Smoked Spinach Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is a popular game day snack, and this smoked spinach dip adds a layer of smoky flavor to take the classic dip to the next level.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, and it only takes about an hour to cook and can be made ahead of time to save time on game day.

This dish is fast and simple to make, and it can be made ahead of time and warmed just in time for the big game.

Ingredients you’ll need

Spinach: This recipe asks for baby spinach, but normal spinach may also be used. If you use ordinary spinach, just slice it into pieces before putting it to the saucepan to wilt.
Artichoke Hearts: For this dish, you may use any canned or jarred artichoke hearts, but I like marinated artichoke hearts. They give the dip an additional taste boost.
Garlic: For this dish, you should use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced garlic from a jar. If you absolutely must use pre-minced garlic, increase the quantity in the recipe to get a strong, powerful garlic taste.
Cream cheese gives a wonderful, creamy, and melty component to the dip. This recipe calls for two blocks of cream cheese, but if you want a thicker dip, reduce it down to one block.
Monterey Jack cheese: I find that Monterrey Jack cheese works well in a variety of dips and queso dishes. This dish may also be made using mozzarella, Gouda, or any other mild cheese. Oaxaca cheese is another excellent option if you want a stringier texture.
Parmesan cheese: I like to add a touch of grated Parmesan towards the end of the cooking process to get a lovely, golden brown topping on the dip. You could also use mozzarella, but I think the Parmesan lends a wonderfully distinct taste.
spices: I like to keep it basic with just a touch of salt and pepper, but you may use any spices you want. Red pepper flakes are a terrific way to add a little heat, and smoked paprika adds a smokey aspect to the dip.

Tools you’ll need

Smoker or Pellet Grill
Wood or Wood Pellets
Large cast iron pan (or aluminum tray)
Medium-sized pot
Silicone spatula (or wooden spoon)
Heat-protecting gloves (or oven mitts)

How to make Smoked Spinach Dip

1. Wilt spinach

The first step is to allow your spinach to wilt. It may seem to be a lot of spinach while raw, but it will diminish dramatically as it wilts.

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat, then add the spinach. Allow it to wilt for approximately 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

During the final few minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic to the pan.

While the spinach wilts, cut the marinated artichoke hearts into smaller pieces. You may leave them bigger or slice them finer, depending on your desire.

When the spinach has become a dark green and has completely wilted, add your artichoke hearts, salt, and pepper. Give it a thorough stir until everything is fully blended, then take from the fire and leave aside.

2. Add the cheese

Begin by slicing your Monterrey Jack cheese into 1 inch chunks. This will help the cheese melt more uniformly on the smoker and make the final mixing simpler.

Fill a large cast iron pan halfway with Monterrey Jack cubes.

Place the cream cheese next to the Monterey Jack, followed by the spinach and artichoke combination.

Pour the milk evenly over the top.

3. The smoke

You may use whatever smoker or pellet grill you like for this recipe; the key is that it can maintain a stable temperature of about 300F.

For this cook, I utilized my Camp Chef Woodwind Pro and Bear Mountain BBQ Gourmet BBQ pellets.

Once your smoker has reached 300°F, lay your dip straight on the grates and smoke for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

The last step is to remove the dip from the smoker and thoroughly combine it. Stir until all of the ingredients are well incorporated, then smooth the top with the back of a spatula or spoon.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and return to the smoker for another 10 to 15 minutes to allow the top to get golden brown.

4. Serving

Serve immediately with toasted French bread, tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite veggies.

If you wish to make the dip ahead of time, let it cool before covering it and storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Simply set it back on the smoker or in the oven at 300F for approximately 20 minutes to warm.

Looking for other dips?

The Ultimate Jalapeo Popper Dip
Smoked Beer Cheese Dip
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Dip
Smoked Queso Dip

FAQs

What is in Reser’s spinach dip?

SPINACH, WHOLE MILK, WATER, HEAVY CREAM (MILK), ONION, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, ASIAGO CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), SALT, BLACK PEPPER, POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVATIVE), SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), NUTMEG.

Is eating spinach dip good for you?

Spinach dip prepared with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise produced from vegetable oil may provide protein and healthy fats to your diet, both of which may help you feel full (12, 13). It may be even more full when coupled with high fiber vegetables or fiber-rich whole grain crackers or toast (12, 13).

Can you eat spinach dip with acid reflux?

Green leafy vegetables are inherently low in fat and sugar, and they aid in the reduction of stomach acid production. Spinach, broccoli, kale, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are rich in alkalinity, which is beneficial to the stomach and provides relief from acid reflux.

Is Trader Joe’s spinach dip good?

The Trader Joe’s sour cream spinach dip, which was the least costly dip I tested, was wonderfully thick and creamy, with huge bits of spinach and a deep onion flavor that blew me away.

Is frozen or fresh spinach better for dip?

Spinach is a frozen vegetable with taste that withstands freezing and texture that does not degrade due to the softness of cooked spinach. Use frozen spinach for spanakopita, spinach dip, lasagna, or filled shells—basically, any spinach meal your mother prepared.

What kind of chips do you eat with spinach dip?

Serve Spinach Dip with crudité, pita chips, handmade tortilla chips (my personal favorite), or crackers of your choice.

What is spinach sauce made of?

Spinach Sauce may be created either white and creamy or red and tomato-based. Ingredients for a white Spinach Sauce, such as garlic, cheese, fresh or frozen spinach, and spices, are commonly mixed in a food processor but not pureed.

Does spinach artichoke dip contain eggs?

Cream Cheese (pasteurized cultured milk and cream, salt, stabilizers [guar gum, carob bean gum, xanthan gum]), Canola oil, water, whole egg, egg yolk, sugar, distilled vinegar, honey, salt, spices, lemon juice concentrate Onion, Artichokes (water, salt, citric acid),…

Does spinach dip have nuts in it?

This dip is made with thick, creamy Greek-style yogurt, a bit of olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon, a variety of fresh herbs, and, of course, plenty of baby spinach.

What is in Safeway spinach dip?

Spinach, Mayonnaise (Soybean Oil, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Egg Yolks, Whole Eggs, Sugar, Salt, Spices, Citric Acid, Lemon Juice Concentrate), Water Chestnuts, Seasoning (Dehydrated Vegetables [Onions, Carrots, Garlic, Tomatoes, Cabbage, Green Peas, Celery,…

Smoked Spinach Dip