Y’all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of Christmas Eve chaos, it’s this: never underestimate the power of a good dip. And this Easy Hot Spinach Dip? Honey, it’s the hero of my holiday appetizer spread. It’s creamy, cheesy, just the right amount of garlicky, and comes together so quick you’ll have time to actually enjoy the party not just host it.
Why This Dip Will Be the First Thing Gone
- Rich and creamy with just the right gooey cheese pull.
- Perfect make-ahead magic, reheats beautifully!
- Ideal for any occasion: Christmas potluck, game night, or weeknight cravings.
Let’s Talk Ingredients (And Why They Matter)
This dip is unapologetically rich, y’all and every ingredient earns its spot in that bubbly baking dish.
Frozen chopped spinach: Easy, affordable, and always in my freezer. Just thaw and squeeze dry. No soggy dip here.
Cream cheese: The base of all holiday miracles. It gives our dip its silky, indulgent texture.
Sour cream + mayo: This duo keeps things tangy, luscious, and prevents the dip from being too heavy. Sour cream adds lightness, mayo adds depth.
Garlic: Because you need something to balance all that creamy goodness. Mince it fresh for best flavor.
Mozzarella + Parmesan: Mozz gives you that crave-worthy cheese pull. Parm brings the salty, nutty backbone that makes this feel like a grown-up dip appetizer.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch for warmth, not heat. Totally skippable if you’re feeding spice-sensitive folks at a Christmas appetizers party.
How to Make It Happen Without the Fuss
This easy hot spinach dip recipe is designed for success, even if your kitchen’s in full holiday tornado mode.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo. Stir until smooth.
Add your garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the well-drained spinach really make sure it’s dry or your dip will go from hot to watery real quick.
Fold in half the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan. Scoop the mix into a small baking dish and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top. If you’re like me and love a bit of browned cheese, broil it for 2 extra minutes. Keep watch cheese can turn from dreamy to burnt in seconds!
Don’t Let These Mistakes Ruin Your Easy Hot Spinach Dip
Look, even a seasoned cook can slip. These are the most common mishaps I see (and have made myself, bless it):
Not draining the spinach enough: Wet spinach is a surefire way to a soggy dip. Press it in a towel if needed. Trust me.
Using low-fat cream cheese or mayo: This ain’t the time for diet food. The full-fat stuff melts better and tastes richer and it’s the holidays, after all.
Overbaking: If you leave it in too long, the fats can separate. Once it’s golden and bubbling, she’s ready!
Little Pro Moves That Make a Big Difference
This recipe’s already a keeper, but here are a few pro tips that’ll take it from “good” to “gone in five minutes”:
First, let your cream cheese fully soften. Trying to mix it cold makes the process messy and uneven. Set it on the counter 30 minutes before starting, or zap it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
If you’re prepping for make ahead Christmas appetizers, go ahead and mix everything up a day in advance, refrigerate, and just bake before serving. Easy peasy. And reheating? Just cover with foil and warm at 300°F until heated through. No microwave shortcuts here — the oven gives you that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe every time.
Want a smoky twist? Add a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon before baking. Now you’ve got a dip that brings the drama in the best way.
Yara’s Holiday Hosting Bonus
If you’re juggling a dozen dishes and Aunt Karen’s asking if the pie’s homemade, this dip’s your sanity-saver.
Make a double batch and divide into two baking dishes. Serve one hot, and keep the other chilled for a crowd-pleasing cold version — especially handy if you’re bringing it to a Christmas potluck or setting up a mix of Christmas recipes appetizers that need to survive a buffet table.
Also, don’t underestimate the charm of individual servings. Spoon into small ramekins and bake for personal dip portions. Perfect for a Christmas appetizers easy table where guests can grab and go without hovering awkwardly over one bowl.
A Few Delicious Pairings to Serve Alongside
This dip is a social butterfly it plays well with many textures. Think crusty baguette slices, warm pita wedges, sturdy tortilla chips, or even crisp veggie sticks. Want to really wow the crowd? Serve it next to these Christmas cranberry pinwheels or a tray of antipasto Christmas wreath for a whole spread of holiday appetizers easy enough for any host.
I also love sneaking it into brunch spoon it over scrambled eggs or fold it into an omelet. Yes ma’am, it’s that versatile.
Easy Hot Spinach Dip
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo until smooth.
- Add garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in well-drained spinach.
- Fold in half the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Spoon mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling and golden. Broil for 2 minutes if a browned top is desired.
Notes
- Let cream cheese soften for easier mixing.
- Make ahead by assembling dip and refrigerating; bake before serving.
- Reheat in oven, not microwave, for best texture. Serve with baguette, chips, or veggie sticks.
- Add smoked paprika or bacon for extra flavor.
FAQS
What’s the best way to make spinach dip ahead of time?
Mix the entire dip spinach, cheeses, seasonings and all — and place it in your baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just bake as directed. If it’s cold from the fridge, add 5 extra minutes in the oven to get it piping hot.
Can I freeze hot spinach dip?
You can, but I don’t always recommend it. The dairy can sometimes separate when thawed, making the texture less creamy. If you do freeze it, reheat low and slow in the oven and give it a good stir before serving. Fresh is always best for dip appetizers like this.
What goes well with hot spinach dip at a party?
Crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or veggie dippers like carrots and bell peppers all work well. To build a party-worthy spread, pair it with items like Christmas Eve snack mix or Italian Christmas Eve seafood bites.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture. You’ll need about 10 oz fresh to match a standard frozen package. Just make sure it’s bone dry before adding — wet spinach is dip disaster territory.
Before You Dash to the Oven…
If you’ve been looking for the best Christmas appetizers that are cozy, crowd-pleasing, and totally doable on a weeknight this easy hot spinach dip checks every box. It’s reliable, wildly craveable, and fits right in next to all your Christmas Eve appetizers or served as part of a dip-lovers’ dream spread straight from Bon Appétit’s kitchen minds.
So, go ahead and save this gem for every future gathering. And if it becomes your signature? You’ll hear no complaints from me. In fact, I’ll probably ask for the recipe even if I know it by heart.
