Spinach dip is a versatile party food that can be served as an appetizer or entree. It can be made with various ingredients and served hot with accompaniments like tortillas, crackers, or bread. The recipe involves steaming spinach, blending it with cream cheese and Parmesan, and adding salt and pepper to taste. Variations include adding artichoke hearts, crab meat, or different cheeses. Fresh spinach is preferred over frozen, and garnishes like cranberries or peppers can add a festive touch.
Spinach dip is a fun party food that can be served as an appetizer or entree. Traditionally speaking an appetizer stimulates the appetite and prepares the senses for the main meal. Hors d’oeuvres on the other hand are more of a snack “between meals”, usually enjoyed at functions such as cocktail parties. This dive is also a great opportunity to introduce vegetables to kids so they have a positive attitude towards them.
There are various ingredients used besides spinach in a spinach dip recipe. It is served hot and has a thick texture to be used as a dip with your favorite accompaniment. Many prefer to use fried or baked corn tortillas for dipping. Others enjoy crackers or wedges of French bread, sourdough or flatbread. The center of a round sourdough loaf can be removed by dipping and the spinach dip can be presented inside the hollow loaf.
A typical recipe for spinach dip involves steaming spinach by lightly sauteing garlic and shallots in olive oil, then blending the ingredients into a smooth pulp. Once the mixing is complete, the cream cheese is blended into the mix. At this point it is heated in a double boiler and the Parmesan is melted. At the end, salt and pepper are added to taste. The spinach dip should continue to be heated until it becomes a thick, rich sauce.
There are many variations on the basic recipe. Artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke hearts pleasantly complement the taste of spinach. Crab meat or bacon can be included for unique flavors. In addition to cream cheese; You can include cheddar, cottage, gouda, jack, mozzarella, romano, or velveeta cheeses. Cream, mayonnaise or sour cream can be substituted for a lighter texture.
Creative cooks may consider adding basil, dried cranberries, onion soup mix, salsa, or water chestnuts to create a special signature dish. The red wine vinegar also adds a nice twist to the spinach dip. This dipping sauce can also be whipped up and then baked in the oven until bubbly and lightly browned.
Frozen spinach is often used for convenience. However, fresh spinach is an excellent way to include a healthy plate of fresh greens. Therefore, if time is not a factor, fresh spinach is the preference.
Garnishes of cranberries, red peppers, rosemary or yellow tomatoes add a festive touch. If light breads are used for the spinach dip, fondue skewers or forks can be offered for dipping. If your spinach dip is made with a thinner consistency, it can be chilled and served chilled.
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