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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a warm, creamy, and seriously comforting appetizer to wow your guests (or just treat yourself), you have to try this Baked Spinach Dip Recipe. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers I keep coming back to because it’s effortless, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy nights in or party snacks. Stick with me—I’m going to walk you through every step so your dip turns out silky smooth and golden on top every single time.

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Creamy, cheesy goodness: The combination of cream cheese, parmesan, asiago, and mozzarella creates a rich and luscious texture that everyone loves.
Perfectly balanced spinach: Thoroughly drained spinach prevents sogginess and keeps the dip thick and indulgent.
Easy prep, impressive result: You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to nail this dip – it comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection.
Versatile & customizable: You can add your own twists (hello artichokes or bacon!) to suit your taste or occasion.

Baked Spinach Dip, creamy spinach dip, cheesy spinach appetizer, hot spinach cheese dip, easy party spinach dip - 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

The beauty of this baked spinach dip recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a role—not just for taste, but for texture and that lovely, melty finish. When you pick your ingredients thoughtfully, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

Baked Spinach Dip, creamy spinach dip, cheesy spinach appetizer, hot spinach cheese dip, easy party spinach dip - 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: Frozen spinach is super convenient and affordable, but if you use fresh, just remember to steam and drain it well so it doesn’t water down your dip.
Cream cheese: Acts as the creamy base; make sure it’s softened to blend smoothly and avoid lumps.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the richness perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs that punch and elevates the dip’s flavor tremendously.
Parmesan & asiago cheese: These two add sharp, nutty flavors and help create the signature cheesy depth.
Onion powder, salt & pepper: Seasonings that bring out all the savory notes—you can’t skip these!
Mozzarella cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for that golden, bubbly crust; it’s like the cherry on top.

📝

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

One thing I adore about this baked spinach dip recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over the years, I’ve played around with a few add-ins and different cheeses depending on what I have on hand or who I’m serving.

Artichoke hearts: Adding about half a cup of chopped, drained artichoke hearts introduces a subtle tang and extra texture—I love how it ups the dip’s sophistication.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon stirred in before baking brings a smoky, salty kick that makes the dip utterly addictive.
Spice it up: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Greens variation: Try swapping spinach for kale or Swiss chard, but remember to steam and drain them thoroughly just like spinach.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Spinach Like a Pro

Whether you’re using frozen or fresh spinach, the key first step is getting rid of every bit of excess moisture. I usually thaw frozen spinach overnight in the fridge or pop it in the microwave for a couple minutes, then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze hard. For fresh spinach, steam it until wilted, cool for a few minutes, then squeeze and chop. Trust me, this prevents watery dip and gives you that thick, creamy texture every time.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add minced garlic, parmesan, asiago, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well. This mix is where those bold flavors start coming together, so taste a little and adjust seasoning if you like before adding the spinach.

Step 3: Combine and Transfer

Fold your drained spinach gently into the cheese mixture until fully combined. Then, spoon the mixture into a small baking dish—something around 5×5 inches works well for even baking. If you want, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top for that gorgeous bubbling crust.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your dish in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The dip should be warmed through, bubbly, and the cheese on top golden. If it’s not browning like you want, carefully broil for 1-2 minutes—but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn! The aroma alone is enough to get everyone counting down the minutes.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Baked Spinach Dip Recipe

Drain Like a Pro: Squeeze the spinach multiple times in small batches to remove as much water as possible; watery spinach leads to a runny dip.
Room Temperature Cheese: Let your cream cheese soften fully at room temp for a smoother mixture and no clumps.
Don’t Skip the Broiler: That final minute or two under the broiler gives the dip an irresistible golden crust that’s worth watching closely.
Timing Is Everything: Bake just until bubbly to keep the dip creamy — overbaking can dry it out.

How to Serve Baked Spinach Dip Recipe

Baked Spinach Dip, creamy spinach dip, cheesy spinach appetizer, hot spinach cheese dip, easy party spinach dip - 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

For garnishes, I usually keep it simple but effective—sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh note. Sometimes, I add a little extra grated parmesan right before serving, because why not? It just compliments the cheesy layers beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with crusty bread—think toasted baguette slices or warm pita chips. Fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers are also great for dipping and balance all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving the baked spinach dip inside a hollowed-out round bread bowl. It makes for a stunning centerpiece that’s both functional and photo-worthy. Another fun idea I tried was scooping the dip into mini bell peppers for individual portion bites—everyone really enjoyed this bite-sized twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. This dip keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating because it might thicken a bit.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times with good results. Wrap your baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap or transfer the dip into a freezer-safe container. It freezes best for up to 3 months. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture warms back up nicely after baking again.

Reheating

I reheat baked spinach dip in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly again. This brings back that freshly baked texture way better than the microwave, which sometimes makes it a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this baked spinach dip recipe?

Yes! You absolutely can use fresh spinach. Just be sure to steam or boil it until it’s wilted, then let it cool enough to handle before squeezing out all excess water. This prevents your dip from becoming watery and ensures a creamy, thick texture.
What can I serve with baked spinach dip?

Baked spinach dip pairs beautifully with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, as well as warm, crusty bread like baguette slices or pita chips. You can also try tortilla chips or crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack.
How do I keep the spinach dip from turning watery?

The secret is in draining the spinach very well—wring it out multiple times in small batches until no more water comes out. Using frozen spinach thawed and squeezed, or properly steamed fresh spinach, ensures your dip stays thick and creamy.
Can I prepare the baked spinach dip ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble everything the day before, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready, let it come to room temp for about 30 minutes, then bake as usual. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

Final Thoughts

This baked spinach dip recipe holds a special place in my heart because it always brings people together—whether it’s a last-minute snack for friends or a classic holiday appetizer. It’s uncomplicated, utterly delicious, and so comforting. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Seriously, once you’ve tasted this silky, cheesy dip bubbling right out of the oven, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes too!