Spinach dip is a timeless appetizer that never fails to impress. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the earthy taste of spinach and a hint of garlic, makes it the ultimate party dip.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, game night, or holiday party, this classic spinach dip will keep everyone coming back for more. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: This dip comes together in under 20 minutes.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A mix of creamy and savory with a perfect balance of seasonings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance for convenience.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm or cold with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
To make the best classic spinach dip, you will need:
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet dry vegetable soup mix (such as Knorr)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Spinach Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by thawing the frozen spinach. Once it’s completely thawed, place it in a clean kitchen towel or a fine-mesh strainer and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream cheese. Use a hand whisk or a spatula to blend until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese should be fully incorporated to ensure a silky texture.
Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers
Stir in the dry vegetable soup mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. These ingredients add depth and umami to the dip. If you like a little extra cheesiness, mix in the shredded Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Fold in the Spinach
Gently fold in the drained spinach, ensuring it distributes evenly throughout the dip. If you’re adding water chestnuts for an extra crunch, mix them in at this stage.
Step 5: Chill for Enhanced Flavor
For the best results, cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the dip a final stir. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve with your favorite dippers such as:
- Sliced baguette
- Tortilla chips
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)
- Crackers
Serving Variations, Tips, and Storage for the Best Spinach Dip
If you enjoy a warm, gooey dip, try making a Warm Spinach Dip by transferring the mixture to an oven-safe dish and baking it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top before baking. Another fun way to serve this dip is with the Bread Bowl Option, where you hollow out a round loaf of sourdough and fill it with the dip, using the removed bread pieces for dipping. If you’re looking for a Lighter Alternative, you can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream and use light mayonnaise to cut down on calories while still keeping the creamy texture and rich flavor.
For the best spinach dip, a few key Tips for Success can make all the difference. First, always squeeze out excess water from the spinach to prevent a watery consistency and ensure a thick, creamy dip. Allowing the dip to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you prefer using fresh spinach, blanch, chop, and drain it well before incorporating it into the mixture to maintain the right texture and taste.
When it comes to Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions, you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. While freezing is not ideal due to texture changes, you can still freeze the dip for up to a month in a sealed container — just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir it well before serving. If you want to prepare the dip in advance, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors, so all you need to do is give it a good stir before serving. Whether served warm, in a bread bowl, or as a lightened-up version, this spinach dip is a versatile and crowd-pleasing favorite.
Final Thoughts
This classic spinach dip is a must-have at any party or gathering. It’s creamy, flavorful, and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Whether you serve it warm or cold, it’s bound to be a hit with everyone. Try this recipe today and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy goodness and savory spinach!
