Cheese & Spinach Dip Recipe

Sauté onion and garlic

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil (1 tbs). When hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Wilt spinach

Add the fresh packed spinach (8 oz) to the skillet in batches if needed, stirring until wilted. Continue cooking until most of the moisture has evaporated, about 3–4 minutes total. Remove from heat and transfer the spinach mixture to a fine mesh sieve or bowl; press or squeeze gently to remove excess liquid. Allow to cool slightly.

Soften cream cheese

If your cream cheese is refrigerated, microwave the 8 oz block for 10–15 seconds to soften for easier mixing, or let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream (1 cup), and mayonnaise (1 cup). Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and homogenous, about 1–2 minutes.

Stir in shredded mozzarella (1 cup), shredded sharp cheddar (1 cup), and grated parmesan (1 tbs) until evenly distributed.

Add the cooled, well-drained spinach and the sautéed onion/garlic mixture to the cheese base. Mix until combined.

Season the mixture with lemon juice (1 tsp), ground black pepper (1/2 tsp), salt (3/4 tsp), smoked paprika (1/2 tsp) and red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the dip into a small to medium oven-safe baking dish (about 1 to 1.5 quart). Smooth the top with a spatula.

Optional: sprinkle a little extra mozzarella (2–3 tbs) and parmesan (1 tbs) on top for a browned crust.

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and lightly golden on top, about 18–22 minutes. If you prefer a more browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes watching closely to prevent burning.

Remove from oven and let rest 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (1 tbs) if desired.

Serve piping hot with pita chips, toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable crudités.