Creamy Canadian Spinach Cheese Delight
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of our Creamy Canadian Spinach Cheese Delight. This delectable dip blends luscious cream cheese, savory Parmesan, and Monterey Jack with wholesome spinach, making it the perfect appetizer for gatherings or a cozy night in. Baked to perfection and adorned with a final touch of sharp white cheddar, each bite is a delightful explosion of cheesy goodness. Serve it warm with your favorite crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables, and watch it disappear!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
garlic
1 clove (peeled and minced)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
frozen chopped spinach
3/4 cup (thawed and drained)
white cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a small baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
4
Add the minced garlic, dried basil, garlic salt, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
5
Gently fold in the thawed and well-drained chopped spinach until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6
Transfer the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the top generously with shredded white cheddar cheese.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
9
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your choice of dippers!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Canadian Spinach Cheese Delight?
It is a rich and creamy baked appetizer dip made with cream cheese, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, and spinach, topped with sharp white cheddar.
What are the primary ingredients in this dip?
The main ingredients include softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and white cheddar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the Creamy Canadian Spinach Cheese Delight need to bake?
Bake the dip for approximately 25 minutes or until it is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
How should the spinach be prepared before adding it to the mixture?
The frozen chopped spinach should be thawed and very well-drained to ensure the dip is not watery.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses four types: cream cheese, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar.
What should I serve with this spinach cheese dip?
It is best served warm with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, softening the cream cheese allows it to blend smoothly with the other cheeses and mayonnaise.
How much spinach is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and drained.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dip is seasoned with minced garlic, dried basil, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
How do I prevent the dip from sticking to the baking dish?
Lightly grease the baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter before adding the mixture.
Does this recipe include mayonnaise?
Yes, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise is used to help achieve a creamy texture.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 clove of garlic, peeled and minced.
What is the final step before putting the dish in the oven?
The final step is to sprinkle the top generously with 1/4 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese.
How should the dip look when it is finished cooking?
The dip should be bubbly and have a lightly golden brown color on the top.
Is it okay to serve the dip cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is specifically designed to be served warm for the best flavor and consistency.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Can I substitute Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can substitute it with another mild melting cheese like Gouda or Havarti if Monterey Jack is unavailable.
What size baking dish should I use?
The recipe recommends using a small baking dish since the total yield is approximately 8 appetizer servings.
Is this a good recipe for parties?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a party food or for gatherings.
Can I make this dip extra spicy?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicier dip.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
What kind of cheddar is recommended?
The recipe suggests using sharp white cheddar for a savory final touch.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, then bake the dip just before serving.
How do I ensure the spinach is evenly distributed?
Gently fold the spinach into the cheese mixture after all the other ingredients are combined.
What should I do if the top isn't browning?
You can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, watching it closely to avoid burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always check your mayonnaise and spices to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How long should I let it cool before serving?
Let it cool slightly for a few minutes so the cheeses can set just enough to be scoopable.