Creamy Garlic Spinach Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer — warm, velvety, and loaded with the rich flavors of garlic, cheese, and tender spinach. Every scoop is creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, making it the perfect companion for chips, crackers, bread, or veggie sticks.

It’s a classic dip that never goes out of style and brings a comforting, homemade touch to any gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a movie night, or just craving something indulgent, this dip always hits the spot. It’s quick to prepare, easy to bake, and absolutely irresistible!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor without being overly heavy. The garlic gives it warmth, the spinach adds freshness, and the creamy base ties everything together beautifully. It’s one of those dishes that everyone reaches for first at the table — and it disappears in minutes!

It’s also incredibly easy to make — just mix, bake, and serve. The aroma of baked garlic and cheese filling your kitchen is enough to make everyone hungry. It’s my go-to for gatherings, family get-togethers, or even cozy nights in.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Creamy Garlic Spinach Dip is a must-try because it’s universally loved, versatile, and incredibly simple to prepare. It works for every occasion — from holidays to game nights — and pairs well with almost anything.

The creamy texture, garlicky aroma, and cheesy goodness make it a comfort food classic. Plus, it’s easily customizable: you can add artichokes, bacon, or extra cheese to make it your own.

Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought dips again!

Preparation and Cooking Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American / Party Appetizer
Course: Appetizer / Snack / Party Dip

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

1 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz / 280 g) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (or 3 cups fresh spinach, cooked and chopped)
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Garnish:

Extra Parmesan or mozzarella for topping
Chopped parsley

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Add spinach and cook briefly.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, and seasonings.
Stir in the spinach mixture and blend well.
Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel.
If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan until wilted, then chop finely and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (avoid browning).

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix the Dip

Add sautéed garlic, spinach, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Stir until evenly combined and creamy.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish.
Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden crust.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve your Creamy Garlic Spinach Dip warm with:

Toasted baguette slices or crostini
Crackers or tortilla chips
Pita bread or breadsticks
Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers)

You can also spoon it into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and rustic presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

Always drain spinach thoroughly — excess moisture can make the dip watery.
Use room-temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing.
For extra depth, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Want it cheesier? Mix in extra mozzarella or Gruyère before baking.
Make it ahead: prepare the dip mixture a day before and bake it fresh before serving.

Variations

Spinach Artichoke Dip: Add ½ cup chopped canned artichokes.
Cheesy Spinach Bacon Dip: Mix in ¼ cup crispy bacon bits.
Spicy Jalapeño Spinach Dip: Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeños for a kick.
Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese, vegan mayo, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Cold Spinach Dip: Skip baking and chill the mixture for a refreshing, creamy cold dip.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dip for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbly, or microwave in short bursts.

Special Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Small skillet (for garlic)
Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar)
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Simply sauté fresh spinach until wilted, drain excess liquid, and chop before mixing.

Q2: Can I make this dip in advance?
Absolutely. Mix everything ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Q3: How do I make it lighter?
Use low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduce the cheese slightly.

Q4: Can I serve this dip cold?
Yes, though it’s traditionally served warm, it also tastes great chilled.

Q5: What cheese substitutes can I use?
You can replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or mozzarella with Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Spinach Dip is the definition of a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer — creamy, cheesy, and full of garlicky goodness. It’s simple to make yet impressive to serve, perfect for parties, potlucks, or family nights. Every bite feels warm, comforting, and deliciously indulgent.