Ingredients with Measurements:
- 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Mix well using an electric mixer or whisk.
3. Add the thawed and drained spinach to the mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dip is heated through.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 260
- Total fat: 22g
- Saturated fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 570mg
- Total carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 11g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Frozen spinach can be substituted with fresh spinach, but it needs to be cooked and drained before adding to the mixture.
- Cream cheese can be substituted with Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
- Onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
- Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder.
Variations:
- Add chopped artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as feta cheese or blue cheese, for a different flavor profile.
- Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meatier version of the dip.
- Use different spices, such as Italian seasoning or chili powder, for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the dip, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dip in a bread bowl for a fun and creative presentation.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
- Salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the dip is too thin, add more cheese or sour cream to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the dip to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store any leftover dip in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.
Food history:
- Spinach dip became popular in the 1950s and 1960s as a party appetizer.
- The first recipe for spinach dip was published in the 1950s by Knorr, a company that makes soup and seasoning mixes.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Savory
- Spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack at parties or gatherings.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
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