Description
This Easter Bunny Spinach Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Combining fresh spinach sautéed to tender perfection with a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, this dip is flavored with aromatic green onions, garlic, and onion powder, delicately seasoned with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice. Topped with colorful red bell peppers and grated carrots, baked until bubbly and golden, it offers a delightful and vibrant dish ideal for spring celebrations and snack time.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup carrot, finely grated
Dairy
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip later.
- Sauté Spinach: Place the fresh spinach in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down.
- Cool and Chop Spinach: Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach cool slightly. Once cooled, chop the spinach into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dairy Ingredients: Add the sour cream into the cream cheese and mix until fully combined. Then stir in the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add Seasonings: Incorporate the finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt into the mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Mix in Lemon Juice: Add the lemon juice to the dip mixture and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Fold in Vegetables: Gently fold in the finely diced red bell pepper and grated carrot ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the dip.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the spinach dip mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve with fresh crackers, chips, or sliced vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For a milder garlic flavor, reduce garlic powder to 1/8 teaspoon.
- You can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make this dip suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach to avoid a watery dip.
