The Ultimate Party Appetizer: Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip Recipe
This Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip is the ultimate party appetizer that combines creamy spinach, garlic, and Italian cheeses with a crunchy parmesan and panko breadcrumb topping. Served warm with homemade pita crisps, it’s a crowd-pleasing dip perfect for entertaining.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dip Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Italian blend cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan (divided)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
Pita Crisps
- Pita bread (sliced into wedges)
- Spray oil (for spraying pitas)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the dip and pita crisps.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well blended.
- Add Spinach and Cheeses: Stir in the thawed and drained spinach, minced garlic, 1 cup of Italian blend cheese, and 1/4 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the spinach mixture into a small baking dish or an 8×8 inch dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Italian blend cheese and 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan evenly over the top of the dip.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ranch dressing, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined.
- Top the Dip: Carefully spread the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer on the dip to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Prepare Pita Crisps: While the dip is baking, slice pita bread into wedges and lightly spray them with oil to help crisp them while baking.
- Bake Pita Crisps: Arrange the pita wedges on a baking sheet and bake in the oven alongside the dip for about 12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with your favorite seasoning to customize the breadcrumb topping.
- Serve the dip immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve with gluten-free crackers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of prepared dip with pita crisps
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: spinach dip, party appetizer, Parmesan crusted dip, creamy spinach dip, baked dip, appetizer with pita crisps