Espinaca Dip

Introduction

I first tried Espinaca Dip at a family gathering, and it instantly became a favorite. The combination of creamy Velveeta cheese, tangy cream cheese, and the richness of spinach makes this dip irresistible. What really won me over was the convenience of the crockpot method – just throw everything in, let it cook, and within a couple of hours, you have a warm, gooey dip that everyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for parties, game nights, or any casual get-together, and it’s super easy to make. My family loves the subtle heat from the jalapenos, balanced by the creaminess of the cheeses. We can’t get enough of it, and it’s become one of our go-to dips.

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Why You’ll Love Espinaca Dip

• Quick and Easy to Make: With the help of a crockpot, this dip practically makes itself. Just toss the ingredients in, set it, and let it work its magic.
• Perfect for Parties: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or serving food for a big game night, this dip is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s cheesy, creamy, and has just the right amount of spice.
• Great for Dippers: Serve it with your favorite chips, crackers, or veggie dippers for a fun and satisfying appetizer that everyone will love.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the jalapenos to your liking, making it as mild or spicy as you prefer. It’s easy to tweak this dip to suit different tastes.
• Comforting and Delicious: The creamy texture combined with the savory flavors of the cheese, spinach, and tomatoes makes this dip a comforting dish everyone will crave.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
• 16 oz. pkg. cream cheese, cut into cubes (two 8-ounce blocks)
• 1/2 pt. heavy whipping cream (1 cup)
• 29 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies, drained (two 14.5-ounce cans)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, chopped, thawed, and squeezed dry
• 4 cubes chicken bouillon
• 1/2 cup 2% milk, add more if needed
• 1/4 cup jalapeno, chopped, to desired heat (most online sites recommend ½ cup – I use about ¼ cup)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

First, make sure your frozen spinach is thawed and drained well. This is a key step, as any excess water could affect the texture of the dip. Cube the Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and chop the onion and jalapenos. Drain the cans of Rotel tomatoes and chilies.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Crockpot

Place all the ingredients into the crockpot. Start with the Velveeta and cream cheese, followed by the heavy whipping cream, Rotel tomatoes, chopped onion, frozen spinach, chicken bouillon cubes, 2% milk, and jalapenos.

Step 3: Heat Through

Set the crockpot to low and let it heat through, stirring occasionally. It should take about 1 to 2 hours for the cheeses to melt and everything to combine into a smooth, creamy dip. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure everything is evenly heated and mixed.

Step 4: Serve

Once the dip is melted and creamy, turn the crockpot to the warm setting. Serve the dip immediately with tortilla chips, tortilla strips, or veggie dippers like carrots, celery, or bell pepper slices.

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 kcal
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 8g

(Note: These values are estimates based on standard ingredients. The actual nutrition content may vary depending on the specific brands used.)

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 to 2 hours in the crockpot
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes

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How to Serve

• With Tortilla Chips: The classic choice for serving Espinaca Dip. Crispy, salty tortilla chips pair perfectly with the creamy, cheesy dip.
• Tortilla Strips: For a more substantial dipper, serve with crunchy tortilla strips. They hold up well and are perfect for scooping up every bit of the dip.
• Veggie Dippers: For a healthier alternative, serve the dip with raw veggies like carrots, celery, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.
• As a Sandwich Spread: This dip also works great as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, especially for a flavorful lunch.
• For Game Day: This dip is perfect for game day parties, served with chips, crackers, or even pretzel bites for something different.

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Additional Tips

1. Don’t Overcook the Dip: The key to getting the perfect Espinaca Dip is not to overcook it. After the cheese has melted and the dip is smooth, keep the crockpot on the warm setting to prevent the dip from becoming too thick or oily.
2. Adjust the Heat: The amount of jalapenos can be adjusted depending on how spicy you like your dip. If you prefer a milder version, use less jalapeno or omit it entirely.
3. Substitute with Fresh Spinach: If you prefer fresh spinach over frozen, simply chop and sauté the spinach before adding it to the crockpot. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before using it.
4. Make it Ahead of Time: You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the crockpot insert. When you’re ready, just place it in the crockpot and cook it on low.
5. Add a Touch of Sour Cream: For extra creaminess, you can add a dollop of sour cream to the dip just before serving.

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FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with another meltable cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Keep in mind that Velveeta has a unique texture and flavor that helps create a smooth dip.
2. Can I make Espinaca Dip ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the crockpot or on the stovetop before serving.
3. Can I make this dip without the jalapenos? Yes, if you prefer a milder dip, simply omit the jalapenos or reduce the amount to your taste.
4. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it until wilted and make sure to squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the dip.
5. How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
6. What else can I serve this dip with? In addition to tortilla chips, you can serve this dip with crackers, pita chips, or even pretzels for a fun variation.
7. Can I make this dip vegetarian? Yes, you can make the dip vegetarian by omitting the chicken bouillon and using a vegetable bouillon cube instead.
8. Can I freeze Espinaca Dip? While the dip can technically be frozen, the texture may change slightly when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
9. What’s the best way to reheat leftover dip? To reheat the dip, warm it in the crockpot on low, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, adding a little extra milk if needed to loosen the texture.
10. Can I use reduced-fat cheese or cream cheese? Yes, you can use reduced-fat versions of the cheese and cream cheese if you’re looking to make the dip a bit lighter. Just be aware that it may affect the dip’s texture slightly.

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Conclusion

Espinaca Dip is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving something indulgent, this dip will never disappoint. With its simple ingredients and easy crockpot method, it’s a breeze to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The balance of cheesy goodness, savory spinach, and a kick of heat from the jalapenos makes it an unforgettable appetizer. Try it at your next gathering, and prepare for everyone to ask for the recipe!

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