Looking for an easy-to-make party appetizer that's also packed with healthy greens? This creamy Hot Spinach Dip is the perfect addition to any holiday party table.
(This recipe for Hot Spinach Dip was originally published in December 2008, but was updated with new photos in 2020).
With the holiday season in full swing (even though it still doesn't feel like it to me!), and lots of parties to attend, I feel like it's always a good idea to have a "go-to" appetizer recipe to quickly whip up and bring to your festivities.
This quick and easy hot spinach dip is easy to make, delicious, and actually a little bit healthier than many appetizer recipes you'll see at this time of year. Yes, there's cheese involved, but also lots of healthy spinach!
It's fabulous for bringing to parties... But I may or may not have also enjoyed it as my entire meal one night.
OK fine, when you eat this hot spinach dip with a pound of pretzels, it may not be quite as "healthy" as originally thought. Oops.
Hot Spinach Dip Recipe
One of the best things about this party appetizer? It can all be prepared in one big saucepan, which means minimal dirty dishes. That's always a win in my book.
To start, pre-heat oven to 425 degrees and lightly oil an 8x8 baking dish.
In a large saucepan, add olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and garlic and cook until lightly brown about 5-8 minutes.
Add milk and cream cheese to saucepan and turn heat to high. Whisk together until cream cheese is completely blended into milk.
Add spinach, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, ½ cup mozzarella, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
Stir until mixture is fully combined and cheese is melted.
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve this yummy hot spinach dip with any kinds of dippers you choose. I went with mini pretzel sticks for my own evening snack... But if you're bringing to a party, you could add baguettes, breadsticks, crackers, etc.
If you're trying to go low-carb, by all means, eat this dip with a spoon!
I like how this dip is less light and creamy and more solid and fully loaded; it can be sliced and served because it's so chock full of good stuff!
If you prefer a creamier dip, simply give the dip a good stir right when it comes out of the oven.
This hot spinach dip is the perfect hot appetizer for a cold night in. Even if that night in is by yourself. Ahem.
If you're looking for more delicious party appetizer dips, check out my Bacon White Pizza Dip and my Easy Taco Dip. I also can't wait to make this Creamy Pinto Bean Dip from Instant Pot Eats!
📖 Recipe
Hot Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil, plus more for baking dish
- 1 cup diced onion (from 1 small onion)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup whole milk
- 8 oz. cream cheese (can use reduced-fat if desired)
- 2 10-oz. packages frozen spinach, thawed with water squeezed out
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 dashes Tabasco
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- Baguette slices, pretzels, breadsticks, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees and lightly oil an 8x8 baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, add olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and garlic and cook until lightly brown about 5-8 minutes.
- Add milk and cream cheese to saucepan and turn heat to high. Whisk together until cream cheese is completely blended into milk.
- Add spinach, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, ½ cup mozzarella, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir until mixture is fully combined and cheese is melted.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve spinach dip hot with pretzels, baguettes, breadsticks, crackers, etc.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
Sara says
even with the frozen spinach, this was perfect! don't change a thing. loved it 🙂
TKTC says
Really, Chels? You're really going to start my day with this? Now I am craving HARD CORE and it's not even 10:30 my time...gonna be a fattie day. I can feel it.
VeggieGirl says
Classic!
Jay says
One of my holiday favorites. Although my version has about 30 dashes of hot sauce in it!
FoodRenegade says
Now this is what I call REAL FOOD. It looks delicious!
Cheers,
Kristen
Pearl says
that spinach dip looks amazing! i found your blog randomly and couldn't resist 🙂
Heather says
yum!!! that sounds delicious! i love spinach dip. it does sound like the perfect cold weather snack!
Dustin says
Are those gluten free crackers? I hope so . . .
Nicole says
i will definately be making this for my christmas party on the 20th. thanks!! great idea
Darius T. Williams says
Definitely a hit here - like, for real!
-DTW
rattynposh says
I wish I had some of this dip right now . . . and yes, it is 8:45am. I want dip for breakfast. Don't judge me! 🙂
Melissa says
I looove spinach dip - this recipe looks great. Will definitely be trying this soon!
Louise at Livin Local says
Savory, gooey, creamy, warm ... oh my! Sounds perfect at any time of the day when a little comfort is in order.
Debbie says
Hi, I am making your recipe for an "Ugly Sweater Party" tonight. Yours looked the best when I googled for one. Thanks! Hope I win for best food and ugliest sweater...
RebeccaC says
God..its like you read my mind. I've been craving this stuff for a week straight. Now there is no way I'll last through the night without it.
Modern Maven says
This will be MADE by me TOO very soon. It looks delicious! Yum!
Kevin says
That looks great!! You really can't go wrong with gooey melted cheese and some spinach for good measure.