COLD Spinach Dip With Cream Cheese

This cold spinach dip with cream cheese recipe has been in the family for years. It's made without mayo which I personally love and is a popular party dip that takes less than 7 MINUTES to whip up. I like to make this dip ahead of time and add it to a freshly cut bread bowl when guests arrive!

If you love quick dips, try my Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip with Cream Cheese or my Easy Bagna Cauda (Garlic and Anchovy Dip).

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7 minutes!

That's all you need to make this cold spinach dip! And maybe some hungry guests.

It's one of those recipes that you'll want to whip up again and again!

This recipe is the best cold spinach dip I have come across because it uses cream cheese and NO mayo which I dislike in dips.

Instead of the mayo, I use sour cream which is light, tasty and adds some tang. Any appetizer that is easy to make in advance and can be served cold (or room temperature) is a winner in my house.

This dip is one of my most popular recipes for good reason.

I like to put this spinach dip in a sour dough BREAD BOWL. It looks so festive this way! Plus, you don't have to worry about asking for your Tupperware back if you bring it to a party! (Don't you hate that?)

Then add some crudites, fresh pita or bread and you're ready to serve!

Instructions:

Making a cold spinach dip is one of the easiest things because all of your ingredients can be tossed in ONE mixing bowl!

Here are steps on how to make your dip:

Step 1: Prep your spinach! If using frozen spinach, you need to allow it to fully thaw out. Then, once it's defrosted, squeeze all of the water out. I like using paper towels or a thin dish towel to do the job. (See how I do this quickly below.)

Step 2: Add your spinach to a large bowl along with every other ingredient except for the tomatoes, and mix until nicely creamed and blended together.

Step 3: Mix in your tomatoes last to maintain their shape. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve in a bread bowl or any bowl!

Have you tried my creamy tzatziki dip yet?

Using Fresh Spinach

Fresh spinach will work in this recipe BUT it takes more work!

First, you will need to chop it down because some fresh spinach leaves are SO large.

If you just throw them in the dip as is, you'll get a "stringy" spinach dip...and trust me...no one likes "stringy" dips.

You also will need to saute your spinach before you add it to your dip. It will help the leaves to break down a bit resulting in more of a wilted spinach which is really what we want in a cold spinach dip.

Using Frozen Spinach

I prefer to use FROZEN chopped spinach leaves for this recipe.

Why? Because it is super cheap AND does not require you to cook or pre-chop your spinach.

All you need to do is defrost your frozen spinach quickly in the microwave or let it sit in the fridge overnight in a bowl.

Then SQUEEZE all of your water out before you add it to your dip! I like to use a thin towel, cheese cloth OR paper towels to do this. If you don't squeeze the water out, your dip will be watery!

Dip Substitutions/Variations

• red peppers (adds some color, sweetness AND crunch)
• sauteed onions
• caramelized onions
• fresh garlic
• water chestnuts (adds a fresh crunch)
• Knorr dried vegetable soup mix

Favorite Spinach Dip Pairings

Everyone has their own dipping go-to's. I like serving this dip with multiple dipping options to satisfy all my guest's dietary needs.

My husband goes in for the more substantial dippers. You know..the 'carby' dippers, like bread or crackers!

But some people may be gluten free, so think about who you're serving.

These are my favorite items to serve alongside a cold spinach dip:

• Tortilla Chips
• Pita Chips
• Mini Crostini
• Grilled pita bread (this is my favorite dipper!)
• Crackers
• Crudite (celery, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, peppers)
• Tomatoes

Add your dip inside a bread bowl for a fun presentation!

How To Make A BREAD BOWL

Get yourself a nice round loaf of sour dough or pumpernickel bread. Really, any round loaf should work!

Then cut out the inside using a large serrated knife. Point the knife on a downward/inward angle and cut a circle around the top portion. Be careful not to cut too much off the top!

Then, using your hands, pull off the top. Rip out any extra breading inside the loaf. You want to create a hole. Be careful not too cut or rip out too much. All you need is a medium sized hole to fit the dip inside.

Reserve any of the bread you cut out and reuse it for dipping!

Make Your Dip In Advance!

Because this dip is served COLD, it can be stored in the fridge until your ready to serve it! In fact, storing it overnight will give the flavors time to infuse! It should last 3-4 days in the fridge.

Other COLD party dips you might like!

Garlic Oil Cannelini Dip

Greek Red Pepper Feta Dip

The Best Bread Dipping Oil

Cold Taco Dip With Cottage Cheese

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