This Santa Fe Spinach Dip is a creamy and cheesy delight, loaded with fresh spinach and zesty flavors. Perfect for dipping crunchy chips or fresh veggies!
Whenever I make this dip, I feel like a rock star! It’s so easy to whip up and always disappears quickly at parties. Seriously, who can resist its cheesy goodness? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Chopped Spinach: This is the star of the dip! If you prefer fresh spinach, you can use about 4 cups of fresh spinach. Just sauté it until wilted, then chop and drain well.
Cream Cheese: A must for creaminess! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar taste.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, keeping it creamy and adding some protein!
Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: These cheeses provide great flavor. If you want to experiment, pepper jack introduces a nice kick. Alternatively, any similar melting cheese works well.
Jalapeño Pepper: This ingredient brings heat! Feel free to adjust the amount or substitute it with green bell pepper if you prefer no spice.
How Can I Ensure My Spinach Dip is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Mixing the ingredients evenly is key for a creamy dip. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened cream cheese; it blends easier. Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Combine the cream cheese and sour cream first until smooth. This helps the cheeses blend well with the other ingredients.
- When you add the spinach, make sure it’s really well-drained. No one wants a watery dip!
- Use a spatula to fold in ingredients gently so that everything is well incorporated without overmixing.
- Lastly, adjust the seasoning after mixing but before baking to taste. A little bit of taste-testing goes a long way!
Cheddar’s Santa Fe Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
Time Needed:
This recipe will take you around 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes before you can dig in and enjoy your creamy deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip bakes evenly and gets bubbly on top!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a spoon or mixer to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Cheeses and Veggies:
Next, stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Mix these ingredients really well until they’re combined!
4. Incorporate the Spinach:
Now, add the drained spinach to the bowl. Make sure there’s no extra water so your dip doesn’t become soggy. Mix everything together until the spinach is evenly distributed.
5. Season It Up:
Fold in the chopped jalapeño (if you’re using it for heat), along with the green onions, ground cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. This is where it gets super flavorful!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the tasty mixture to a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
7. Bake Until Bubbly:
Pop it in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
8. Let It Cool:
Once you pull it out of the oven, let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps avoid any burn while you dive in!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your warm spinach dip with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful treat at your next gathering!
This delicious dip is perfect for parties, game days, or just when you want a tasty snack. Enjoy! 🎉
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 4 cups. Just sauté it until wilted, then chop and drain well before adding it to the dip mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
You can use Neufchâtel cheese as a lower-fat alternative, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Both will provide a similar creamy texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Spinach Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
