The Spinach Dip Your Kids Will Love (With Frozen Spinach)

It’s the end of winter, and I’m really feeling the need for fresh greens! But until they come, this spinach dip with frozen spinach helps me get my servings in very easily! Plus, my kids love it. 

This dip is so easy to throw together for lunch, or breakfast (as my daughter requested the other day)! It’s full of healthy greens and fats to help you absorb their nutrients. 

You can easily thaw a whole bag of spinach in a saucepan on the stove, then stir the rest of the ingredients in, and have it ready in a short amount of time. 

I serve it in the small saucepan I mix it in, pop it in the fridge afterwards with the lid on, and then set it straight back on the stove to serve warm for leftovers the next day! 

It’s also good cold! 

Pair it with some toasted slices of sourdough bread, crackers, tortilla chips or fresh veggies, and it makes a wonderful appetizer or side dish. 

Nutritional Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including vision health, immune support, and muscle function.​

Understanding Oxalates in Spinach

While spinach is highly nutritious, it contains oxalates—compounds that can bind to minerals like calcium, potentially hindering their absorption. Individuals prone to kidney stones may need to moderate their spinach intake.​

A good friend has done a deep-dive into the world of oxalates to reduce pain in her kidneys. If you’re also prone to kidney discomfort, you may want to check out this website where Sally K. Norton, MPH, explains all about how oxalates may be impacting your health. Or, check out her book Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick–and How to Get Better.

Why Cooking Spinach Is Beneficial

Cooking spinach reduces its oxalate content, enhancing the bioavailability of essential nutrients like iron and calcium. Additionally, cooking helps break down the plant’s cell walls, making it easier to digest.​

Frozen spinach is already blanched, so you don’t have to actually cook this spinach. Just thaw it. I thaw it quickly on the stove, but if you’re thinking ahead, you could throw a bag in your fridge one day, and use it the next!

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Frozen chopped spinach (10 oz)
  The star of the dish! Spinach provides greens, vitamins (A, C, K), iron, and magnesium — nourishing and satisfying. Using frozen makes it quick and easy to prep.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, full fat)
  Makes the dip creamy, smooth, and rich. Also adds healthy fats to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the spinach.
• Garlic Powder (⅛ tsp.)
  Adds warmth and a savory depth without overpowering the dish. Garlic also has immune-boosting properties.
• Sea Salt (⅛ tsp.)
  Brings out the flavor of all the ingredients.
• Ground Black Pepper (⅛ tsp.)
  Gives a little kick without being too spicy.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
  Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the dip. It also adds more calcium and protein.

How to Make This Creamy Spinach Dip (Step-by-Step)

1. Thaw and Drain Spinach
   Place the frozen spinach in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
   Place a lid on it to keep the heat in, checking every couple of minutes to stir until thawed.
   Drain well if there is residual moisture in the bottom of the pan.
2. Mix Ingredients
   Add cream cheese, sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   Stir over medium heat until everything is melted, smooth, and well-combined.
3. Add Shredded Cheese
   Once heated through and fully combined, mix in parmesan cheese.
4. Serve
   Serve straight from the saucepan or transfer to a bowl.
   Enjoy warm or chill and serve cold — both are delicious!

Classic And Creative Dipping Options For Spinach Dip

• Sliced toasted sourdough bread
• Your favorite crackers 
• Tortilla chips
• Sliced fresh vegetables: carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers
• Pita bread or pita chips

FAQs

Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?

Yes! Just sauté 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop finely and continue with the recipe.

I serve this spinach dip in the small saucepan I mix it in, pop the leftovers in the fridge in the same pan, and then set it straight back on the stove to serve warm for leftovers the next day! It’s also good cold! 

Can I Make a Dairy-Free Version?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based shredded cheese for a delicious dairy-free alternative.

Can I Make Spinach Dip in the Oven?

Yes! Baking spinach dip gives it a delicious bubbly, golden top. To make baked spinach dip:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the dip mixture as directed and transfer it to an oven-safe dish.
3. Top with extra shredded parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbling around the edges.
5. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.

How Do You Make Spinach Dip Thicker?

You may have ended up with thin or runny spinach dip if your frozen spinach was watery when it thawed. If you notice extra water in the pan after heating your spinach, make sure to drain it off.

If you’ve already added all of the other ingredients, I would recommend just adding more cheese.

Can I Make Spinach Dip in the Microwave?

Yes! The microwave is an even faster way to make this spinach dip. Here’s what you would do:

1. Thaw and Drain Spinach:
   Microwave the frozen spinach in a microwave-safe bowl for 3–4 minutes until thawed. Drain well to remove extra moisture.
2. Mix Ingredients:
   Add the spinach, cream cheese, sea salt, pepper, and garlic to the same bowl.
3. Heat and Stir:
   Microwave on high for 1 minute at a time, stirring in between, until everything is melted and well combined. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes total.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese:
   Add the Parmesan cheese and stir well to combine.
5. Serve:
   Serve warm right from the bowl, or transfer to a serving dish.

Final Notes

This easy spinach dip has become a favorite comfort recipe in our house — a simple, nourishing way to pack in greens and healthy fats, whether for breakfast, lunch, or an easy snack. Pair it with fresh bread or veggie sticks and serve it with this simple soup, and you’ve got a healthy, crowd-pleasing meal ready in minutes!

We’d love to hear how you make your spinach dip! Do you have any secret ingredients or variations you’d like to share? Leave a comment below!

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