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The Ultimate Party Appetizer: Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip Recipe

The Ultimate Party Appetizer: Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip Recipe

5 from 24 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the dip and pita crisps.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the spinach mixture into a small baking dish or an 8×8 inch dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Italian blend cheese and 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan evenly over the top of the dip.
  6. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ranch dressing, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined.
  7. Top the Dip: Carefully spread the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer on the dip to create a crunchy crust.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

Keywords: spinach dip, party appetizer, Parmesan crusted dip, creamy spinach dip, baked dip, appetizer with pita crisps