If you’re searching for the ultimate party appetizer that’s creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to vanish in minutes, look no further than Spinach Dip. This chilled, veg-packed classic is a medley of sour cream, vibrant spinach, crunchy water chestnuts, and zesty green onions—all brought together with a savory boost from dry vegetable soup mix. Whether served in a bread bowl, with crisp veggies, or alongside crackers, this dip earns rave reviews every time, making it my go-to dish for gatherings and cozy nights in alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together Spinach Dip is a breeze, thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients—each one playing a star role! Every component adds its own flavor, texture, or color, so don’t skip a thing for that signature taste.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach (10 ounces): Thoroughly thaw and drain for the creamiest dip with no excess moisture.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Brings a dreamy, tangy richness; swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds smoothness and deep flavor that keeps the dip decadent.
- Dry Vegetable Soup Mix (1 ounce): Packs instant savory depth and herby goodness—perfect shortcut to flavor!
- Water Chestnuts (8 ounces, canned): Drain and chop for irresistible crunch in every bite.
- Green Onions (1/2 cup, finely chopped): These add a gentle oniony bite and pops of color.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony—taste and adjust.
- Optional Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf for a show-stopping, edible serving vessel!
How to Make Spinach Dip
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your sour cream, mayonnaise, and dry vegetable soup mix. Stir everything together vigorously until you have a smooth, well-blended base—no powdery soup mix clumps in sight. This combo forms the rich backbone of your Spinach Dip.
Step 2: Add Veggies and Crunch
Next, fold in the thawed, well-drained spinach, chopped water chestnuts, and finely sliced green onions. Mixing gently helps keep the water chestnuts delightfully crisp while ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor and evenly distributed veggies.
Step 3: Season to Taste
Now’s the time for a pinch of salt and pepper. Start small, taste, and adjust until your Spinach Dip sings! Different vegetable soup mixes can vary in saltiness, so always check before adding extra.
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Cover your bowl and let the dip chill out in the fridge for at least one hour (but up to 24 for even more developed flavor). This waiting period lets the flavors mingle and meld, taking your Spinach Dip from simply good to totally addictive.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Right before serving, give your dip one last gentle stir. Spoon it into a serving bowl—or a hollowed-out bread bowl for maximum fun! Gather your favorite dippers and watch the crowd flock.
How to Serve Spinach Dip
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra green onions or a dusting of cracked black pepper on top makes this Spinach Dip look as irresistible as it tastes. If you’re feeling fancy, add paprika for a dash of color, or tuck in a few whole spinach leaves for a fresh touch.
Side Dishes
Spinach Dip is a fantastic centerpiece for a snack board. Offer it with crunchy crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips, or an array of colorful cut veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers—something for everyone to dip and crunch!
Creative Ways to Present
Nothing beats the wow-factor of serving your Spinach Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl—guests can pull off chunks as they go! For parties, consider spooning it into mini phyllo cups or halved bell peppers for a playful, single-serve twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the party’s over, transfer any leftover Spinach Dip to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to three days, making it the perfect next-day snack.
Freezing
While Spinach Dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Just pack into a freezer-safe container, and know the texture might be a bit softer after thawing. Let it defrost overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving again.
Reheating
This dip shines when served cold, but if you prefer a warm version, gently heat it in a small saucepan or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until just warmed through. Serve with toasted bread or pita for a cozy twist!
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just cook down about a pound of fresh spinach, squeeze out all excess moisture, and chop it before mixing in. The flavor will be even brighter and fresher.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don’t have water chestnuts, try finely chopped celery or even jicama for a similar crunch—they both add great texture to your Spinach Dip.
Is there a way to make Spinach Dip dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise—you’ll still get all the creaminess without the lactose, and it tastes fantastic.
Can Spinach Dip be made ahead of time?
Definitely! This dip actually tastes better made a few hours (or even a day) ahead, which gives the flavors extra time to marry. Just keep it chilled until showtime.
What’s the best bread for a bread bowl?
A round, crusty sourdough loaf works best. Its sturdy walls hold up well to the creamy dip, plus that slight tang from the bread pairs so nicely with the spinach and veggies.
Final Thoughts
Give this Spinach Dip a go at your next get-together, and watch the compliments roll in! It’s that rare recipe that’s truly fuss-free and practically guarantees happy guests. Once you experience just how easy, delicious, and adaptable this dip is, I have a feeling you’ll want to make it a regular star at your celebrations too.
Print
Spinach Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Dip is a classic party favorite that is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining. Made with spinach, water chestnuts, green onions, and a savory vegetable soup mix, this dip is great for serving with crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package (1 ounce) dry vegetable soup mix
- 1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
Additional:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional bread bowl for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and dry vegetable soup mix. Stir until well blended.
- Add the chopped spinach, water chestnuts, and green onions, then mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled with crackers, sliced vegetables, or in a hollowed-out bread bowl if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the spinach is thoroughly drained to avoid a watery dip.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- This dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
