The Ultimate Classic Knorr Spinach Dip: An Easy, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing Party Appetizer
Prepare to become the hero of every gathering with this incredibly easy and always beloved Knorr Spinach Dip recipe! This cold, creamy, and undeniably delicious dip is a party essential, guaranteed to disappear quickly from any spread. Crafted effortlessly with a packet of Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix, frozen spinach, and a handful of other readily available ingredients, it’s the ultimate hassle-free appetizer that consistently earns rave reviews.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a game day party, or a festive holiday celebration, this classic spinach dip delivers on flavor and simplicity. Its rich texture and savory taste make it a versatile pairing for a wide array of dippers, from crunchy pita chips to fresh, crisp vegetables. You’ll love how quickly you can whip up this crowd-pleaser, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests.
For more of my favorite party dips that are just as easy and delicious, be sure to explore my cream cheese rotel dip, these fun 7 layer dip cups, and my refreshing cream cheese dill dip.
Unlocking the Simplicity: Your Go-To Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe
This easy spinach dip recipe isn’t just one of my favorites; it’s a culinary secret weapon. It literally takes mere minutes to assemble, making it the perfect last-minute appetizer that never fails to impress. Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many times friends and family have begged for the recipe. They are always astonished when I reveal that the star ingredient is simply the readily available Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix!
For decades, Knorr thoughtfully printed this exact recipe on the back of their seasoning mix packets. It became a beloved tradition in countless kitchens. However, with recent packaging updates, Knorr has unfortunately removed this classic recipe. Recognizing its enduring popularity and the need to preserve this kitchen staple, I decided it was essential to share the beloved formula here on my site. This way, the classic recipe will be saved for generations to come, and I can also add my personal tips and tricks to ensure you achieve the absolute best, creamiest, and most flavorful dip every single time.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Spinach Dip Recipe
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser at Any Event: This Knorr Spinach Dip has an almost magical ability to vanish from the serving bowl at parties, BBQs, holiday gatherings, and casual get-togethers. Its universally appealing flavor profile and rich, creamy texture make it a hit with guests of all ages, ensuring your efforts are always rewarded with empty plates and compliments.
- A Tried-and-True Recipe Trusted for Years: You can rely on this recipe for consistent, delicious results. Passed down through generations and a staple on Knorr’s packaging for decades, it’s a testament to its foolproof nature and incredible taste. There’s no guesswork involved, just pure, unadulterated dip perfection every time.
- Made with Just 5 Simple Ingredients for the Easiest Appetizer Ever: Forget complicated ingredient lists and lengthy preparation times. This dip requires only five main ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. It’s the ideal choice for a last-minute appetizer when you need something delicious without the stress.
Craving a warm, bubbling dip instead? Be sure to check out this phenomenal Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Knorr Spinach Dip
This section provides detailed ingredient notes, essential tips, and flexible substitution options to help you customize your dip. For exact measurements and full instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card available at the very end of this post.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach: This is the backbone of our dip. It needs to be cooked according to package instructions, then thoroughly cooled, and most crucially, squeezed completely dry. Excess water is the enemy of a creamy dip, so don’t skip this critical step! For details on how to get your spinach perfectly dry, see the dedicated section below. While fresh spinach can be used, it requires a bit more prep to wilt and drain.
- Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix: Often found as Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix, this packet of dried vegetables and seasonings is the secret ingredient that gives the dip its signature, addictive flavor. It provides a savory depth and aromatic notes that are difficult to replicate from scratch, making this dip incredibly easy and flavorful.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the essential rich and creamy base for the dip. For a slightly lighter version without compromising too much on texture, you can opt for light mayonnaise. Full-fat mayo will yield the richest result.
- Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and contributes to the overall creamy texture, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. If you’re looking to reduce fat or add a protein boost, light sour cream or even plain nonfat Greek yogurt can be used as excellent alternatives. The Greek yogurt will add a bit more tang, which some people prefer.
- Water Chestnuts: Typically found in cans in the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store, these are a game-changer for this dip. They add a wonderfully crisp, subtle crunch that elevates the texture and truly makes the dip unforgettable. While the original Knorr recipe sometimes listed them as optional, I consider them a must-have ingredient for that extra special touch. Drain and chop them before adding.
- Green Onions (Scallions): An optional but highly recommended addition. Sliced thinly, they introduce a mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of color that brightens the dip. I love adding them whenever I have them on hand for that extra layer of savory freshness, but the dip is still fantastic without them if you’re short on time or ingredients.
Simple Steps: How to Make Spinach Dip with Knorr Vegetable Mix
This section provides visual guidance with step-by-step photos and clear instructions to help you assemble your dip effortlessly. For the complete printable recipe, including all measurements and detailed notes, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add your thoroughly drained and cooled spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, the full packet of Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix, chopped water chestnuts (if using), and thinly sliced green onions (if using). Stir all the ingredients together vigorously until they are completely combined and the dip has a uniform, creamy consistency. Ensure no dry pockets of seasoning remain.
- Chill for Flavor Development: Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours. For the absolute best flavor, allowing it to chill overnight is highly recommended, as this gives all the wonderful flavors ample time to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious dip.
- Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the dip another good stir to ensure everything is well incorporated and creamy. Transfer it to your favorite serving bowl and present it with an assortment of dippers. Prepare for it to be devoured!
The Secret to Success: How to Properly Drain Spinach
Achieving a perfectly creamy, non-watery spinach dip hinges entirely on one crucial step: thoroughly draining your spinach. If your dip turns out watery, inadequate draining is almost always the culprit! To effectively squeeze dry the cooked and cooled frozen spinach, you have a couple of reliable methods:
- Using a Clean Kitchen Towel: Place the cooked and cooled spinach in the center of a clean, lint-free kitchen towel. Gather the edges of the towel tightly around the spinach to form a ball. Over a sink or bowl, twist the towel with all your strength, squeezing out as much excess water as possible. You’ll be surprised how much liquid comes out! Repeat this process a few times, untwisting and re-twisting, until the spinach is as dry as you can possibly get it.
- Using Several Layers of Paper Towels: If you don’t have a kitchen towel handy, several layers of sturdy paper towels can also work. Place the spinach between multiple sheets, then press down firmly, squeezing and blotting until the moisture is gone. You might need to use fresh paper towels a couple of times.
The goal is to remove every last drop of excess moisture. This will ensure your Knorr Spinach Dip has that desirable thick, creamy texture that everyone loves.
Storage Solutions for Your Spinach Dip
This fantastic Knorr Spinach Dip is excellent for making ahead, which often enhances its flavors even more! To store any leftovers, transfer the dip to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always give it a good stir before serving again to refresh its creamy texture and redistribute the flavors. Unfortunately, freezing this dip is not recommended, as the mayonnaise and sour cream base can separate and become grainy once thawed, significantly affecting the texture.
Perfect Pairings: What to Eat with Knorr Spinach Dip
Once your irresistible Knorr Spinach Dip is perfectly chilled and ready, the only question left is: what delicious items will you use to scoop it up? This versatile dip pairs wonderfully with a vast array of dippers. Here are some of the most popular and delightful options:
- Pita Chips: Their sturdy crunch and slightly salty flavor make them a classic and perfect match for the creamy dip.
- Tortilla Chips: Offers a satisfying crispness and a hint of corn flavor that complements the savory dip beautifully.
- Crackers: A variety of crackers, from butter crackers to whole-grain options, provide a simple and effective vehicle for the dip.
- Pretzels: Both pretzel sticks and snaps offer a unique salty crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth dip.
- Corn Chips: Like Fritos, these bring a robust corn flavor and a satisfyingly scoopable shape.
- Crostini: Thinly sliced and toasted baguette pieces add an elegant touch and a delightful crispness.
- Carrot Sticks: Crisp and naturally sweet, carrots are a healthy and colorful option that balances the dip’s richness.
- Broccoli Florets: Small, crunchy florets offer a fresh green bite and a lovely texture contrast.
- Celery Sticks: Known for their refreshing crunch and mild flavor, celery is a classic veggie dipper.
- Sliced Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange bell pepper strips add vibrant color and a sweet, juicy crunch.
- Chunks of Sourdough Bread: Or other hearty breads like pumpernickel or rye, are fantastic for scooping up generous amounts of dip.
While all these dippers are fantastic, my absolute personal favorites remain classic pita chips, rustic bread pieces, and a colorful assortment of fresh veggies. There’s truly something for everyone!
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Knorr Spinach Dip
- Drain Spinach Exceptionally Well: This cannot be stressed enough! The secret to a thick, creamy, and flavorful dip (and avoiding a watery disappointment) is to thoroughly drain and squeeze out every last drop of excess water from your cooked spinach. Follow the method described in the “How to Drain Spinach” section to ensure maximum creaminess.
- Make Ahead for Enhanced Flavor: While the dip is delicious after its initial 2-hour chill, its flavors truly blossom and meld together beautifully when allowed to sit longer. For the absolute best taste and depth of flavor, I highly recommend preparing the dip a day before you plan to serve it and chilling it overnight. This extra time allows the Knorr seasoning to fully infuse the other ingredients.
- Serve in a Stunning Bread Bowl: Elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of deliciousness by serving your Knorr Spinach Dip in a homemade bread bowl. To create one, simply select a round loaf of sturdy bread (sourdough, pumpernickel, or a rustic Italian loaf work wonderfully). Slice off the top (this will be your “lid”), then carefully hollow out the inside of the loaf, leaving a thick wall. Cube the removed bread pieces and the lid, and serve them alongside the main bread bowl for dipping. It’s an edible, impressive serving vessel!
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, always give the dip a quick taste. Depending on your preference and the specific brands of mayonnaise and sour cream used, you might want to add a tiny pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, or a touch more garlic powder for extra zest.
- Garnish for Visual Appeal: A simple garnish can make your dip even more enticing. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a few extra green onion slices, or a dusting of paprika can add a pop of color and freshness.
Creative Variations and Simple Substitutions
While the classic Knorr Spinach Dip recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as an excellent base for experimentation. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations and substitutions to tailor the dip to your taste preferences or available ingredients:
- Crispy Bacon Bits: For a savory and smoky twist, sprinkle some cooked and crumbled bacon bits directly into the dip mixture when you’re combining the other ingredients. The bacon adds a wonderful textural contrast and a rich, salty flavor that is always a hit.
- Tangy Artichoke Hearts: Transform this into a cold spinach artichoke dip by chopping up a can of drained artichoke hearts (not marinated) and mixing them in. They add a delightful tang and a different texture that complements the spinach beautifully.
- Fresh Spinach Option: If you prefer to use fresh spinach, it’s absolutely possible! You will need approximately one pound (16 ounces) of fresh spinach to replace the 10 ounces of frozen spinach. First, wilt the fresh spinach by sautéing it briefly or steaming it. Then, crucially, squeeze out all excess moisture and chop it finely before incorporating it into the dip, just as you would with frozen spinach.
- Enhanced Seasonings: While the Knorr mix provides a fantastic base, you can always personalize the flavor. Consider adding a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a deeper aromatic profile, a dash of onion powder or garlic powder works well. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a gentle kick.
- Cheesy Goodness: For an extra layer of richness, fold in a quarter to a half cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese or shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This can add a delicious umami depth to the dip.
- Spicy Kick: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a teaspoon of finely minced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) can add an exciting spicy element for those who enjoy a bit of warmth.
Addressing the Debate: Should Frozen Spinach Be Cooked?
This is an age-old question that often sparks debate among Knorr Spinach Dip aficionados: to simply thaw and drain, or to cook and then cool the frozen spinach? The original Knorr spinach dip recipe, as printed on older packets, famously called for “frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.” However, at some point in its evolution, the recipe on the packet quietly changed to specify “cooked, cooled, and squeezed dry.”
I strongly believe that the step of cooking and cooling the frozen spinach was added primarily for important food safety purposes. In fact, if you check the packaging of virtually every brand of frozen spinach available today, you will find instructions advising to thoroughly cook the spinach before consumption. This recommendation is there to ensure any potential bacteria are eliminated.
While I know many people, including my own mother for over 30 years, have successfully made this dip by simply thawing the frozen spinach and squeezing it dry, I personally prefer to err on the side of caution. For peace of mind and optimal food safety, I always take the extra step of microwaving the frozen spinach first until it’s cooked through. After cooking, I allow it to cool completely before proceeding with the crucial step of squeezing out every last drop of excess moisture. This ensures the dip is not only delicious but also safe to enjoy.
Recipe FAQ: Your Knorr Spinach Dip Questions Answered
While older versions of the Knorr recipe suggested simply defrosting, for modern food safety standards and best practice, it is highly recommended to cook the frozen spinach first according to its package instructions. After cooking, the spinach should be thoroughly cooled and then squeezed dry of all excess liquid before it’s mixed with the other dip ingredients. This also helps prevent a watery dip.
No, for optimal food safety, frozen spinach should always be cooked first before consumption. This applies even when preparing cold dishes like this spinach dip. Cooking ensures any potential bacteria are neutralized, making the spinach safe to eat.
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade Knorr Spinach Dip can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always give it a good stir before serving any leftovers to restore its creamy texture and meld the flavors.
While technically possible to freeze spinach dip, it is generally not recommended. The texture of mayonnaise and sour cream-based dips tends to break down and become watery or grainy once thawed. For the best creamy consistency and flavor, this is truly a dip that is best prepared fresh and enjoyed within a few days of making.
Yes, you can! To create a lighter version, substitute regular mayonnaise with light mayonnaise and use light sour cream or even nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt will add a slight tangier note but maintains a wonderful creamy texture.
Discover More Easy Dip Recipes
If you’ve loved this classic Knorr Spinach Dip, you’re in for a treat! We have an array of other simple and delicious dip recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From savory to cheesy, these recipes are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers and make your entertaining effortless. Expand your dip repertoire with these fantastic options:
- Seven Layer Bean Dip: A colorful and flavorful layered dip that’s always a party favorite.
- Mississippi Sin Dip: A deliciously cheesy and hearty dip packed with flavor.
- Cheeseburger Dip: All the flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, irresistible dip.
- Still craving more dip inspiration? Don’t miss out on these 13+ Game Day Dip Recipes – perfect for any sporting event or casual get-together!
Knorr Spinach Dip
Author: JaclynIngredients
- 10 ounce frozen chopped spinach cooked, cooled, and squeezed dry
- 16 ounce sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1.4 ounce packet Knorr Vegetable recipe mix
- 8 ounce water chestnuts drained and chopped (optional)
- 3 green onions sliced thinly (optional)
Instructions
- Add ingredients to a large bowl and stir well to combine.
- Cover and chill overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
- Give a good stir before serving. Serve with fresh vegetables, bread cubes, pita chips, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!