It’s late January, and my Philadelphia Eagles just beat the Washington Commanders and are now headed to the Super Bowl. With the big game coming up, I wanted to share a perfect Super Bowl party recipe: a creamy, cold spinach dip. Dips are always on the menu for game day—whether it’s spinach dip, buffalo chicken dip, or a cheesy dip—so this one is ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Super Bowl gatherings usually include easy, casual foods: pizza, wings, chips, soft drinks, and plenty of dips. This cold spinach dip is quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and transports well to parties. Below I explain why I like this version, share a short story about my nana trying it for the first time, list ingredients, and walk through the steps and tips to make it shine.
What makes this a good recipe?
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Great for late-night snacking: It’s light and satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Kid-friendly: A tasty way to get kids to eat spinach. It’s not a health food—sour cream and mayo add richness—but it’s a fun, veggie-forward snack when paired with chips or vegetables.
My nana fell in love with this spinach dip!
My nana, Alice Mae, was a big influence on my love of cooking. She and my grandma Gwen were the best cooks on my father’s side, and they didn’t hand out compliments lightly. One summer afternoon in 2014 I took some spinach dip to my nana’s house. At 83 she had never tried spinach dip before and looked genuinely puzzled—and a little disgusted—when I told her it had mayo and sour cream.
She watched me scoop it onto Wheat Thins, and her expression shifted from skepticism to curiosity. She tried one bite and immediately asked for more. The transformation from “what is this?” to “I love this!” made me laugh and remains one of my favorite memories with her. Now on to the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Spinach: 32 oz frozen spinach (one large bag or two 16-oz bags).
- Cheese: 1 cup Parmesan, shaved or shredded (grated from a block works best).
- Condiments: 2 cups mayonnaise and 1 cup sour cream (I prefer a quality brand for best flavor).
- Seasonings: 2 packets (1.4 oz each) of Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix, plus salt and black pepper to taste.
Benefits of using frozen spinach over fresh spinach
- More economical: Frozen spinach is usually cheaper and more concentrated, so you get more spinach per dollar.
- Full flavor: Frozen spinach often offers a concentrated spinach taste that enhances the dip.
- Less prep: Frozen spinach comes chopped and partly cooked, so you save time compared with washing, chopping, and cooking fresh leaves.
How to make spinach dip
- COOK FROZEN SPINACH: Place the frozen spinach in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until it fully thaws and most of the liquid cooks off, about 15–30 minutes depending on how frozen it is. The goal is to remove excess moisture so the dip isn’t watery.
- MELT THE CHEESE: Reduce the heat to medium, add the Parmesan, and stir until the cheese melts and combines with the spinach, about 5 minutes.
- ADD THE SEASONINGS: Transfer the spinach and cheese to a large mixing or serving bowl. Stir in the Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings.
- LET IT COOL: Allow the spinach mixture to cool for 20–30 minutes.
- ADD THE SOUR CREAM AND MAYO: Once the spinach has cooled a bit, fold in the sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth and evenly combined.
- CHILL: Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours, preferably 8 hours, to let the flavors meld and the dip firm up slightly.
Tips for best results
- Make ahead: Prepare the dip at least 8 hours before serving for the best texture and flavor. Overnight chilling is ideal.
- Dry spinach well: Cook the spinach until it’s as dry as practical. Excess liquid will dilute the dip and change the texture, so be patient while steaming off moisture.
- Remove stems: After steaming, pick out any tough stems to avoid unpleasant bites.
- Smoother dip option: If your Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix includes dried tomatoes or larger bits, consider removing a portion (about 1/4–1/2) for a smoother texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Wheat Thins: My top pick for scooping this dip—crisp and slightly sweet crackers pair beautifully with the creamy spinach.
- Chips: Tortito-style chips or plain tortilla chips are great alternatives.
- Vegetables: Broccoli florets, cucumber slices, and carrot sticks are fresh, healthy dippers that balance the richness.
Storage and shelf life
Store the dip covered in the refrigerator, either in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap. Because this dip contains mayonnaise and sour cream, consume it within 3 days for best quality and safety.
When to serve this dip
This spinach dip is perfect for Super Bowl parties, cocktail hours, baby showers, casual gatherings, and potlucks—anywhere easy, shareable appetizers are welcome. It’s also a great snack for kids’ lunches or for keeping in the fridge as a quick party-ready option.
Scaling the recipe
To make more for a larger group, simply multiply the ingredients. Double, triple, or quadruple everything and cook the spinach in a suitably sized skillet or in batches.
Other appetizers you might like
- The Best Beef Chili Recipe
- World’s Best Deviled Eggs
- Delicious Crispy Fried Shrimp
- The Best Stuffed Peppers
Bring this dip to your next Super Bowl party and watch it disappear. If it becomes a favorite, feel free to rate the recipe and share your photo on social media under @phillyjaycooking.
Enjoy, later!
Pbj~