If you’re hunting for that perfect, creamy, party-winning dip, then you’re going to love this Classic Spinach Dip Recipe. It’s the kind of dip that brings everyone together, whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a snack craving that won’t quit. I’ve been making this forever, and every single time, it disappears fast—so keep plenty of veggies and crackers ready because you won’t want it to last long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your fridge or pantry.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The combo of sour cream and mayo makes it irresistibly smooth.
- Crunchy Surprise: Water chestnuts add that perfect fresh crunch amidst the creamy goodness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling overnight, giving you stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each element in this Classic Spinach Dip Recipe works together to create a balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and prep like a pro.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Be sure to thaw and squeeze out every bit of moisture to avoid a watery dip.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness; I always go for full-fat for best results.
- Mayonnaise: Boosts creaminess and flavor; homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Knorr Vegetable Soup mix: This adds that nostalgic, savory punch—don’t skip it!
- Water chestnuts: Drained and chopped, they bring a refreshing crunch that keeps people guessing.
- Green onions: Fresh and bright, these add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Classic Spinach Dip Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Depending on the occasion or what you have on hand, you can tweak it to make it your own.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: I’ve swapped this in for a lighter version that’s still creamy and delicious.
- Add shredded cheese: Sometimes I throw in a bit of shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra richness.
- Swap green onions for chives: This adds a milder, more refined onion flavor that I personally enjoy.
- Include fresh herbs: A sprinkle of dill or parsley can brighten things up, especially for summer snack spreads.
- Make it spicy: Toss in a dash of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños for a little heat that wakes up the dip beautifully.
How to Make Classic Spinach Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach with Care
First things first: thaw the frozen chopped spinach completely. I like to pop mine in a microwave for a minute or let it sit at room temp. Then, wrap it tightly in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out every bit of water you can. This step is crucial—leftover moisture can turn your dip runny, and nobody wants that.
Step 2: Mix All Ingredients Gently
In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, sour cream, and mayo. Then stir in the Knorr Soup Mix, chopped water chestnuts, and green onions. I find folding the mixture gently helps maintain the crunch of the water chestnuts and keeps the dip light. No need for over-mixing here!
Step 3: Refrigerate and Let Flavors Develop
Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours, but if you can, overnight is best. This gives the flavors time to marry and intensify, making your Classic Spinach Dip Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
I love serving this dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl—it’s festive and delicious. Surround it with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and sturdy crackers or bread chunks. As your guests start dipping, prepare for lots of compliments and requests for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Classic Spinach Dip Recipe
- Thoroughly Drain Spinach: I learned the hard way that excess moisture ruins dip texture—so squeeze, squeeze, squeeze!
- Let It Chill Long Enough: The resting time lets flavors blend beautifully; don’t rush this step if you can help it.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: It makes the dip richer and creamier—trust me, it’s worth it.
- Add Crunch Last Minute: If you want maximum crunch, stir in some water chestnuts right before serving instead of ahead of time.
How to Serve Classic Spinach Dip Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this dip, I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped green onion or even some paprika on top — it gives a lovely pop of color and hints at the flavors inside. Sometimes, a few fresh herb sprigs like parsley or dill bring a fresh touch that’s perfect for springtime snacking.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with crunchy raw veggies like bell peppers, carrot sticks, and celery. I also love chunky artisan bread, pita chips, or even sturdy crackers — basically anything that can scoop up plenty of this creamy goodness. For a fun twist, try serving alongside chips or even crispy wonton wrappers.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve this Classic Spinach Dip Recipe in individual mini bread bowls or even hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful display. Another fun idea: layer it in a clear trifle bowl with layers of diced tomatoes and cheese for a fresh, festive look that always dazzles guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always give it a good stir before serving again to re-incorporate any separated liquids. Just remember to keep the crunchy ingredients in the mix fresh or add them later to maintain their texture.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing this dip, but honestly, the texture changes a bit after thawing, especially the mayo and sour cream. If you want to freeze, it’s best to do so before adding the water chestnuts and green onions; add those fresh when you thaw it to keep the crunch and flavor sharp.
Reheating
This dip is usually best served chilled, but if you want to warm it up slightly, do so gently—either in a microwave in short bursts or in a warm water bath to avoid breaking the creamy consistency. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that fresh, tangy flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh spinach, give it a quick sauté or steam it until wilted, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it into the dip. This fresh approach adds a slightly different texture and flavor, which I actually enjoy.
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Is there a dairy-free version of Classic Spinach Dip Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream and mayo for dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it still makes a delicious, creamy dip that’s perfect for dairy-sensitive guests.
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How long can I make the dip ahead of time?
You can prepare this dip up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually deepen with time, so making it the night before serving is ideal. Just give it a good stir before serving.
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What can I use instead of Knorr Vegetable Soup mix?
If you prefer to avoid pre-packaged mixes, try making your own blend of dried onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, salt, and a bit of powdered herbs. This homemade mix captures a similar savory flavor without the extra additives.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Classic Spinach Dip Recipe brings people together. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to whip up, which makes it my go-to for holidays, casual hangouts, or even a midnight snack. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your kitchen staples too. Trust me—you’ll want to share this one with all your friends!
Print
Classic Spinach Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Spinach Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with thawed spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a flavorful vegetable soup mix, it combines crunchy water chestnuts and fresh green onions for added texture and taste. Serve chilled in a bread bowl or alongside fresh veggies, crackers, or bread chunks for an irresistible starter everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and moisture squeezed out
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package Knorr Vegetable Soup mix
- 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach: Ensure the frozen chopped spinach is fully thawed and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, Knorr Vegetable Soup mix, chopped water chestnuts, and chopped green onions. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, though preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.
- Serve: Before serving, transfer the dip to a bread bowl if desired, or place it in a serving dish. Accompany it with fresh vegetables, crackers, and chunks of bread for dipping and enjoy.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the spinach to ensure a thick, creamy texture.
- Using the Knorr Vegetable Soup mix adds a unique depth of flavor and seasoning to this dip.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute light sour cream and mayonnaise.
- This dip improves in flavor if refrigerated overnight.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
