Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach is the ultimate festive party appetizer. This creamy, cheesy hot spinach dip is not only easy to make, but it also brings a comforting warmth to any gathering. Packed with flavors from garlic and a trio of cheeses, it guarantees to be a hit at your holiday events. With its velvety texture and delightful taste, this dish is sure to be the star of your table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach

This dip is perfect for every occasion. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great easy holiday spinach recipe.
Rich flavors from a blend of cheeses offer a comforting experience.
Perfect for festive gatherings, it’s a creamy spinach appetizer idea you can’t miss.
It pairs well with various dippers like crackers and veggie sticks.
It’s vegetarian-friendly, catering to different dietary preferences.
This dish can easily be turned into a cheesy spinach casserole with a few tweaks.
It’s a satisfying option for those looking for delicious holiday spinach recipes.

Ingredients for Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach

Gather these items:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream (full-fat preferred)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 10 oz fresh spinach, sautéed and drained)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Extra Parmesan or mozzarella for topping (about 1/4 cup each)
Optional: Red pepper flakes or chopped parsley for garnish
Crackers, crostini, pita chips, or fresh veggie sticks for serving

How to Make Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all moisture using a colander or clean kitchen towel.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes with a hand mixer or whisk vigorously by hand).
Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, sliced green onions, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Fold in the drained spinach gently with a spatula.
Step 6: Add shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Monterey Jack (if using). Mix until just combined.
Step 7: Transfer mixture to a 9-inch oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and mozzarella.
Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are bubbly and top is lightly golden. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Step 9: Let dip rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 10: Serve hot with crackers, crostini, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid a watery dip.
Experiment with adding artichokes for a twist—turn it into a spinach artichoke dip.
Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor.
Consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
Remember to let it cool slightly before serving to prevent burns.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach

This dip is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways:

Pair it with fresh veggie sticks for a healthy option.
Serve alongside warm pita chips for a Mediterranean feel.
Use it as a spread on toasted bread for an elegant touch.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach

To store leftovers, allow the dip to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Always remember that meal prep can save time during busy holiday seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach?

The secret lies in using well-drained spinach and a balanced mixture of cheeses for that perfect creamy texture. Adding a hint of nutmeg elevates the flavors, making it a true creamy spinach side dish.

Can I make Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just assemble it, refrigerate, and bake it fresh when ready to serve. This makes it a convenient spinach dish for holiday parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach?

Avoid overcooking the dip, as it can dry out. Also, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve the best consistency. This will help in creating a rich spinach bake that everyone loves.

Creative Variations of Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach You Can Try

Here are some variations you might enjoy:

Incorporate artichokes for a delicious spinach artichoke dip.
Add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and color.
Turn it into a cheesy spinach casserole by layering with pasta or bread.

Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach: 7 Festive Comforting Dishes - Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try our gingerbread cookies or cranberry orange pancakes. You can also explore creamy potato soup for a comforting dish.

For more information on the health benefits of spinach, you can visit Healthline.

Creamy Holiday Hot Spinach: 7 Festive Comforting Dishes

Author: basmer
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy, cheesy hot spinach dip is the ultimate festive party appetizer. It is easy to make, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all moisture using a colander or clean kitchen towel.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes with a hand mixer or whisk vigorously by hand).
Stir in minced garlic, sliced green onions, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
Fold in the drained spinach gently with a spatula.
Add shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Monterey Jack (if using). Mix until just combined.
Transfer mixture to a 9-inch oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and mozzarella.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are bubbly and top is lightly golden. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Let dip rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot with crackers, crostini, pita chips, or fresh veggies.