If you’re searching for a party favorite that never fails to disappear in minutes, look no further than this classic Spinach Dip. It’s creamy, flavorful, and studded with crisp water chestnuts and bright green onions—all perfectly folded into a base of tangy sour cream and mayonnaise. There’s a reason this appetizer has stood the test of time: it’s outrageously simple, yet the flavor and texture are absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, game night, or just craving a comforting snack, Spinach Dip always brings people together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spinach Dip truly makes a difference, balancing creaminess, crunch, and savory depth. You only need simple supermarket staples, but the combination turns reliably spectacular.
- Frozen chopped spinach: The star of the show; be sure it’s well-drained for the best dip texture.
- Sour cream: Adds irresistible tang and keeps the dip light and creamy.
- Mayonnaise: Brings richness and helps bind all the flavors together.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese lends extra body and a luscious, velvety mouthfeel.
- Water chestnuts: Chopped water chestnuts offer the perfect crunch in every bite.
- Dry vegetable soup mix: Delivers instant flavor with a gourmet twist—no need to raid the spice rack!
- Green onions: Add freshness and a gentle onion bite that brightens the dip.
- Garlic powder: Gives a layer of warm, garlicky flavor without overwhelming the dip.
- Black pepper: Balances the creamy ingredients with a subtle bit of heat.
How to Make Spinach Dip
Step 1: Prep the Base
In a large bowl, blend together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and softened cream cheese until completely smooth. This creamy trio sets the stage for all the delicious mix-ins, so take an extra minute to stir well and eliminate any lumps.
Step 2: Season and Add Flavor
Sprinkle in the dry vegetable soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until they’re thoroughly combined—this step infuses the base with layers of bold, herby, and savory flavors, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Fold in the Vegetables
Take your well-drained spinach (give it one final, hearty squeeze to nix extra moisture), then gently fold it into the creamy mixture along with the chopped water chestnuts and green onions. The contrast of textures—soft and crunchy—makes every scoop of Spinach Dip special.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Mingle
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate your Spinach Dip for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows all the seasonings and veggies to meld, producing an ultra-flavorful and harmonious dip.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Right before serving, give the dip a good stir to reincorporate any settled ingredients. Spoon into a serving bowl and set out with your favorite dippers. Get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Spinach Dip
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra sliced green onions or fresh chopped parsley on top will instantly make your Spinach Dip look bright and inviting. You could even add a dash of smoked paprika for a bit of color and depth.
Side Dishes
Spinach Dip is incredibly versatile on a snack board. Pair it with crunchy tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks (like carrots, bell peppers, and celery), hearty crackers, or even cubes of sourdough or rye bread for dippable delight in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, serve the Spinach Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl surrounded by bread cubes and veggies. You can also scoop it into small mason jars for individual servings, or use as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any dip left after the party (which is rare!), simply cover the bowl tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Spinach Dip will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days—just stir to refresh before serving.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this creamy dip, since the texture can turn watery upon thawing, you can make the mixture up to a day in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Reheating
This Spinach Dip is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, but if you want a warm dip, transfer to an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Just know the texture will be different—more molten, but still tasty!
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Sauté or steam about 1 pound of fresh spinach, let it cool, chop it finely, and squeeze out all the excess water. The key is making sure your spinach is as dry as possible so your Spinach Dip doesn’t become watery.
What kind of bread works best for dipping?
Sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, and rustic baguette cubes are all perfect dippers. Their chewy, sturdy texture holds up beautifully to the creamy dip.
Is there a substitute for water chestnuts?
If you’re not a fan of water chestnuts or can’t find them, try adding diced celery or jicama for crunch—or simply leave them out for a softer, creamier dip.
Can I make Spinach Dip vegan?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite plant-based sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream cheese, and check that your dry soup mix is vegan-friendly. The dip will still be loaded with flavor (and crowd-pleasing power).
How far ahead can I make Spinach Dip?
This dip gets even better as it sits, so making it a full day in advance is not only possible but encouraged. The flavors will meld together for an even tastier result—just keep it tightly covered in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy movie night or bringing a bowl to share at your next potluck, Spinach Dip is that joyful, reliable recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Creamy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned, it brings instant smiles to every gathering. Give this easy Spinach Dip a spot on your snack table—you’ll be amazed by how quickly it vanishes.
Print
Spinach Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful spinach dip that is perfect for parties and gatherings. This easy-to-make cold dip is packed with spinach, water chestnuts, and savory seasonings, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Frozen Chopped Spinach:
1 (10 oz) package, thawed and well-drained
Sour Cream:
1 cup
Mayonnaise:
½ cup
Cream Cheese:
½ cup, softened
Water Chestnuts:
1 (8 oz) can, drained and chopped
Dry Vegetable Soup Mix:
1 packet
Green Onions:
2, thinly sliced
Garlic Powder:
½ teaspoon
Black Pepper:
¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Fold in the spinach, chopped water chestnuts, and green onions until evenly mixed.
- Stir well before serving.
Stir in the vegetable soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve chilled with bread cubes, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach.
- You can make this a day ahead—it gets better as it sits.
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