Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe

Name: Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz fresh spinach (or frozen spinach); 8 oz cream cheese; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3/4 cup white cheddar cheese; 5 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Panko bread crumbs; Olive oil

Published: December 24, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dip is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Rich Flavor: The combination of cheeses and garlic creates a savory taste that pairs well with various dippers.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with chips, bread, or fresh veggies—perfect for any occasion!
Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store it for future snacking.
Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe serves seven, ensuring there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Longhorn Spinach Dip, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment can streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Garlic press
Baking dish
Whisk or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
Garlic press: Using a garlic press ensures you get the maximum flavor out of fresh garlic cloves.
Baking dish: A quality baking dish will help in achieving an even cook and perfect presentation.

Ingredients

For this delectable Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

6 oz spinach (or 6-oz of frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and liquid squeezed out)
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic (1 tablespoon, minced)

Creamy Base

8 oz cream cheese (broken up into six chunks)
1/2 cup heavy cream

Cheesy Goodness

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (I used Kraft)
3/4 cup white cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Toppings

1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp Panko bread crumbs
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese (I used pre-shredded cheese in a 5-oz bag)
1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

How to Make Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by washing fresh spinach thoroughly. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s completely thawed and all excess liquid has been squeezed out.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add 2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.
2. Add minced garlic cloves.
3. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add sautéed garlic and spinach.
2. Mix in cream cheese chunks until well combined.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth.

Step 4: Add Cheeses and Seasonings

Stir in:
1. Grated parmesan cheese.
2. White cheddar cheese.
3. Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish:
1. Spread evenly across the dish.
2. Top with Panko bread crumbs and additional parmesan cheese mixed with melted butter.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake:
1. For about 5-7 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Your Longhorn Spinach Dip is now ready to serve! Enjoy this delightful appetizer hot with your favorite dippers!

How to Serve Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe

This Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe is perfect for gatherings and parties. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dip experience.

With Fresh Vegetables

Carrot sticks: Crunchy and sweet, these pair well with the creamy dip.
Celery sticks: Their crisp texture provides a great contrast to the dip.
Bell pepper slices: Colorful and refreshing, they add vibrancy to your platter.

With Crackers

Pita chips: These are sturdy and provide perfect scooping capabilities.
Garlic toast: The garlic flavor complements the spinach dip beautifully.
Tortilla chips: Their salty crunch makes for a delicious combination.

With Bread

Sliced baguette: Toasted or fresh, it serves as an excellent base for the dip.
Soft pretzels: Their chewy texture pairs magnificently with the creamy spinach dip.

In Mini Bread Bowls

Hollowed-out bread rolls: Perfectly portioned, these little bowls are fun and tasty!

How to Perfect Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe

To ensure your Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh spinach: If possible, fresh spinach gives a vibrant flavor compared to frozen options.
Drain thoroughly: Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid from thawed spinach for a thicker dip.
Adjust cheese types: Feel free to mix different cheeses for unique flavors; mozzarella can add extra creaminess.
Bake until bubbly: Ensure you bake the dip until it is hot and bubbly for the best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe can enhance your appetizer spread. Here are some great accompaniments.

Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like cheddar and gouda adds variety and taste.
Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruits like grapes and strawberries provide a sweet balance to the savory dip.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats complement the flavors of the spinach dip perfectly.
Mini Quiches: Their creamy egg filling harmonizes well with the cheesy nature of the dip.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and warm, they are perfect for dipping into the creamy mixture.
Salad Cups: Individual salad cups offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make simple mistakes when preparing the Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

Using fresh spinach without proper preparation: Always ensure that fresh spinach is washed, trimmed, and cooked before adding it to your dip. This prevents bitterness and enhances flavor.
Not draining thawed frozen spinach: Failing to squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach can result in a watery dip. Make sure to drain thoroughly for the best texture.
Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Sauté it just until fragrant to keep your dip flavorful.
Skipping measurements: Eyeballing ingredients might lead to imbalanced flavors. Use precise measurements for a consistent taste every time.
Neglecting the cheese blend: Using only one type of cheese may not give you the rich flavor you desire. Stick to the recommended cheese blend for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Store leftover Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe in an airtight container.
item It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe

item Place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container.
item It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe

item Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
item Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
item Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe that many people have:

Can I use canned spinach for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute canned spinach, but make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly before use.

What type of cheese works best?

A mix of Parmesan and white cheddar gives the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.

How do I make this dip spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking to give your Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe a spicy kick.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! The Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe freezes well and can be enjoyed later.

Can I customize this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Longhorn Spinach Dip Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect as an appetizer or snack for any gathering. You can easily customize it by adding extra spices or vegetables, making it versatile for any palate. Try this delicious dish at your next get-together!

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