Spinach Corn Dip Recipe – Easy Cheesy Appetizer with Garlic

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spinach Corn Dip Recipe – Easy Cheesy Appetizer with Garlic

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both delicious and ridiculously easy to make. Well, look no further! This Spinach Corn Dip is a total game-changer. It’s creamy, cheesy, a little bit spicy, and seriously addictive. I first made this for a get-together with friends, and it disappeared within minutes – I’m pretty sure there was a scramble for the last bite! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the corn balances the earthiness of the spinach, while the garlic and chili flakes add a lovely warmth. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect for parties, game day, or just a cozy night in. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good cheesy dip? It takes just under an hour from start to finish, and most of that is baking time, so it’s super manageable even when you’re short on time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dip:

• 10 oz (approximately 283g) frozen spinach
• 2 tablespoons butter (approx. 30g)
• 1 teaspoon oil (approx. 5ml)
• 2 cups (approx. 240g) sweet corn
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (approx. 16g)
• 1 1/3 cup (approx. 315ml) milk
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 8 oz (approx. 226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (approx. 60g) pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups (approx. 180g) cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping!)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips to make sure your dip turns out perfect:

Frozen Spinach: Choosing & Preparing

Frozen spinach is the way to go for convenience! Make sure you thaw it completely and, this is important, squeeze out every last drop of water. Seriously, get in there with your hands! Otherwise, your dip will be watery.

Butter & Oil: The Right Combination for Flavor

Using both butter and oil gives you the best of both worlds. The butter adds richness, while the oil prevents the butter from burning. I usually use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.

Sweet Corn: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned?

Frozen corn works beautifully here, and it’s what I usually use. But if you’re feeling fancy, fresh corn kernels cut from the cob are amazing! If you’re using canned, make sure to drain it well.

Garlic: Regional Variations & Intensity

Garlic is a must! I love using about 4 cloves, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. In some parts of India, garlic is used more generously, so don’t be shy if you’re a garlic lover.

Pepper Jack Cheese: Spice Level & Alternatives

Pepper Jack adds a lovely kick, but if you’re not a fan of spice, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Just remember, the Pepper Jack is where a lot of the heat comes from!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, thaw that frozen spinach and squeeze out all the excess water. Seriously, don’t skip this step!
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and oil together. Add the corn and sauté for about 2 minutes, until it starts to soften.
4. Add the spinach and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until everything is combined and the garlic is fragrant – about another minute or two.
5. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1.5 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps get rid of that raw flour taste.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Then, add the Italian seasoning, chili flakes, pepper, and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Now for the cheesy goodness! Mix in the cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and ½ cup of the cheddar cheese.
8. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. If you want a little extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
10. Serve hot with your favorite dippers.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the spinach! You want it to be tender, but not mushy.
• Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth and creamy dip.
• Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Variations

This dip is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Spinach Corn Dip

Swap the butter for vegan butter, the milk for plant-based milk (like almond or soy), and use vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives. It’s surprisingly delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Gluten-Free Spinach Corn Dip

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your Italian seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten-based additives.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you like things really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder dip, reduce or omit the chili flakes.

Festival Adaptations (Game Day, Parties)

For game day, serve with tortilla chips and veggie sticks. For parties, you can keep the dip warm in a slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

This dip is amazing with:

• Crackers
• Toasted baguette slices
• Fresh veggies (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
• Tortilla chips

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

What kind of spinach works best in this dip?

Frozen spinach is the most convenient and works perfectly! Just make sure to squeeze out all the excess water.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dip up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a little bit of Parmesan would be delicious.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder dip, or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.

What are some healthy alternatives to cream cheese?

You could try using Neufchatel cheese (which is lower in fat) or even a blend of Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, but it will slightly alter the texture and flavor.