Spinach dip is one of those classic recipes, like 7 Layer Dip, that's always a hit. It's perfect for parties, game day snacks, or just a quick and easy dinner. Plus, it's so simple to put together that you can have it ready in no time! If you're looking for a new spin on your favorite dip, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.
Spinach Dip with Tortilla Chips at a Glance
- 🕒 Total Time: ~35 minutes
- 👪 Servings: 8–10
- 🍝 Cuisine Type: American / Appetizer
- 🧂 Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory, and cheesy with garlicky spinach and a rich, comforting dip base
- 📖 Dietary Info: Vegetarian; contains dairy and gluten (depending on dippers)
- 📦 Storage Notes: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days; reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through
- ⭐ Why You’ll Love It: A classic, crowd-pleasing dip that disappears fast — perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you need an easy appetizer everyone loves.
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Why I Love This Recipe
It's about that time people!! Game day season is upon us and you know I take that very seriously! Dips are an integral part of any game day party and spinach dip is mandatory.
Whenever we go out for dinner its fairly safe to say that if there's a Spinach Dip on the menu, it's coming to my table. Any excuse to eat tortilla chips, especially homemade tortilla chips! It's by far one of my favorite appetizers and a good homemade spinach dip recipe is crucial. I've been making this recipe for years. (literally, it first popped up on my website back in 2010. Oh man, I'm getting old)
It's easy to make and easier to eat. It starts with onions and garlic, as most good things do... and get fresh spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, spice and some other things on top. Everything melds together to make a creamy hot spinach dip that is too good to resist. Trust me - I've tried. If you're intrigued by a baked cozy version, try the cheesy artichoke dip that adds a crisp golden breadcrumb topping, or if you want to try different greens, the cheesy creamed kale and the hot kale and bacon dip is also a big hit in our house!
Jump to:
You can serve Spinach Dip with crudité, pita chips, homemade tortilla chips (my personal favorite) or any type of crackers. It belongs on your game day menu for sure!! And, since I know I'll get a few emails about it - if you plan on making this and bringing it to someones house to watch the game, you can make it, pop it in a slow cooker, and then just plug it on and turn it on low to keep it warm throughout the game. And while you're at it, make some guacamole for game too. You're welcome.
Ingredients
To get your dip super creamy I like to add in milk, cream cheese, and mozzarella. These three ingredients are responsible for all the gooey creaminess. Here is a simplified list of ingredients that goes into this recipe. If you are looking for detailed measurements please see the recipe card down at the bottom of this post.
Substitutions
🥬 Spinach Swaps
- Frozen spinach — totally fine, just thaw and squeeze it really well.
- Baby spinach — sauté quickly and chop before mixing in.
- Kale — a bit heartier, great if you want something sturdier.
- Swiss chard — mild and slightly sweet, works beautifully here.
🥣 Creamy Base Options
- Sour cream — classic tangy balance.
- Greek yogurt — lighter with extra protein.
- Cream cheese — thicker, richer dip vibes.
- Mayo — adds smoothness and rounds out the flavor.
- Vegan option: dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream.
🧀 Cheese Swaps
- Parmesan — salty, nutty, and classic.
- Mozzarella — extra melty and mild.
- Gruyère or fontina — richer and more luxurious.
- Cheddar — bolder and more familiar.
- Nutritional yeast — dairy-free but still savory.
🧄 Flavor Boosters
- Garlic — roasted or sautéed for depth.
- Shallots or green onions — softer onion flavor.
- Red pepper flakes — just enough heat.
- Lemon juice or zest — brightens everything up.
- A splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce — adds umami.
🌶 Add-Ins & Upgrades
- Artichoke hearts — for a spinach-artichoke crossover moment.
- Crispy bacon or pancetta — salty and smoky.
- Chopped water chestnuts — old-school crunch in the best way.
- Chopped jalapeños or green chiles — for a little kick.
🥖 Serving Swaps
- Tortilla chips or pita chips — always a win.
- Toasted baguette slices — perfect for entertaining.
- Crackers or crostini — easy and elegant.
- Veggies — carrots, celery, bell peppers if you want to keep it lighter.
- Use as a spread — on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.
How to Make Spinach Dip
Step 1: In a large pan add onion and garlic and cook until translucent. Then add in the spinach and cook until completely wilted.
Step 2: Transfer to a colander and drain, pressing the spinach down with the back of a wooden spoon to release all excess liquid.
Step 3: In the same pot, warm the milk. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth and melted.
Step 4: Add spinach, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, mozzarella, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Simmer until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve with chips.
How to Store Spinach Dip
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. These are my favorite glass tupperware containers for storing leftovers.
🥬🧀✨ 10 Tips + Tricks for the Best Spinach Dip
Finish with something fresh. A sprinkle of chopped herbs, cracked pepper, or extra cheese on top makes it feel intentional and party-ready.
Drain the spinach REALLY well. This is the most important step. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible so your dip stays thick and creamy, not watery.
Use room-temperature dairy. Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo mix together way more smoothly when they’re not cold. No lumps, just dreamy texture.
Season in layers. Spinach is mild, so don’t be shy with salt, pepper, garlic, or onion flavor. Taste as you go so the dip actually pops.
Chop the spinach finely. Big leafy pieces can overpower each bite. Smaller bits distribute evenly and make the dip easier to scoop.
Let it chill before serving. Spinach dip gets better after a little fridge time. The flavors meld and the texture firms up into that classic, irresistible dip consistency.
Warm it gently if serving hot. If you’re baking or warming it, don’t crank the heat. Low and slow keeps it creamy instead of greasy or separated.
Add a little acid. A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar brightens everything and keeps the dip from tasting heavy.
Serve it with sturdy dippers. Think bread cubes, crackers, pita chips, or thick tortilla chips. This dip is rich and deserves a scoopable partner.
Make it ahead-friendly. Spinach dip is perfect for prepping a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving and you’re good to go.
FAQs
What is creamy spinach dip made of?
To get your dip super creamy I like to add in milk, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Then the base is made of spinach, yellow onions, and garlic. And finally it's seasoned with worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Do you eat spinach dip cold or hot?
You really can't go wrong; however, I would suggest eating this one hot or at room temperature. You want to avoid the mozzarella from hardening up as it cools.
What tastes good with spinach dip?
One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is because of the homemade tortilla chips that go perfect with this dip. I always felt that the bread options most restaurants give you makes it really hard to scoop. Plus who wants to use a knife to spread a dip while watching you favorite team play?
More Game Day Dip Recipes
If you're in the market for a delicious and crowd-pleasing spinach dip recipe, look no further! This one is easy to follow, and always a hit at game day gatherings or potlucks. Add it to your repertoire and you won't be disappointed.
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today!
Hot Spinach Dip
Ingredients
For the Spinach Dip
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 pounds spinach and coarsely chopped
- ⅓ cup milk
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- Freshly made tortilla chips recipe below
For the Tortilla Chips
- 5 small corn tortillas
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- Kosher salt
Instructions
To Make the Chips
- Cut the tortillas into 6 triangles each. Add the oil to a heavy bottom pan over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add a few of the tortilla triangles at a time and fry for about 1 minute on each side until they are crisp. Remove from the oil and transfer to a paper towel. Sprinkle with sea salt.
To make the Spinach Dip
- Head a large pan over medium heat and add the oil. Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until completely wilted, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a colander and drain, pressing the spinach down with the back of a wooden spoon to release all excess liquid.
- In the same pot, warm the milk over high heat. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth and melted, about 3 minutes. Add spinach, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and mozzarella and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer over medium low heat until ready to serve. Transfer to serving dish and serve with chips.
This was a really easy recipe and incredibly delicious. I actually used a 12oz bag of frozen spinach and a cup of fresh chopped spinach. It was too much spinach so I had to increase my amount of half and half (used this instead of milk). Next time I may just stick with my bag of frozen spinach. The addition of the red pepper flakes was perfect.
Hello, if buying bagged spinach, how many ounces should I use? Thank you!
2 pounds RAW spinach then coarsely chop it!
This was a winner. Eleven people at our house for the 4th and it was promptly eaten right up. I used an 8oz block of cream cheese (instead of 6 oz) bc I was too lazy to cut some off and it turned out great. I also used double the garlic. Next time I will add even more pepper flakes, and also artichoke hearts for some more meatiness. Fantastic recipe.