This tasty dip is a warm blend of creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and a kick of spice! It’s perfect for sharing with friends at parties or cozy nights in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Chopped Spinach: This is a key flavor component. If you prefer fresh, use about 1 pound of fresh spinach, cooked and chopped. Just make sure to remove excess water after cooking!
Cream Cheese: The base for our dip, providing creaminess. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try Neufchâtel cheese instead. It offers a similar taste with less fat.
Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese: These cheeses give great flavor and texture. You could mix it up with Pepper Jack for an extra kick or use any melting cheese you enjoy, like Gouda or Mozzarella.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess. For a dairy-free option, use a non-dairy yogurt or sour cream alternative. Greek yogurt could work too if you’re looking for a protein boost!
Diced Green Chilies & Tomatoes: This gives the dip a delicious spicy tang. If you don’t have these, any jarred salsa can be a good substitute; just adjust for liquid content.
How Do I Make Sure My Spinach Dip is Creamy and Not Too Thick?
The key to a smooth and creamy spinach dip lies in the preparation and the right balance of ingredients. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Make sure to thaw and drain the spinach well. Excess water can make the dip watery instead of creamy.
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Gradually mix in the cheeses and sour cream, focusing on combining thoroughly at each step. This ensures a nice, creamy texture.
- If your mixture seems too thick before baking, add a splash of milk or extra sour cream to loosen it up a bit.
- Watch closely while it bakes. Overbaking can dry it out, so pull it out when it’s bubbly and golden.
Following these tips will help you create the perfect dip every time. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Cheddars Santa Fe Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro*Tel), drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving it hot with tortilla chips.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your spinach dip bakes evenly and becomes perfectly bubbly and golden!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or a mixer to blend these ingredients until they are smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dip!
3. Add the Cheeses:
Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Keep mixing until the cheeses are well incorporated into the creamy base—this will provide a rich and delicious flavor.
4. Fold in the Vegetables:
Next, add the thawed and well-drained spinach along with the diced green chilies, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced onions, and minced garlic. Mix everything together thoroughly. You want to ensure every scoop of dip has a little bit of each tasty ingredient!
5. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if you prefer a little more kick or seasoning.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish or an oven-safe bowl, spreading it evenly. This will help it bake uniformly and gets nice and bubbly on top.
7. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling, and the top just begins to turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help prevent any burns and make it easier to scoop!
9. Get Dipping:
Serve the warm spinach dip with tortilla chips for dipping. Watch it disappear as everyone enjoys this creamy, cheesy treat!
Enjoy your delicious Cheddars Santa Fe Spinach Dip, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If you opt for fresh spinach, use about 1 pound. Cook it down before chopping to reduce the excess water, ensuring your dip stays creamy!
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, try using hot diced green chilies or adding some diced jalapeños. You can also increase the chili powder or incorporate a dash of hot sauce into the mix.
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating!
