Every now and then, life throws something unexpectedly delightful your way—like this Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip. Imagine the mingling of crispy bacon with velvety cheese, all swirling around tender spinach, creating a symphony on your taste buds that rivals the excitement of a surprise Taylor Swift album drop. It’s messy, indulgent, and just the kind of comfort you didn’t know you needed until you take that first glorious scoop.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized, nonstick skillet set over medium heat, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, which should take about 8 minutes. Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop it into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, and paprika. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the chopped spinach, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella.
- Transfer the mixture into an 8-inch heatproof skillet, then sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella. Place the skillet in the oven and bake the dip until it turns golden brown and bubbly, which should take around 25 to 30 minutes.
- Once baked, serve the dip warm with tortilla chips or slices of toasted baguette, depending on your preference.
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained of excess liquid
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted, for serving (optional)
FAQ
- Can I make this dip without bacon?
- Yes, you can definitely prepare the spinach dip without bacon. While bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor, the dip is still deliciously flavorful due to the combination of cheeses.
- What kind of cheeses work best for this dip?
- Cream cheese is essential for its creamy texture. Mozzarella is recommended for its mild taste and meltability. For a cheese with more flavor, you can use Parmesan, but white cheddar, fontina, or provolone would also be suitable alternatives.
- Is it possible to use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach for frozen. Just be sure to cook and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dip mixture.
- Can I prepare the dip in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as instructed in the recipe until it’s golden and bubbly.
- What can I serve with this dip?
- This dip pairs well with tortilla chips or slices of toasted baguette. However, feel free to serve it with your favorite dipping items, like crackers or vegetable sticks.
Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smoother, creamier texture in your dip.
- Thoroughly squeeze out excess liquid from the thawed spinach to avoid a watery dip.
- Experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste; while cream cheese and mozzarella are essential for creaminess and meltiness, consider adding sharper cheeses like Parmesan or white cheddar for added flavor depth.
- If you want a fresher taste, consider adding freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
Equipment
- Spinach Dip that you might not normally have at home and may need to buy:
- 8″ Nonstick Skillet
- 8″ Heatproof Skillet
