This Jalapeno Spinach Dip is a creamy, cheesy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining the smoothness of cream cheese with the heat of pickled jalapenos and the freshness of spinach, it’s a dish that balances flavor and spice in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a party, game day, or as a cozy snack, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Perfectly creamy, spicy, and utterly indulgent, this dip is as easy to make as it is delicious. Just a few simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering, cheesy dip that you’ll want to keep making again and again. Pair it with tortilla chips, fresh veggie sticks, or crackers for the ultimate snack experience.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth.
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Add the chopped spinach, pickled jalapenos, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
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Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Jalapeno Spinach Dip is an incredibly versatile appetizer. It works well at nearly any event, whether it’s a big holiday dinner, a Super Bowl party, or a simple get-together with friends. This dip pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, or even crackers for a more refined snack. Its rich, cheesy base and spicy bite make it the perfect contrast to crunchy dippers, providing a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Additionally, this dip can be made ahead of time, which is always a bonus when you’re preparing food for a large group. You can easily assemble it the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake and serve it. This makes it one of the most convenient appetizers to make when you’re hosting, as it saves you time on the day of the event.
How to Serve Jalapeno Spinach Dip
When it comes to serving Jalapeno Spinach Dip, the possibilities are endless. The dip can be served warm or at room temperature, though it’s particularly delightful when it’s fresh from the oven with its bubbly, golden top. Serve it with tortilla chips for a casual touch, or pair it with crackers and fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and celery for a healthier option.
For a fun twist, you can use this dip as a filling for baked potatoes, or drizzle it over grilled chicken or even a pizza crust for a more indulgent meal. This dip is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with it in different ways to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
The Health Benefits of Jalapeno Spinach Dip
While Jalapeno Spinach Dip may be indulgent, it also contains some ingredients that provide nutritional benefits. Spinach, for instance, is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it provides a good amount of iron, which is essential for healthy red blood cells. The inclusion of jalapenos offers a surprising health benefit as well. Capsaicin, the compound that gives jalapenos their heat, has been shown to boost metabolism, support weight loss, and even reduce inflammation.
Of course, as with all dips, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. The creamy elements of the dip—like cream cheese and mayonnaise—are delicious but should be consumed in reasonable portions. If you’re looking to make this dip a bit lighter, you could experiment with using Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese alternative to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing too much flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Jalapeno Spinach Dip is its versatility. It works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re having a small gathering with close friends or hosting a large party, this dip will always be a crowd-pleaser. It’s especially great for game day, where guests often expect hearty and flavorful snacks. The combination of cheese, spinach, and jalapenos gives this dip a balanced flavor that satisfies a variety of palates, making it a perfect choice for groups with diverse tastes.
Another great thing about this dip is that it’s incredibly easy to scale up or down, depending on how many people you’re serving. You can double the recipe for larger gatherings or make a smaller batch for a more intimate event. The dip can be baked in a small dish or a larger casserole dish, and it will bake up beautifully every time.
Creative Variations
While the classic version of Jalapeno Spinach Dip is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make this dip your own by experimenting with different ingredients. If you’re looking to spice it up even further, you can add some diced fresh jalapenos to the dip along with the pickled ones. If you like a more smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle pepper.
For those who prefer a creamier texture, you can add more cream cheese or sour cream to increase the dip’s richness. If you want a more robust, savory flavor, consider adding some crumbled bacon or shredded chicken to the dip. This would turn it into a heartier snack or even a meal on its own.
For a more unique touch, you could switch up the cheese selection. While the recipe calls for cheddar and mozzarella, feel free to experiment with other varieties like pepper jack for extra heat or gouda for a more smoky flavor. There’s no wrong way to create your own version of this dip, and the possibilities are endless.
Conclusion
Jalapeno Spinach Dip is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the richness of cheese with the heat of jalapenos and the freshness of spinach. It’s the ideal snack for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy evening at home. The dip can be served with a variety of dippers, and it’s versatile enough to suit a range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables, this dip is sure to impress your guests.
The combination of creamy ingredients and spicy jalapenos creates a rich and flavorful dip that everyone can enjoy. Best of all, it’s simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, saving you time and effort on the day of your event. If you’re looking for a new appetizer to add to your rotation, Jalapeno Spinach Dip is a must-try that will quickly become a favorite at your next gathering.
Try making this dip for your next get-together, and be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe. It’s a delightful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing—and it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat in their food.