Serving:
For a fun serving option, we recommend placing your finished spinach dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It adds a rustic charm and offers a two-in-one package for both the dip and its dippables. Simply tear the excess bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them around your filled bread bowl. It’s a functional and visually appealing way to enjoy this cheesy spinach dip.
Conclusion:
This easy spinach dip recipe can be added to your list as one of your favorite dips. With each creamy bite of spinach and each dip of hearty bread, you’ll find yourself reaching for more. Whether it’s a family brunch, a potluck with friends, or the big game day, this appetizer is guaranteed to be a hit.
Dip in and enjoy! Next time, try experimenting with different herbs and spices or types of cheese to make it your own. There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavor combinations. Cheers to delicious food and happy memories! And don’t forget to share your creation on social media using #asimplerplace. Happy cooking!
Leftover Spinach Dip Ideas:
If you make a double batch, extras can be used in different ways. Here is a good idea or two:
1) Spinach Dip Pasta – Recipe: Like Mother Like Daughter
2) Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken – Recipe: Away from the Box
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The original recipe comes from White Grass Cafe Cross Country Cooking which you can find on Amazon, linked here – White Grass Cross Country Cooking
Creamy Fresh Spinach Dip Recipe: A Party Dip
Ingredients
- 14 oz of tangy sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz of fresh spinach or 8 oz of frozen spinach, cooked to package instructions
- 2 clove of minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon of finely minced raw onions
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Loaf of sourdough bread or other dippers - suggestions below
Other Great Dippers
- tortilla chips
- pita chips or pita bread
- baguette slices
- veggie sticks carrot sticks, celery sticks
Instructions
- Cook the fresh spinach by adding chopped spinach and a splash of water to a sauce pan. Cover and cook over medium heat until the spinach cooks down. Make sure to give the spinach ample time to wilt and cook off any excess liquid.
- Add to a colander to let any excess water drain.
- While the spinach cools, mix the sour cream, parmesan, garlic, onion, and remaining seasonings in a separate bowl.
- Incorporate the spinach with spices making sure to give them all a good stir.
- Put it in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap for a few hours up to overnight before serving.
- When ready to serve, tear out a large section from the top of your bread creating a 'bowl'.
- Add spinach to the 'bowl' or hollow of the bread
- Tear the excess bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them around your filled bread bowl for dipping
Leave a Reply