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Dinner - 3-Cheese Spinach Dip

A rich and ultra-flavorful hot appetizer made with fresh spinach, three cheeses, and warming spices. Served best with freshly fried homemade tortilla chips.

🍽️ Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Oven Temp: 400°F / 205°C
Frying Oil Temp (for chips): 350°F / 175°C

🧀 Ingredients

For the Spinach Dip

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
  • 12 ounces fresh spinach (340g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Pinch of kosher salt (for cooking spinach)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (454g)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided (227g)
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated, divided (227g)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste) (6g)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (2g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2g)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (1g)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
  • Optional garnish: smoked paprika

For the Homemade Tortilla Chips

  • Yellow corn tortillas, cut into triangles
  • Vegetable oil or frying oil of choice (about 750ml or 3 inches deep in pot)
  • Margarita salt or flaky salt, to taste

🔥 Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F / 205°C.

Step 2 – Sauté Spinach

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the fresh spinach with a pinch of salt and sauté until wilted (2–3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Transfer to a plate and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 3 – Mix Dip

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

  • 16 oz (454g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (57g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ cup (57g) mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce

Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly combined. Then fold in the cooled cooked spinach from Step 2 and mix well again.

Step 4 – Bake Dip

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (cast iron skillet recommended).
Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella, sprinkle smoked paprika if desired.

Bake at 400°F / 205°C for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.

Step 5 – Fry Chips

Cut tortillas into triangles. Heat oil to 350°F / 175°C in a deep pot (~3 inches of oil).
Fry chips in small batches for about 1 minute, flipping halfway.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with flaky salt.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with homemade tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or toasted baguette slices.

📊 Nutrition per Serving

  • Calories: 625 kcal
  • Fat: 54g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Sodium: 1220mg

Enjoy this crowd-pleasing, creamy, cheesy spinach dip at your next gathering!