Who doesn’t love a good dip recipe? Dips are the perfect, easy dish to bring to any football watch party, family gathering or just to keep all to yourself… no judgment. I wanted to share a recipe for Healthy Baked Spinach Dip that is a little bit lightened up, but still super delicious.
Ethan and I are obsessed with spinach dip as an appetizer. Whenever we go out to eat and we want to treat ourselves to a starter, spin dip is our go to. When it comes with warm pita bread…. MMMM, so good. But I always love a few carrot sticks to balance it out a bit and get some crunch.
I created this Healthy-ish Baked Spinach Dip recipe several years ago as part of a series of recipes for the “Big Game”, and it was in need of a little update, so here we are.
ingredients needed for healthy baked spinach dip
All you need to pull this delicious app together:
- Frozen spinach
- Cream cheese (regular or reduced-fat)
- Plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low/no-fat)
- Hummus (could do red pepper, traditional, garlic – whatever you want!)
- Minced garlic
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Spices
- Items to dip
how to make healthy baked spinach dip
This spinach dip is SUPER quick and easy to make, which is always a win in my book.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Prepare a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray, and saute frozen spinach over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until completely thawed.
Transfer to a fine mesh strainer and press down using paper towels to drain excess liquid.
Combine spinach, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, hummus and spices in a large bowl. Mix well.
Transfer spinach dip to a glass or ceramic pie dish or 8×8 pan using a spatula to spread evenly, then top with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese and edges are golden brown. (Mine was ready closer to 15 minutes, but all ovens cook a little differently, so be sure to keep an eye on it!)
Serve hot with whole wheat crackers, pita bread and assorted veggies.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up for 3-4 days.
is baked spinach dip healthy?
Some spinach dip recipes are a little healthier than others, and I believe there is room for any and all spinach dips in your life. Remember: one single food can’t make you healthy, just like one single food can’t make you unhealthy. It’s what you do the majority of the time that matters most!
With that being said, I love trying to mix up recipes to make them a little bit healthier so I physically feel better after eating them, and know that I’m getting some good nutrition at the same time!
This recipe has some extra protein thanks to Greek yogurt (in place of sour cream and/or mayo) and it obviously contains spinach, so you’re getting some greens in! ; )
what is best to dip in spinach dip?
The possibilities are endless in terms of what you can use to dip in your spinach dip. This is also a great place to get some extra nutrients!
Some ideas of foods to dip:
- Carrots or celery sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Whole grain crackers like Wheat Thins or Triscuits
- Warm pita bread
- Tortilla chips
- Pretzels
Whatever your Spinach Dip lovin’ heart desires!
should spinach dip be cold or hot?
This is totally personal preference, but I definitely prefer spinach dip to be served hot.
Since this recipe is baked, it will obviously be hot after cooking, but any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator (for up to 3-4 days), and then it’s up to you whether you want to heat them up before eating again! Honestly, I’m not picky. I think it’s delicious either way. ; )
how do you reheat baked spinach dip?
If you do choose to reheat your spinach dip before eating, I find it easiest to just microwave small portions in a microwave safe dish for about 30 seconds or so. If you’re reheating an entire dish of spinach dip, this would be better in the oven. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
This Healthy Baked Spinach Dip was inspired by a fellow Registered Dietitian over at Chelsea LeBlanc RDN. Click the link to head to her site and see the original recipe!
other healthy dips & party food ideas
If you’re looking for some additional dishes to whip up for your next football watch party, check out some of these options!
- 5-Ingredient Guacamole
- Easy Mexican Corn Dip
- Fresh Garden Salsa
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Classic Margaritas On The Rocks
- Tomato Mango Bruschetta
Healthy Baked Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained
- 8 oz plain cream cheese softened
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 Tbsp traditional hummus
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, if you like spicy
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare a skillet with non-stick cooking spray, and saute frozen spinach over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until completely thawed. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer and press down using paper towels to drain excess liquid.
- Combine spinach, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, hummus and spices in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Transfer spinach dip to a glass or ceramic pie dish or 8×8 pan using a spatula to spread evenly, then top with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese and edges are golden brown. (Mine was ready closer to 15 minutes, but all ovens cook a little differently, so be sure to keep an eye on it!)
- Serve hot with whole wheat crackers, pita bread and assorted veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
I hope you love this Healthy Baked Spinach Dip recipe as much as we do! Be sure to pin it to your “tailgating” and “appetizer” boards on Pinterest, and share your creations on IG and tag me @wellnessforthewin!
Enjoy!
Shanna
Made this for a super bowl party back in February. Such a yummy dip and didn’t come with all the guilt that dips usually come with!
Woo hoo! Perfect for watch parties! Thank you, Nicole! 🙂
Made this tonight and it was a hit! My husband is super picky and he loved it! Will definitely be making this again.
Yay! That is so great to hear! Love it when picky eaters approve of my recipes. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I loved this recipe! I used garlic hummus and did red pepper flakes instead of cayenne. So good! Definitely my new favorite spin dip.
Oooh, yum! That sounds delish! Thank you so much for sharing!
I make this recipe for every get together we go to. And I get compliments on it every single time. Nobody would ever guess it’s a healthier version of spinach dip. I give this recipe out to so many people. It’s the perfect snack!!
This makes me so happy! Thank you for sharing with your loved ones!!
Shanna, I keep coming back to this recipe whenever I need an appetizer for a gathering, and for all of our holidays lately, it’s my family’s favorite!! My husband requests this one every time we have friends over for dinner!! I think I know the recipe from memory now haha!! So perfect and creamy and soooo good!!!
Omg, this makes me so happy! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🙂