There’s nothing quite like a creamy, dreamy spinach dip that disappears faster than you can say “party appetizer!” This Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe has been a beloved classic for decades, and honestly, once you master it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those pre-made versions. The secret? Knorr’s iconic dry vegetable soup mix combined with the perfect blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh spinach creates an irresistibly smooth and flavorful dip that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe.
I absolutely love how simple this recipe is—it requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The beauty of using Knorr seasoning is that it gives you that perfectly balanced, restaurant-quality flavor profile that’s hard to replicate with individual spices. Plus, it’s a timeless recipe that works for casual game nights, holiday parties, or elegant dinner gatherings.
This spinach dip is incredibly versatile too. Serve it warm in a bread bowl for a show-stopping presentation, or keep it in a slow cooker at parties so it stays perfectly creamy throughout the evening. You can customize it by adding crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even some crumbled feta cheese if you’re feeling fancy. The creamy sauce techniques you’ll master here also translate beautifully to chicken alfredo and other rich dips.
What makes this recipe so special is how the Knorr seasoning acts as the backbone of flavor, eliminating the guesswork of seasoning combinations. The onion, garlic, and herb notes from the soup mix blend seamlessly with the tangy sour cream and rich cream cheese, creating depth and complexity that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you’re making this for a crowd or just for a cozy night in, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time.
The texture of this dip is absolutely crucial—you want it smooth, creamy, and spreadable, not chunky or watery. That’s why we’re using frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) rather than fresh, which contains too much moisture. The combination of cream cheese and sour cream in the right proportions ensures you get that perfect consistency. And if you’re looking for inspiration on other creamy dishes, check out this heavy cream pasta recipe for more rich, indulgent flavor inspiration.
For those of you who love creamy pasta dishes, this dip uses similar creaming techniques that result in silky, luxurious textures. The key is making sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing so everything incorporates smoothly without lumps. This recipe also makes an excellent base if you ever want to experiment with variations—add it to a chickpea salad for a creamy dressing, or use it as a dip for fresh veggies.
I’ve been making this recipe for years, and I always get compliments. It’s become my go-to party dish because it’s foolproof, elegant, and absolutely delicious. The Knorr seasoning is the secret weapon that elevates this from ordinary to extraordinary. Once you try this version, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Let me share all my tips and tricks for making the BEST spinach dip that’ll have everyone at your gathering asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed completely dry
- 1 packet (1 oz) Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup diced water chestnuts (optional but recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Assorted crackers, bread, and fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes until it’s soft and easy to mix. This is crucial for getting a smooth, lump-free dip.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream together. Using an electric mixer or vigorous hand mixing with a wooden spoon, blend until smooth and creamy with no lumps visible.
- Add the Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix packet directly to the cream cheese mixture and stir well to combine. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Measure out your frozen spinach and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze it very firmly to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This step is essential to prevent a watery dip.
- Add the completely dried spinach to the cream cheese mixture and fold it in gently using a spatula until evenly incorporated throughout.
- Stir in the whole milk to achieve your desired consistency. Start with 1/4 cup and add more if needed. The dip should be creamy but still hold its shape.
- Add the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and water chestnuts if using. Fold everything together until well combined.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if desired. Taste the dip and add additional salt if needed, though the Knorr seasoning may provide enough salt on its own.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or bread bowl if you’re going for presentation. Serve at room temperature or warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- If making ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a slow cooker set to low, stirring occasionally, or in a 325°F oven until warm throughout.
- Serve with an array of crackers, toasted bread rounds, fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, or your preferred dippers.
Pro Tips
- **Squeezing the Spinach is Non-Negotiable**: This is the most important step. Frozen spinach contains significant moisture that will make your dip watery and ruin the texture. Take time to really press it out thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel.
- **Room Temperature Cream Cheese**: Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and difficult to mix smoothly. Always let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before starting. This makes a huge difference in the final texture.
- **Knorr Seasoning Variations**: If you can’t find the classic Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix, you can substitute with Knorr French Onion Soup Mix or Knorr Leek Soup Mix for slightly different flavor profiles. Each brings its own unique taste.
- **Make-Ahead Magic**: This dip actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have time to meld together. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate covered. Reheat gently before serving.
- **Bread Bowl Presentation**: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and fill it with the spinach dip for a stunning presentation. The bread becomes edible as guests scoop out the dip, creating a complete appetizer situation.
- **Slow Cooker Method**: Transfer the dip to a slow cooker set on low for parties. It stays perfectly warm and creamy for hours, and guests can help themselves throughout the event.
- **Flavor Boosters**: Add crispy cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like dill and chives for personalized variations.
- **Consistency Control**: If your dip seems too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add a bit more softened cream cheese. The consistency should be spreadable but not runny.
- **Water Chestnuts**: These add a lovely crunch and subtle sweetness that complements the creamy base beautifully. They’re optional but highly recommended for texture contrast.
- **Vegetable Dippers**: Serve with blanched broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful, healthy presentation.
- **Storage Tips**: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dip doesn’t freeze well due to the texture changes that occur, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
- **Scaling the Recipe**: This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings. Simply multiply all ingredients by two, but taste and adjust seasonings as needed since salt can vary between batches.
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