Essential Guide to Spinach Dip Ingredients
Spinach dip has been a beloved appetizer at gatherings for decades, with its creamy texture and savory flavor making it a party favorite. Originally, the concept of spinach dip is believed to have stemmed from the United States in the mid-20th century, around the same time when similar creamy dips and spreads began to gain popularity. Today, spinach dip can be found in numerous variations across the globe, each adding a unique twist to the classic recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can 8 oz water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 packet dry vegetable soup mix
- 1 small onion finely chopped (optional)
- 1 loaf sourdough bread for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Thaw and Prepare Spinach
- Thaw the frozen spinach in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, press the spinach between layers of paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to prevent your dip from being watery.
Step 2: Chop Additional Ingredients
- If using, peel and finely chop the onion. Drain and chop the water chestnuts into small pieces for a bit of crunch.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir until they are well mixed.
- Add the dry vegetable soup mix, chopped spinach, water chestnuts, and onions to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients until fully combined. The soup mix will help to season the dip and bind the ingredients together.
Step 4: Refrigerate
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare the Bread Bowl (Optional)
- Before serving, cut a large circle on the top of the sourdough loaf and gently hollow out the inside to create a bowl. Keep the bread pieces for dipping.
- Spoon the chilled spinach dip into the hollowed bread bowl right before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Step 6: Serve
- Place the bread bowl on a serving platter. Surround it with the bread pieces you removed earlier, as well as other dipping options like crackers, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.
Step 7: Enjoy
- Invite your guests to dig in! The dip can be served as part of an appetizer spread or as a standalone snack for gatherings.
