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What is Spinach Dip?

KD Morgan
KD Morgan

Spinach dip is a fun party food that can be served either as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre. Traditionally speaking an appetizer stimulates the appetite and prepares the senses for the main meal. Hors d'oeuvres on the other hand are more of an “outside the meal” snack, usually enjoyed at functions like cocktail parties. This dip is also a great opportunity to introduce vegetables to children so that they will have a positive attitude toward them.

There are various ingredients used in addition to spinach in a spinach dip recipe. It is served hot and has a thick consistency in order to be used as a dip with your favorite accompaniment. Many prefer using deep-fried or baked corn tortillas for dipping. Others enjoy crackers or wedges of French, sourdough or focaccia bread. The center of a round loaf of sourdough can be removed for dipping and the spinach dip can be presented inside the hollowed loaf.

Sunchokes (or Jerusalem artichokes) are good additions for a spinach dip.
Sunchokes (or Jerusalem artichokes) are good additions for a spinach dip.

A typical recipe for spinach dip calls for steaming spinach while lightly sautéing garlic and shallots in olive oil, then blending the ingredients together to a smooth pulp. Once the blending is complete, cream cheese is blended into the mixture. At this point it is heated in a double boiler and Parmesan cheese is melted into it. At the end, salt and pepper are added to taste. The spinach dip should continue to be heated until it is a thick, rich sauce.

Olive oil, one of the ingredients in spinach dip.
Olive oil, one of the ingredients in spinach dip.

There are many variations to the basic recipe. Artichoke hearts or Jerusalem artichokes compliment the taste of the spinach nicely. Crabmeat or bacon can be included for unique flavors. In addition to cream cheese; cheddar, cottage, Gouda, jack, mozzarella, Romano, or Velveeta® cheese can be included. Cream, mayonnaise or sour cream can be substituted for a lighter texture.

Spinach.
Spinach.

Creative cooks can investigate adding basil, dried cranberries, onion soup mix, salsa or water chestnuts to create a special signature dish. Red wine vinegar also adds a nice touch to the spinach dip. This dipping sauce can also be assembled and then baked in the oven until bubbling and lightly browned.

Oftentimes, frozen spinach is used for convenience. However, fresh spinach is an excellent way to include a healthy dish of fresh greens. Therefore, if time is not a factor, fresh spinach is the preference.

Grated Parmesan cheese is often added to spinach dip.
Grated Parmesan cheese is often added to spinach dip.

Garnishes of cranberries, red peppers, rosemary or yellow tomatoes add a festive touch. If light breads are used for your spinach dip, you may offer skewers or fondue forks for dipping. If your spinach dip is prepared with a thinner consistency, it can be chilled and served cold.

Discussion Comments

Pippinwhite

These are all good suggestions, but one of the best recipes for spinach dip is the one on the back of the Knorr's Spring Vegetable Soup mix. The soup mix is a great starter for seasoning, although I usually add a little extra garlic and some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dip.

I generally use frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained and dry. It's always a big hit at the office, and I rarely take any home. I usually serve it with Wheat Thins or another sturdy cracker. The office chowhounds usually start circling the bowl and it disappears in no time.

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    • Sunchokes (or Jerusalem artichokes) are good additions for a spinach dip.
      By: Only Fabrizio
      Sunchokes (or Jerusalem artichokes) are good additions for a spinach dip.
    • Olive oil, one of the ingredients in spinach dip.
      By: grekoff
      Olive oil, one of the ingredients in spinach dip.
    • Spinach.
      By: Alessio Cola
      Spinach.
    • Grated Parmesan cheese is often added to spinach dip.
      By: Bert Folsom
      Grated Parmesan cheese is often added to spinach dip.
    • Bacon can be added to spinach dip to enhance the flavor.
      By: sparkia
      Bacon can be added to spinach dip to enhance the flavor.
    • Spinach dip can be served as an appetizer or hors dóeuvre.
      By: dreambigphotos
      Spinach dip can be served as an appetizer or hors dóeuvre.
    • Mayonnaise can be added to spinach dip to give it a lighter texture.
      By: uckyo
      Mayonnaise can be added to spinach dip to give it a lighter texture.
    • Sliced vegetables, like bell peppers, pair well with spinach dip.
      By: valery121283
      Sliced vegetables, like bell peppers, pair well with spinach dip.
    • Potato chips may be served with spinach dip.
      By: nataliazakharova
      Potato chips may be served with spinach dip.
    • Sourdough bread pairs well with spinach dip.
      By: enzo4
      Sourdough bread pairs well with spinach dip.