These Spinach Dip Bites are little pockets of joy! With creamy spinach and cheese wrapped in crispy pastry, they make perfect party snacks.
Whenever I serve these, everyone starts grabbing them before I even get a chance to sit down. They disappear fast, so I always make a double batch just in case! 😂
I love how easy they are to prepare. Just fill, bake, and watch the joy on everyone’s faces as they enjoy these tasty bites! Serve them warm for a delightful treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice bright flavor and texture, but frozen spinach works just as well and is super convenient. If you go for frozen, just make sure to drain it really well to avoid a soggy dip.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the base for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or even a vegan cream cheese if you’re going dairy-free!
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: Both add creaminess, but if you’re looking to cut fat, consider Greek yogurt as a substitute! It’s just as creamy with added protein.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan bring great cheesy flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a twist on taste!
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is so easy, but you can also use phyllo dough or puff pastry for a flakier shell. If making from scratch, try a simple biscuit recipe!
How Do You Prepare Spinach for the Dip?
Preparing spinach properly is key to keeping your bites delicious. Fresh spinach should be sautéed to wilt it and enhance its flavor. If you’re using frozen, thawing and draining it well is crucial to prevent excess moisture.
- For fresh spinach, heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped spinach and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- If using frozen, just let it thaw, then squeeze out any water using a clean towel or paper towel.
- Finally, chop if necessary to fit into the dip mixture easily.
How to Make Spinach Dip Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spinach Dip Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Biscuit Shell:
- 1 package (12 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or pre-made pastry shells)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake, making a total of approximately 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready!
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your bites are ready to bake. If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan over medium heat until wilted. If you went with frozen, just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before chopping it up if needed.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of your spinach dip bites!
3. Combine with Spinach:
Now, fold the chopped spinach into the cheese mixture until it’s evenly mixed in. This will give your bites a lovely green color and a delicious flavor boost!
4. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Grab a muffin tin and give it a good spray with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Open your biscuit dough and separate it into individual biscuits. Gently press each biscuit into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to create little shells for your dip.
5. Fill and Bake:
Spoon the spinach dip mixture evenly into each biscuit shell until they’re nicely filled. Put the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is all bubbly. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let your Spinach Dip Bites cool for a few minutes. They’re best served warm or at room temperature, making them a tasty bite for any occasion. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh Spinach?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach! Just remember to thaw it completely and drain off any excess moisture before chopping. This ensures that your dip won’t be too watery. For best results, squeeze out extra moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in This Recipe?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or even additional sour cream for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor of the dip but will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Spinach Dip Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick option, but be careful not to overheat as it may make the biscuit dough too chewy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach dip mixture in advance and fill the biscuit shells before baking. Store the filled muffin tin in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. Just add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.
