Name: Baked Spinach Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and chopped (or 16 ounces fresh spinach); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated; ½ cup asiago cheese, shredded; ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for topping); ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you love a good, creamy dip to accompany game nights or casual get-togethers. That’s why I have to share this absolutely delicious Baked Spinach Dip Recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly easy to whip up – perfect for dipping your favorite crackers, veggies, or toasted bread. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to dip for years to come.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Creamy Texture: The blend of cream cheese and mayonnaise creates a rich, velvety base that balances the spinach perfectly.
Cheese Trio Magic: Parmesan, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses work together for depth of flavor and a beautifully golden top.
Flexible Preparation: Whether you use fresh or frozen spinach, the recipe adapts with simple steps to squeeze out moisture for a non-watery dip.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the day before and just bake when guests arrive, making entertaining stress-free.

Baked Spinach Dip, creamy spinach dip, cheesy spinach dip, easy spinach dip, hot spinach appetizer - A round red ceramic bowl filled with a layer of melted, golden-brown cheese on top, showing a slightly bubbly and toasted texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled wooden board with slices of light brown crusty bread arranged behind and next to the bowl. The cheese layer is creamy white with spots of browned cheese, covering the contents fully. The background shows a white marbled surface with a beige cloth under the wooden board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Baked Spinach Dip Recipe comes together with ingredients that not only taste amazing but also combine well to create that classic creamy yet cheesy texture we all crave. Each adds a little something special, so I always try to get quality cheeses and fresh garlic when I can.

Baked Spinach Dip, creamy spinach dip, cheesy spinach dip, easy spinach dip, hot spinach appetizer - Flat lay of fresh bright green spinach leaves with delicate veins, creamy white blocks of cream cheese with smooth texture, whole garlic cloves showing their off-white papery skins, a small pile of grated pale yellow parmesan cheese with fine, flaky texture, shredded asiago cheese strands in soft golden hues, a neat mound of shredded white mozzarella cheese, fresh sprigs of bright green herbs, and scattered specks of dried onion powder, all beautifully arranged to create a fresh and inviting contrast, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Frozen or Fresh Spinach: Opt for frozen if you’re in a rush, but fresh spinach adds a lovely brightness when you have time to prep it properly.
Cream Cheese: Provides the creamy base. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps.
Mayonnaise: Adds a subtle tang and helps keep the dip moist and luscious.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives an aromatic punch that wakes up the entire dish.
Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty flavor that’s essential in baked dips.
Asiago Cheese: Adds a sharper, slightly earthy tone, enhancing complexity.
Onion Powder: Gives a subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all the ingredients together.
Mozzarella Cheese (Optional): Perfect topping for a bubbly, golden crust that makes everyone want to dig in immediately.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this baked spinach dip my own by tossing in some extras. It’s a great base recipe, and you can twist it to match your cravings or what’s in your fridge.

Add Artichoke Hearts: I sometimes fold in chopped artichoke hearts for a classic combination that feels fancy but is so easy to do.
Bacon Lover’s Upgrade: Crispy cooked bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that takes the dip to the next level – you won’t regret this indulgence!
Spice It Up: Try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika if you want a little kick.
Make It Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free mozzarella blend to recreate this with a plant-based twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Spinach Dip Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Spinach

This step is crucial! Whether you’re using frozen or fresh spinach, make sure to remove as much water as possible. For frozen, thaw it completely, then wrap handfuls in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out every drop. With fresh spinach, I like to steam it quickly, let it cool, and then wring out with my hands. Excess water will make your dip watery, and nobody wants that.

Step 2: Mixing the Dip Base

In a medium bowl, soften that cream cheese first – it blends much easier this way. Then add in mayonnaise, garlic, parmesan, asiago, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything comes together in a creamy symphony of flavor. Once the base is smooth, fold in your perfectly drained spinach until it’s well combined.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

Transfer your spinach mixture to a small baking dish (about 5×5 inches works great). If you want that melty, golden top, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the surface. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown. If you want a little extra color, switch to broil for a minute or two—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Spinach Dip Recipe

Drain Thoroughly: Never underestimate the power of squeezing out spinach water multiple times—it ensures your dip stays thick.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese integrates more smoothly, so leave it out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
Use Fresh Garlic: It packs more flavor than pre-minced, though you can substitute if pressed for time.
Watch the Broiler: It’s tempting to broil for perfect browning, but stay close by to avoid burned cheese tops!

How to Serve Baked Spinach Dip Recipe

Baked Spinach Dip, creamy spinach dip, cheesy spinach dip, easy spinach dip, hot spinach appetizer - A woman's hand is lifting a piece of bread topped with creamy spinach and melted cheese, with long cheese strands stretching from the piece to a round red ceramic bowl below. The bowl is filled with a baked and bubbly layer of golden-brown melted cheese on top, underneath which is visible a creamy spinach mixture. The bowl is placed on a wooden board with more bread slices blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing off this dip with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich cheese beautifully. A little cracked black pepper on top is also always a winner in my book!

Side Dishes

For dipping, I’m all about sturdy crackers like water crackers or pita chips. Toasted baguette slices also make a nice vehicle. And veggies like celery sticks, carrot rounds, or bell pepper strips offer a refreshing crunch to balance the rich dip.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation tricks is baking this dip right inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. It looks gorgeous on any party table and doubles as an edible serving dish. For holidays, topping with edible flowers or a drizzle of truffle oil can make this humble dip feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After everyone’s had their fill, pack leftover baked spinach dip tightly in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. I usually keep it refrigerated and find it stays great for up to 4 days—still creamy and flavorful when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing spinach dip works surprisingly well! Just cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, it tastes almost as fresh as the first bake.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a small oven-safe dish at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in. Then I remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to revive that bubbly cheese topping. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some creaminess and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in the Baked Spinach Dip Recipe?

Absolutely! Using fresh spinach can add a brighter flavor. Just steam or boil it until wilted, cool slightly, and squeeze out all the excess moisture before chopping. This prevents your dip from becoming watery and ensures the right creamy texture.
What’s the best cheese combination for this dip?

I recommend a mix of Parmesan, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses. Parmesan and Asiago provide sharp, nutty flavors that elevate the dip, while mozzarella melts beautifully on top for a golden crust. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses!
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this Baked Spinach Dip Recipe is fantastic for make-ahead prep. Assemble everything except baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready, let it come closer to room temperature before baking, or add a few minutes to the bake time.
How do I prevent the dip from being watery?

Draining and squeezing the spinach thoroughly is the key. Use a clean kitchen towel or your hands to press out moisture multiple times. Also, avoid adding any extra liquid ingredients. This step makes a huge difference in achieving a thick, creamy dip.
Is this dip suitable for gluten-free diets?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free mayonnaise and ensure your cheeses haven’t been processed with gluten-containing additives. Just serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies to keep the whole snack gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Baked Spinach Dip Recipe is one of those joy-bringing dishes that pulls everyone together. I’ve made it dozens of times, tweaking and perfecting, and each bite still feels like a warm, comforting hug. It’s simple but impressive, and I know once you make it, you’ll want to serve it at every party, potluck, or cozy night in. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s get dipping—your next favorite appetizer awaits!