Enjoy some cheesy, savory goodness with this incredible Parmesan crusted spinach dip. Inspired by the beloved appetizer from Longhorn Steakhouse, this copycat recipe will be a huge hit at your next party. It has a perfect blend of creamy spinach and a crispy, golden Parmesan crust.
I first fell in love with this dip during a family dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. The crispy Parmesan crust is perfect for the warm, gooey dip. It adds a delightful crunch and a savory, salty flavor, making it even tastier than standard spinach dip!
This creamy dip is packed with tender spinach, melty cheese, and a hint of garlic, making a warm, comforting base that’s impossible to resist. But the real magic happens when you add a golden, crispy layer of savory cheese and crackers!
With its easy preparation, this dip is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant holiday dinner parties. I also include instructions for making baked pita chips to dip. But this dip is so versatile that you can serve it with just about anything—pita chips, crackers, tortilla chips, veggies, you name it.
I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired appetizer and include my best tips. Enjoy a restaurant-quality spinach dip that you can make right at home. Your family and friends will be impressed.
Are you looking for more dips for your next party? Try gouda cheese dip, sausage cheese dip, or boom boom sauce.
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🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Frozen spinach: I use frozen spinach because it’s easy and always available. Just make sure you thaw it and drain it well so your dip doesn’t become watery.
- Garlic, minced
- Italian blend cheese: I like a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: You need both shaved and shredded Parmesan.
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Ranch dressing
- Pita bread: For serving. Or use tortilla chips, veggies, or crackers.
🥣How to Make Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until they’re nice and smooth. No lumps allowed!
- Next, add in the thawed and drained spinach and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well combined. Then add 1 cup of Italian blend cheese and 1/4 cup of shaved Parmesan.
- Pour the dip into a small baking dish or an 8×8 inch dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top the dip with the remaining Italian blend cheese and shaved Parmesan.
- Combine the panko bread crumbs, ranch dressing, and grated parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Carefully spread the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the dip.
- Place the dip in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- If you want to make baked pita chips, bake them with the dip. Slice your pitas into wedges and spray them with oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
🍴Serving Ideas
This Parmesan-crusted spinach dip is perfect for so many occasions. The crispy, cheesy parmesan crust on top brings it to a new level of deliciousness! Here are some ideas:
- Game Day Gatherings: Whether you’re watching the Super Bowl or hosting a March Madness party, this spinach dip is a crowd-pleaser that goes great with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
- Holiday Parties: Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Eve celebrations are great opportunities to serve this warm and comforting dip. It adds a touch of elegance to any holiday spread.
- Girls’ Night: Invite your best friends over for a cozy night of chatting, laughing, and munching on this indulgent spinach dip. Pair it with a bottle of wine for the ultimate girls’ night treat.
- Wedding or Baby Showers: This spinach dip can add a touch of sophistication to your shower menu. Serve it alongside other finger foods and appetizers for a delightful and memorable spread.
- Cocktail Parties: Impress your guests at your next cocktail party with this spinach dip. It’s a step up from the usual chips and dip.
- Family Movie Nights: This warm, cheesy dip doesn’t need a special occasion. It’s a fun and indulgent treat that the whole family will love, and it’s perfect for munching on during your favorite flicks.
💭How to Store
Transfer the leftover dip to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover dip, microwave it or reheat it in the oven. The microwave will be faster, but use the stove or an air fryer if you want a crispy topping.
If you’re using the microwave, transfer the dip to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot and bubbly. If you’re using the oven or an air fryer, heat it at 350 degrees F and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- I know; we’re all trying to be a little healthier these days. But you want to use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream when it comes to this dip. It makes the dip so much creamier and more flavorful. Plus, it’s a special occasion dish, so live a little!
- Make sure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach. If you don’t, your dip will be watery and runny. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to wring it out.
- Mix up the cheeses or add some extra flavors. Sometimes, I like to use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan instead of the Italian blend.
- This dip can easily be prepped ahead of time. Just mix everything together, pour it into your baking dish, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- If you like your parmesan crust to be extra crispy, try turning on the broiler at the last minute or two of baking. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- No pitas? No problem! This dip is also delicious with tortilla chips, veggies, or crackers.
- Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the dip to spice things up a bit.
📝Reader Questions
Technically, yes. But you have to cook it down first and then squeeze out the liquid. It’s more work, and frozen spinach works just as well in this recipe. But if you have fresh spinach that needs to be used up, go for it!
A slow cooker won’t give you the crispy topping, but you could mix everything except the topping together as directed, then transfer it to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until hot and bubbly. Then, add the topping and broil.
If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can easily substitute another hard, salty cheese, like Romano or Asiago.
Yes, just make sure you choose vegetarian cheeses.
As written, this dip is not spicy at all. But if you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapenos, or even a dash of hot sauce. Just start small and taste as you go until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
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The Ultimate Party Appetizer: Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces frozen spinach thawed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups Italian blend cheese divided
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan divided
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
For Serving
- Pita bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese and sour cream.8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream
- Stir in the spinach and garlic, 1 cup Italian blend cheese, and 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan.12 ounces frozen spinach, 2 cloves garlic, 2 cups Italian blend cheese, 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan
- Pour the dip into a small baking dish or 8×8 inch dish.
- Top with the rest of the Italian blend cheese and shaved Parmesan.
- Combine the bread crumbs, ranch dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.1/3 cup panko bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon ranch dressing, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture carefully over the top.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden.
To make pita crisps
- Slice your pitas into wedges and spray with spray oil.Pita bread
- Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven with the dip. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream when it comes to this dip. It makes the dip so much creamier and more flavorful.
- Make sure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach. If you don’t, your dip will be watery and runny. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to wring it out.
- Mix up the cheeses or add some extra flavors. Sometimes, I like to use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan instead of the Italian blend.
- This dip can easily be prepped ahead of time. Just mix everything together, pour it into your baking dish, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- If you like your parmesan crust to be extra crispy, try turning on the broiler at the last minute or two of baking. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- No pitas? No problem! This dip is also delicious with tortilla chips, veggies, or crackers.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
