A delicious fusion of everyone’s favorite party dip transformed into an elegant, crispy appetizer. These Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps combine the creamy, savory flavors of classic spinach dip with the irresistible crunch of baked cheese crisps. Perfect for entertaining or as a low-carb snack option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps are a game-changer for appetizers and snacking. The crispy cheese base provides the perfect vehicle for the creamy spinach topping, creating a bite-sized explosion of flavor and texture. They’re naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs. Plus, they come together quickly with minimal ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining. The combination of sharp cheese, garlic, and herbs creates an addictive flavor profile that will have your guests reaching for more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup finely chopped artichoke hearts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a bowl, mix the grated parmesan and cheddar cheeses until well combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each mound into a circle about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are bubbly. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheets. The crisps will firm up as they cool.
- While the cheese crisps are cooling, prepare the spinach dip. Squeeze all excess moisture from the thawed spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Add the drained spinach, minced garlic, artichoke hearts (if using), onion powder, red pepper flakes, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
- Once the cheese crisps are completely cooled and hardened, carefully transfer them to a serving platter.
- Top each crisp with a tablespoon of the spinach dip mixture.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
Makes approximately 24 cheese crisps Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 8 minutes Cooling time: 10-15 minutes Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the spinach mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
- Buffalo Chicken: Mix in some shredded rotisserie chicken and buffalo sauce to the spinach dip for a spicy variation.
- Herb Garden: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like basil, chives, and parsley mixed into both the cheese crisps and the spinach dip.
- Italian-Inspired: Incorporate some Italian seasoning and a small amount of marinara sauce into the spinach dip mixture.
- Mexican Fusion: Add some diced jalapeños, cumin, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the spinach dip, and top with a small dollop of guacamole.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store the cheese crisps and spinach dip separately for best results. The cheese crisps can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The spinach dip mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Make-Ahead: The cheese crisps can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. The spinach dip can also be prepared 1-2 days ahead and kept refrigerated.
Assembly: For the crispiest result, assemble just before serving. If you need to assemble in advance, do so no more than 1-2 hours before serving to prevent the crisps from becoming soggy.
Reheating: If the assembled crisps have become slightly soft, you can refresh them by placing them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? A: Yes, the recipe actually calls for frozen spinach. Just make sure it’s completely thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
Q: What if I don’t have parmesan or cheddar cheese? A: Any hard cheese that melts well can work for the crisps. Try Asiago, Gruyere, or even a combination of cheeses you have on hand.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party? A: Yes! Make the cheese crisps and spinach dip up to 2 days ahead, but store them separately. Assemble shortly before serving for the best texture.
Q: Are these keto-friendly? A: Yes, these are naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making them suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Q: How do I ensure my cheese crisps are crispy? A: Make sure to let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Conclusion
These Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps bring together the best of two appetizer worlds – the savory appeal of spinach dip and the satisfying crunch of cheese crisps. They’re perfect for entertaining, game day snacking, or anytime you want to elevate your appetizer game without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors creates an irresistible bite that will have everyone asking for your recipe. Give these a try at your next gathering, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Further Delicious Bites to Try
If you loved making these Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps, there are plenty of other tasty recipes to explore. For a hearty and flavorful meal, try the One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta, which delivers a rich and comforting experience in a single dish. If you’re in the mood for a crispy, cheesy snack, these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are a fantastic choice. For something a little more indulgent, you can’t go wrong with these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes, packed with rich peanut butter flavor. If you’re craving a comforting side dish, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs offer the perfect blend of crispy and creamy. And for an easy, sweet treat, the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cupcakes will satisfy your dessert cravings in no time.
Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
Cheese Crisps
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
Spinach Dip
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and well-drained
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup finely chopped artichoke hearts optional
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp dried dill
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a bowl, mix the grated parmesan and cheddar cheeses until well combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each mound into a circle about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are bubbly. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheets. The crisps will firm up as they cool.
- While the cheese crisps are cooling, prepare the spinach dip. Squeeze all excess moisture from the thawed spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Add the drained spinach, minced garlic, artichoke hearts (if using), onion powder, red pepper flakes, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
- Once the cheese crisps are completely cooled and hardened, carefully transfer them to a serving platter.
- Top each crisp with a tablespoon of the spinach dip mixture.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.