This yummy spinach dip is creamy and cheesy, making it a perfect appetizer. With fresh spinach and a blend of yummy cheeses, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
I love serving this dip with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. Just a warning: it disappears fast, so you better keep an eye on it! 😄
Making this spinach dip is so easy. Just mix, bake, and serve hot! It’s the perfect excuse to gather friends and enjoy a cozy snack time together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach is easy and convenient, just remember to thaw and drain it well. If you prefer fresh, use about 8 cups of fresh spinach, but cook it down first to get rid of excess water.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These add creaminess to the dip. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the sour cream or mayo.
Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese gives a great melting texture. If you can’t find it, try mozzarella or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Parmesan adds a nice savory note; Grana Padano works as a good stand-in.
Water Chestnuts: They add a delightful crunch, but you can leave them out or substitute with finely chopped celery if you want a similar texture.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch. You can swap them for chives or diced white onions if you prefer a more robust flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Spinach Dip is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to a creamy spinach dip is in properly draining the spinach. Excess moisture can make the dip watery. Use a clean towel to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This simple step ensures your dip stays thick and cheesy.
- Preheat your oven first to get a hot start.
- Mix all the ingredients well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Bake until bubbly and golden for the best texture and flavor.
Serving your dip hot with crispy toasted bread enhances that creamy experience. You can even add some fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish for a pop of color!
Longhorn Steakhouse Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Crunchy Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts (optional for crunch)
Flavor Boosters:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (or finely chopped regular onion)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
To Serve:
- French bread or baguette slices, toasted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy spinach dip will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be looking at approximately 35-40 minutes of time from start to serving. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your oven is nice and warm when your dip is ready to go in.
2. Prepare the Spinach
Take the thawed spinach and make sure to drain it really well. You can use a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels to press out all the excess liquid. This step is super important to keep your dip from being watery!
3. Mix the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, optional water chestnuts, green onions, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir! Make sure everything is well blended.
4. Add in the Spinach
Next, gently fold the drained spinach into the mixture until it’s all combined. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
5. Bake the Dip
Pour the mixture into a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake it for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top is a lovely golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove your spinach dip from the oven. Serve it hot right away with toasted French bread or baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy this delightful dip that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Dig in and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired spinach dip! Perfect for parties or cozy nights at home!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You’ll need about 8 cups of fresh spinach. Sauté it in a pan until wilted and then drain it well before adding it to the dip mixture.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve—no need to adjust the baking time!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven until warmed through or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Use as Dippers Besides Bread?
If you want some variety, try serving this dip with veggie sticks (like carrots and celery), crackers, or even pita chips! They all pair wonderfully with the creamy dip.
