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The first time I ever had spinach dip, it was made the way most people make it—using a packet of Knorr soup mix. That’s how my mom made it, and for years, I thought that was the only way. But as I grew more interested in cooking, I wanted to elevate it with fresh ingredients and let me tell you, the difference is incredible. It only takes a few extra minutes to make from scratch, but the flavor is so much better—richer, fresher, and more vibrant. Once you taste this homemade version, you might never go back to the packet again!
Spinach dip is the ultimate game-day snack, making it a perfect addition to any football gathering or Super Bowl party spread. It’s creamy, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with everything from crunchy chips to fresh veggies, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make—whether you make it ahead of time or whip it up right before kickoff, this dip comes together with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a double batch!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Dip Recipe:
- Fresh, Vibrant Flavor: Ditch the packet mix—this recipe uses fresh ingredients that bring a richer, more satisfying taste with every bite.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dip ready in no time, whether prepping in advance or making it at the last minute.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a Super Bowl party, family gathering, or casual snack, this dip fits right in and is always a hit.
- A Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Creamy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor, this dip is guaranteed to have everyone coming back for more.
Mise en Place – Always the First Step
To successfully prepare this Spinach Dip recipe, or any recipe for that matter, it’s important to have good organization. In cooking, this is known as “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its place.” Before you begin cooking, take a moment to read and understand the entire recipe, gather your tools, and measure and prep all the ingredients. This helps streamline the cooking process and ensures you’re ready for each step with no surprises, making things far less stressful in the kitchen.
Ingredients to Make Spinach Dip
- Mayonnaise: Contributes a smooth, velvety consistency with a slight tang, complementing the sour cream.
- Sour Cream: Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that balances the flavors and enhances the overall texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth with its savory, slightly tangy, and complex flavor profile.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach (thawed and pressed): Provides a hearty, earthy base for the dip, with a smooth texture once the excess water is removed.
- Water Chestnuts: Offer a satisfying crunch and mild sweetness, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy elements.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide a burst of sweet, concentrated tomato flavor that enhances the dip with a hint of umami.
- Green Onion: Brings a mild onion flavor with a fresh, slightly peppery bite.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers a warm, savory depth without overpowering the dip.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the onion flavor in a subtle, evenly distributed way.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dip with a touch of acidity, enhancing the other flavors.
- Kosher Salt: Elevates all the flavors, ensuring a well-seasoned dip.
- Fresh Ground Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity to round out the seasoning.
From Ingredients to Delicious: Making this Spinach Dip
1. Rehydrate the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Start by rehydrating the sun-dried tomatoes in warm water until they soften, my post on How to Reconstitute Sun-Dried Tomatoes for more detail. Once rehydrated, use a food processor to dice them into very small pieces.
2. Prepare the Spinach
While the tomatoes are soaking, place the frozen chopped spinach in a colander and run cool water over it until fully thawed. Once thawed, squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent a watery dip.
3. Chop the Water Chestnuts
Finely chop the water chestnuts into pieces smaller than a pea. There’s no need for perfect precision, but keeping the pieces uniform in size ensures a consistent texture in every bite.
4. Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream. Using a large bowl allows plenty of space for mixing without worrying about spills. Stir the two together until fully blended.
5. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the prepared spinach, diced sun-dried tomatoes, chopped water chestnuts, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh lemon juice, Kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper to the bowl.
6. Stir to Combine
Stir thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well incorporated.
7. Season to Taste
Give the dip a taste and adjust the seasoning by adding Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
8. Chill Before Serving
Unless serving immediately, cover the dip and refrigerate it until it’s time to enjoy. Chilling allows the flavors to meld, making it even better.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach dip is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit any occasion. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of sourdough or French bread and fill it with the dip for a fun and edible serving option. Use the scooped-out bread for dipping.
- Traditional Bowl: Serve in a regular bowl for a simple, no-fuss presentation.
- With Chips: Pair with tortilla chips, pita chips, or ridged potato chips for a satisfying crunch.
- Crackers: Offer an assortment of crackers, such as buttery, whole grain, or crispbread varieties.
- Fresh Veggie Tray: Serve with an array of colorful veggies like carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber slices for a fresh and crunchy option.
How to Store Spinach Dip
For the best flavor and texture, store your spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare and refrigerate the dip a day in advance.
Can You Freeze Spinach Dip?
I don’t recommend freezing this dip. The dairy components can separate and become watery once thawed, resulting in a less desirable texture. To enjoy it at its best, it’s best to make it fresh or store it in the fridge and consume it within a few days.
The Ultimate Spinach Dip
This creamy, flavor-packed spinach dip is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a family gathering, or a big game day or Super Bowl party. Made with fresh ingredients like crisp water chestnuts, tangy sour cream, and savory sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and even easier to love, this dip pairs perfectly with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies—making it a go-to favorite for every event.
- Prep Time: 30
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
- Category: Dip
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (12-ounce) packages of frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 2 (8-ounce) cans of diced water chestnuts
- 1 cup soft julienned sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 bunches of green onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Rehydrate the sun-dried tomatoes by soaking in hot water for 20-30 minutes (see note #1 below). Once rehydrated, use a food processor to dice them into very small pieces.
- While the tomatoes are soaking, place the frozen chopped spinach in a colander and run cool water over it until fully thawed. Once thawed, squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
- Finely chop the water chestnuts into pieces smaller than a pea.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream. Using a large bowl allows plenty of space for mixing without worrying about spills. Stir the two together until fully blended.
- Add the prepared spinach, diced sun-dried tomatoes, chopped water chestnuts, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh lemon juice, Kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients a evenly distributed.
- Give the dip a taste and adjust the seasoning by adding Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Unless serving immediately, cover the dip and refrigerate it until it’s time to enjoy. Chilling allows the flavors to meld, making it even better.
Notes
- For more details on rehydrating sun-dried tomatoes, see my post on How to Reconstitute Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Good flavor combinations. Thanks for tip on reconstituting the sun dried tomatoes and not using those soaking in oil. Was hoping to get to eat it all by myself. Thought that since it is so green that the husband wouldn’t venture near. No such luck. He, also, liked it and I had to share.
I did alter recipe a bit. I only used 1/2 the sour cream and 1/2 the mayo and substituted plain non-fat Greek yogurt for the balance.