Ingredients
- 10 ounces fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise (for a lighter option, substitute with Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (Nonna Rosa never let us skip garlic!)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (fresh if you have it from your garden)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
When I first started making this dip, I would always use what was on hand—sometimes fresh spinach from the farmers market, other times frozen from the freezer. Both work beautifully, but fresh spinach adds a brightness that reminds me of those coastal Monterey gardens where my grandmother grew her herbs.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- If using fresh spinach, add it to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and excess water is squeezed out before adding it to the pan. Stir to combine well with the onions and garlic.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt). Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, dill, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the creamy mixture. Stir until evenly incorporated.
- Fold in the cooled spinach, onion, and garlic mixture, making sure everything is well blended.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving—this helps the dip set and makes it easier to scoop.
One kitchen lesson I learned from my mom and Nonna Rosa is not to rush the cooling step. When Olivia and Isabella are helping me in the kitchen, I remind them that patience is part of the magic—waiting just a bit makes every bite creamier and more satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
