This hot gluten-free spinach dip is rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Made with fresh spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, and plenty of melted cheese, it's an easy appetizer that's perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
Serve it warm with gluten-free crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dip that's perfect for sharing.
Happy dipping, everyone! 🌟🍃
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Is Spinach Dip Gluten Free?
Yes! This homemade gluten-free spinach dip is made with fresh spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and melted cheese.
These ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this warm, creamy dip a great appetizer for anyone avoiding gluten.
However, not all spinach dips are gluten-free. Some store-bought versions contain seasonings, thickeners, or other ingredients with gluten.
Always check the labels of your packaged ingredients, especially if you're preparing this recipe for someone with celiac disease.
If you love easy homemade dips, you might also enjoy my gluten-free whipped tofu dip, or fried pickle dip.
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❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and cheesy: Made with cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella for a rich, gooey spinach dip with a delicious golden topping.
- Made with fresh spinach: Sautéed fresh spinach adds wonderful flavor and texture.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this a fuss-free appetizer.
- Gluten-free: Made without flour or breadcrumbs. Just check that your packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free when necessary.
- Perfect for entertaining: A warm, crowd-pleasing dip that's ideal for parties, game days, and holiday gatherings.
- Great for dipping: Serve with gluten-free crackers, tortilla chips, or crunchy fresh vegetables.
Serving suggestion: This creamy spinach dip is delicious with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. If you're following a gluten-free diet, be sure to choose gluten-free bread or crackers.
Ingredients You Need & Substitutions
- Fresh spinach: I use fresh spinach leaves for this recipe. Sauté until wilted, then drain thoroughly to prevent a watery dip. You can also use frozen spinach, but thaw it and squeeze out all the excess moisture first.
- Cream cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese is my favorite. Make sure it's softened to room temperature so it mixes easily with the other ingredients. You can learn how to soften cream cheese here.
- Sour cream: Adds a delicious tangy flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy dip.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess. You can replace it with extra sour cream if you prefer.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dip wonderful flavor, but dried garlic works too. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor. You can substitute grated Parmesan cheese for a slightly sharper taste.
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that delicious gooey, melted cheese topping. Remember to reserve some for sprinkling over the dip before baking.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance the flavor of the spinach and cheese.
- Cooking spray: Lightly grease your baking dish to help prevent sticking.
- Green onions: An optional garnish that adds a fresh flavor and a pop of color.
👩🏼🍳 How to Make Hot Gluten-Free Spinach Dip
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
Step 1: Sauté the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to a large frying pan and cook over medium heat until wilted. Drain thoroughly, pressing out any excess liquid to prevent a watery dip.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Spinach
Fold the drained spinach into the creamy cheese mixture until evenly combined.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray and spread the spinach mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the top.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden. For an extra golden topping, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite gluten-free crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables.
Delicious Variations for Gluten-Free Spinach Dip
Want to give your homemade spinach dip a little twist? Here are some delicious additions to try!
- Artichoke hearts: Stir in ½ cup of drained, chopped artichoke hearts for extra texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Add ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, savory twist.
- Roasted red peppers: Mix in ¼ cup of finely diced roasted red peppers for a little sweetness and extra color.
- Caramelized onions: Fold in ¼ cup of caramelized onions for a delicious sweet and savory flavor.
Tip: If you're keeping this recipe gluten-free, always check the labels on any packaged ingredients or additions.
📝 Tips and Tricks
Drain the spinach well: After sautéing the spinach, squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This is the secret to a thick, creamy spinach dip that isn't watery.
Soften the cream cheese: Allow your cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to combine with the other ingredients and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
Adjust the seasoning: Add salt, pepper, and garlic to suit your taste. Remember that the cheeses already contain salt, so taste before adding more.
Don't overbake: Bake until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. Overbaking can dry out your spinach dip.
Serve with your favorite dippers: Enjoy this hot gluten-free spinach dip with gluten-free crackers, tortilla chips, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices. Always check packaged dippers for gluten-containing ingredients.
❓ FAQS
Yes! Prepare the spinach dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and transfer it to your baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. When it's time to serve, bake at 375°F (190°C) until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. You may need a few extra minutes if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Allow the dip to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Store for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave.
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh spinach in this recipe. Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
It's best to serve the dip immediately after baking and keep it warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish if serving at a party. If left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded to prevent foodborne illness.
While it's possible to freeze leftover dip, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Creamy dips like this one can become slightly grainy or separated after freezing and reheating. If you do choose to freeze the dip, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
If you want to leave out the mayonnaise, add another ½ cup of sour cream and a squirt of lemon juice.
💫 Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Make-Ahead: This hot spinach dip is perfect for preparing ahead of time! Assemble the dip in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Storage: Allow any leftover spinach dip to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout. Alternatively, cover the dip with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you'd like the cheese topping to become golden and bubbly again.
Recipes to try next time
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Hot Gluten-Free Spinach Dip (Easy & Creamy)
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This hot gluten free spinach dip melts in your mouth. It's quick and easy to make. The perfect gluten-free meal, snack, or finger food for a party. Soft in the middle, while the blend of cheeses creates a gooey topping that's golden and bubbly. Serve with sliced veggies or gluten free crackers.
Ingredients
- 10 oz (283 g) fresh spinach leaves (about 10 cups)
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream ;
- ½ cup mayonnaise ;
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (or Parmesan)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to a large frying pan and cook over medium heat until wilted. Drain thoroughly, pressing out any excess liquid to prevent a watery dip.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Spinach: Fold the drained spinach into the creamy cheese mixture until evenly combined.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray and spread the spinach mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the top. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden. For an extra golden topping, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite gluten-free crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Properly Drain the Spinach: After sauteing the spinach, make sure to drain it well to remove any excess moisture. This helps prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a smooth and creamy texture, allow your cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. This makes it easier to blend and results in a smoother dip.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip before baking and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can add more salt, pepper, or garlic to suit your preference.
Serve with Dippers: Consider serving the dip with an assortment of dippers such as gluten-free crackers, fresh vegetables, or tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
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