Santa Fe Spinach Dip from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen features creamy spinach blended with zesty southwestern spices, melted cheese, and diced green chilies, served hot with crispy tortilla chips for a flavorful and satisfying appetizer.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
- Oven or stovetop
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving bowl
- Chips serving basket or plate
Ingredients
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz canned diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Tortilla chips
Frozen chopped spinach is a convenient choice but ensure it is fully thawed and well-drained to prevent a watery dip. Using a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich, creamy texture with a balanced flavor profile. Diced green chilies add a mild heat and southwestern flair, but adjust the cayenne pepper to match your spice preference. Fresh garlic, onion, and red bell pepper contribute to the dip's depth and brighten the overall taste. Your tortilla chips will perfectly complement the warm, flavorful Santa Fe Spinach Dip from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Thaw and drain excess water from frozen spinach.
- Dice red bell pepper and onion.
- Mince garlic cloves.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté onion, red bell pepper, and garlic until tender.
- Add thawed spinach and canned green chilies; stir well.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to the saucepan; stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese; mix until combined and cheese is melted.
- Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Substitution
Santa Fe Spinach Dip from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen copycat menu combines creamy cheeses, diced green chilies, and southwestern spices for a bold flavor. If fresh spinach is not available, you can use thawed and well-drained frozen spinach to maintain the dip's texture. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayonnaise to lighten the dip without compromising creaminess. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to control the heat according to your taste preferences. Serving the dip with alternative dippers like pita chips or sliced baguette can add variety to your appetizer spread.
Tips
Make sure to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach to prevent a watery dip, which can dilute the flavors and affect the texture. When sauteing the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cook until they are soft and fragrant to build the dip's depth of flavor without burning the garlic. Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and richer taste, and don't skip the baking step to achieve a bubbly, golden top that enhances your dip's appeal. Your tortilla chips will pair best with a dip that has cooled briefly after baking, ensuring it's hot but not too hot to enjoy immediately.
Nutritions
Santa Fe Spinach Dip provides a rich source of calcium and protein from the combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. The dip's inclusion of spinach and diced red bell pepper delivers vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber, contributing to overall nutrient intake. Your intake of healthy fats comes from sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream cheese, while spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika add flavor without extra calories. Enjoying this dip with tortilla chips offers a satisfying balance of creamy texture and crunchy contrast that enhances your appetizer experience.
Storage
Store your Santa Fe Spinach Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the creamy texture may separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese to add a bit more heat and flavor complexity. Try using fresh spinach sauteed with garlic instead of frozen spinach for a fresher taste and better texture. You might swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make the dip lighter while keeping the creamy consistency. To enhance the smoky flavor, consider roasting the red bell pepper before dicing it, which will add depth to your Santa Fe spinach dip.
Allergies
Santa Fe Spinach Dip from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen contains multiple dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies. The dip also includes canned diced green chilies and various spices that could potentially cause sensitivities or allergic reactions in some people. Please review the ingredient list carefully and consult your healthcare provider if you have food allergies before enjoying this appetizer.
Why this recipe?
Santa Fe Spinach Dip from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is beloved for its creamy texture, fresh spinach, and bold southwestern flavors combined with melted cheeses and a hint of spice. The dip's perfect balance of savory and tangy ingredients makes it a standout appetizer that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. You can replicate the irresistible blend of fresh ingredients and authentic seasoning at home to enjoy a restaurant-quality snack anytime. Creating a copycat version offers a cost-effective and customizable option that brings the beloved taste of Cheddar's right into your kitchen.