Hot Spinach Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese

This hot spinach cheese dip combines spinach, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and a little cayenne into one gloriously creamy, scoopable appetizer. Mix everything in one bowl, then heat a small portion in the microwave or bake the entire batch for a party.

It is rich, cheesy, easy to make ahead, and sturdy enough for tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread. The recipe makes a generous amount, so it is especially useful for potlucks, football parties, holiday gatherings, and any occasion where the dip table is expected to do some heavy lifting.

Readers also make: If you are building a full appetizer spread, add Kraft Famous Queso Dip or these Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Nachos.

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Why You’ll Love This Spinach Cheese Dip

• Only five ingredients: Frozen spinach, cream cheese, two shredded cheeses, and cayenne are all you need.
• Made for a crowd: The full recipe fills a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
• Easy to prepare ahead: Mix and refrigerate it before your gathering, then bake when needed.
• Flexible serving options: Heat one portion in the microwave or bake the entire batch.
• Excellent leftovers: A spoonful makes an especially good omelet filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen chopped spinach: Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Cream cheese: Let it soften so it blends evenly with the spinach.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a creamy, mild flavor and melts beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese: Gives the dip its gooey, stretchy texture.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds warmth without overpowering the cheese. You can adjust it to taste.

How to Make Hot Spinach Cheese Dip

Step 1: Drain the Spinach

Thaw the frozen spinach. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture. Properly draining the spinach prevents a watery dip.

Step 2: Mix the Dip

Place the drained spinach, softened cream cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and cayenne in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until evenly combined.

Step 3: Choose Your Heating Method

For a small serving, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 1 minute 40 seconds, stirring and adding more time as needed.

To serve the entire recipe, spread the mixture in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Bake at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges.

Perfect with: Serve this dip with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. For another pull-apart party favorite, try Easy Pull-Apart Pizza Bread.

Expert Tips for Creamy Spinach Dip

• Squeeze the spinach thoroughly. Excess water is the most common reason spinach dip becomes loose or watery.
• Soften the cream cheese. Cold cream cheese is difficult to blend and can leave lumps in the dip.
• Shred cheese from a block. It generally melts more smoothly than packaged pre-shredded cheese.
• Do not overbake. Heat the dip just until it is bubbling and completely warmed through.
• Adjust the cayenne carefully. Two teaspoons produces noticeable heat. Begin with less for a milder dip.

Variations

Mild Spinach Cheese Dip

Reduce the cayenne to ¼ or ½ teaspoon for a family-friendly version.

Spicy Spinach Cheese Dip

Add diced jalapeño, crushed red pepper, or pepper Jack cheese.

Spinach Artichoke Cheese Dip

Fold in well-drained, chopped artichoke hearts before baking.

Golden Breadcrumb Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with a small amount of melted butter and sprinkle them over the dip before baking.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the dip through the mixing step and transfer it to the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. A chilled dip may need several additional minutes in the oven.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval. A larger portion can be covered and reheated in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach?

Yes. Cook the fresh spinach first, cool it, chop it, and squeeze it very dry before measuring.

Why is my spinach cheese dip watery?

The spinach probably retained too much moisture. Thaw it completely and squeeze it firmly before adding it to the cheese mixture.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes. The ingredients can be halved and baked in a smaller dish. Begin checking it earlier because a smaller portion may heat more quickly.

What cheese works best in spinach dip?

Monterey Jack and mozzarella create a mild, creamy dip with excellent melting. Pepper Jack, cheddar, or provolone can replace part of the cheese for a different flavor.

Can spinach cheese dip be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended. Cream cheese can separate after thawing, and the spinach may release additional water.

More Party Food to Try

• Kraft Famous Queso Dip
• Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Nachos
• Easy Pull-Apart Pizza Bread

Next recipe to try: Keep the cheese-and-chips momentum going with Kraft Famous Queso Dip.