An idea of a warm dip is always pleasing with fresh bread. Spinach is one of the leafy greens that is loaded with benefits; high in fiber, vitamins & minerals that have shown to improve oxidative stress, eye health, and blood pressure. Cream cheese is full of fat but it does have some good benefits in small quantities; good source of vitamin A and supplies antioxidants. I love the addition of onions to this dip, it has a subtle sweetness when sautéed and tastes perfect with spinach and cheese combination. This dip can be served with a variety of bread like crispy garlicky pita bread (instructions attached), buns, chips, and so on. To all the cheese lovers out there, head over to your kitchen and try out this amazing dip and see for yourself!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 25-30 mins
Ingredients:
1 finely chopped onion
250 gm of softened cream cheese
2 cloves of chopped/crushed garlic
4 Tbsp sour cream
3 cups chopped spinach
4 Tbsp softened butter
1 tsp olive oil
½ a cup shredded cheddar
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp cumin powder
salt, to taste
Crispy Pita Bread (Optional):
2 Pita bread
4 Tbsp melted butter
Finely chopped garlic
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400℉
Place a pan on medium-high heat; add oil and finely chopped onion. Sauté till onions turn translucent about 4-5mins. Add salt (keep it to a minimum), pepper, cumin, oregano, parsley
Wash, chop, strain water from the spinach. This is an essential step, make sure you squeeze out most of the water from the spinach. Cook for a couple of minutes till the spinach is wilted and dry out any water
In a small bowl, cream to form a smooth paste with softened cream cheese, butter, and sour cream. Add to the pan and mix well. Cook for a couple of minutes
Mix half of the shredded cheddar with the spinach mix
Fill 3/4th of ramekins or any baking dish you are using with the spinach and onion mix. Top with remaining cheese
I like to use small ramekins or small baking cups for this to have individual servings or store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to be baked at your leisure. I usually make more of it and keep some stored in the fridge
Bake the dip in the oven for 15-20 mins. Take it out, let it cool for 5mins before serving since the dip would be unusually hot
Crispy Pita Bread (Optional):
Slice pita bread into pizza slices
Combine melted butter with finely chopped garlic. Lightly brush the garlic butter on pita slices and bake for 5-6 mins in the oven at 400℉. I usually do it while my dip cools
♥ Gurleen
