This southern 4-ingredient baked spinach dip is the kind of easy party recipe that disappears fast and gets requested before the pan is even cool. It has that classic warm, creamy, cheesy comfort that feels right at home at game days, school get-togethers, and casual neighborhood visits, and I love that it comes together with just a handful of ingredients when the week is already busy.
Serve this dip hot with sturdy tortilla chips, buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp celery sticks for a little contrast. If you are putting together a back-to-school snack table, it also pairs really well with wings, a veggie tray, little sandwiches, and sweet tea or sparkling lemonade.
Southern 4-Ingredient Baked Spinach Dip
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small cast iron skillet or 1-quart baking dish.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the squeezed-dry spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella until evenly combined.
3. Spread the mixture into the prepared skillet and top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly around the edges and golden on top.
5. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm with chips, crackers, or sliced bread.
Variations & Tips
Add a little heat: Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or a spoonful of diced pickled jalapeños if you want a spicier version for game day.
Swap the cheese: Mozzarella keeps this dip mild and extra melty, but Monterey Jack or a mozzarella-cheddar blend also works well if that is what you have in the fridge.
Make it ahead: Mix everything together the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes so it bakes more evenly.
Drain the spinach well: The biggest tip with this recipe is squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach. That keeps the dip rich and creamy instead of watery.
Double it for a crowd: For a larger back-to-school party, double the ingredients and bake in an 8x8-inch dish. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.