This Cheddar’s Santa Fe Spinach Dip is a creamy and cheesy delight, packed with fresh spinach and a hint of spices. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on a cozy night in!
I love scooping it up with crispy tortilla chips—seriously, it’s hard to stop! Just make sure you have enough… friends will definitely ask for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the dip a vibrant color and fresh taste. If you’re short on time or fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach works great as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze it dry to avoid watery dip.
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the dip and provides creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also swap it out with Greek yogurt, but this will change the flavor a bit!
Cheese: Cheddar is a must for that cheesy flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or even a mix of mozzarella and gouda for a different twist. Grated varieties melt better, so avoid block cheese if possible.
Spices: Cumin and chili powder add warmth. If you don’t have these, taco seasoning can be a quick alternative. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference—leave them out for a milder dip.
How Can I Ensure My Spinach Dip Is Creamy and Smooth?
The key to a smooth and creamy spinach dip is thoroughly mixing the cream cheese with other creamy ingredients like sour cream and mayonnaise before adding the other elements. Use a hand mixer or whisk for the best consistency!
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Mix well until there are no lumps; add cheeses and spices gradually to keep it smooth.
- Once combined, the spinach should be folded carefully in to maintain volume.
Also, baking the dip until it’s hot and bubbly creates that perfect blend of flavors, so avoid skipping this step!
Cheddars Santa Fe Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, finely diced for some heat
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be enjoying your warm spinach dip in about 35 minutes. Perfect for when you’re craving something cheesy and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your dip is nice and hot when it’s ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Spinach:
If you’re using fresh spinach, go ahead and sauté it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, just be sure to squeeze out as much water as you can after it’s thawed to avoid a watery dip!
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. A hand mixer works great for this if you have it, but a good old-fashioned whisk will do just fine!
4. Add the Cheeses and Spices:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack (if using), chopped green onions, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together to combine.
5. Fold in the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add in the cooked spinach. Gently fold it into the cheese mixture along with the diced jalapeño if you want an extra kick. Mix until it’s all well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spread the mixture evenly into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and even on the top for even baking!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be hot and bubbly with a nice golden crust on top.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out and give it a couple of minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. This adds a neat touch!
9. Enjoy with Chips:
Serve your warm Santa Fe Spinach Dip with plenty of tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness just like at Cheddar’s!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious dip with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dip. This helps prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip, place it in the baking dish, and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
How Can I Make It Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. You can also use spicy cheese like pepper jack instead of regular cheddar for an extra kick!