This Longhorn Four Cheese Spinach Dip is rich, creamy, and simply irresistible!
The secret is in mixing various cheeses to get that perfect gooey texture and robust flavor.
You’ll love how the blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese creates a perfect harmony in each bite.
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to make mixing easier and the dip smoother.
I love how quick and easy it is to prepare, especially when friends and family are coming over!
How to Make Longhorn Four Cheese Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 1 head of Garlic
- 1 small Onion (diced)
- 10 oz. Spinach (blanched and chopped)
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Gouda Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Cut the end off a head of garlic to expose the cloves.
Coat it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then wrap it in foil.
Roast for 40 minutes.
Step 2:
Dice the small onion and set it aside.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Blanch the spinach by submerging it until it wilts, then transfer it to ice water.
Step 3:
Prepare an oven-proof dish with non-stick spray.
Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, gouda, cheddar, salt, and red pepper in a large bowl.
Mix well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4:
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top with extra parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
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Use Fresh Spinach!
Using fresh spinach rather than frozen gives a better texture and flavor to your dip.
Blanch it quickly to retain its vibrant green color.
Squeeze Out Excess Moisture
Before adding the spinach to the mix, ensure it’s thoroughly drained.
Excess moisture can make the dip watery.
Roast Garlic Properly
Roast the garlic until it’s soft and caramelized.
This adds a rich, sweet flavor to the dip that can’t be beaten.
Mix Cheeses for Best Flavor
Combining different cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan adds depth and complexity.
Try to use the authentic versions of these cheeses for the best results.
Serve Warm
For the best experience, serve this dip warm.
Pair it with fresh baguette slices or tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer.
Enjoy making this delicious dip!
What to Serve with Longhorn Four Cheese Spinach Dip
Veggie Sticks
Crunchy carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips add freshness.
They provide a nice balance to the creamy, cheesy dip.
Pita Chips
Pita chips give a satisfying crunch.
They can easily scoop up generous portions of the dip.
Soft Pretzels
These warm, soft, and salty pretzels are perfect for dipping.
They’re a classic pairing that everyone loves.
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp can be a unique and tasty surprise.
Their light, smoky flavor complements the rich dip.
Crispy Green Beans
Crispy green beans make a fun and healthy side.
Their texture and flavor work well with the creaminess of the dip.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Choices
You can swap out the cheeses in this spinach dip if you don’t have a particular one on hand.
Try using Gouda or Fontina for a different flavor profile.
You can also use a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Vegetables
Adding or substituting vegetables can give your spinach dip a new twist!
Consider adding artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean vibe.
You can also incorporate sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
They add extra texture and taste.
Lighter Options
For a lighter version of this dip, you can make some simple substitutions.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or part of the cream cheese.
You can also use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat.
Spices and Seasonings
Feel free to change up the spices to match your preference.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creamy flavor.
You can also include some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Spinach Alternatives
If you’re out of fresh spinach, don’t worry!
You can use frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain it well.
You can also use chopped kale as a substitute for a slightly different taste and texture.
These variations and substitutions provide flexibility and creativity for your longhorn four-cheese spinach dip!
How to Store Leftover Longhorn Four Cheese Spinach Dip
Refrigeration
To store leftover Longhorn Four Cheese Spinach Dip, place it in an airtight container.
Make sure it is completely cool before sealing it.
You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the dip.
Transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag.
Label with the date, and it can stay frozen for up to 2 months.
Portioning and Thawing
Consider freezing in individual portions.
This way, you only thaw what you need.
To thaw, move to the fridge overnight before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Spinach
You might be tempted to cook the spinach for too long.
Overcooking results in a mushy texture that can negatively affect the dip.
Blanch the spinach quickly to retain its vibrant color and subtle crunch.
Using Wet Spinach
One common mistake is failing to properly drain the spinach.
Excess moisture can make the dip runny and dilute the flavors.
Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Skimping on Seasonings
Not adding enough seasonings can make the dip taste bland.
Don’t be afraid to be generous with your garlic, salt, and pepper.
Proper seasoning helps bring out the full flavor profile of the cheeses and spinach.
Longhorn Four Cheese Spinach Dip
- 1 head of Garlic
- 1 small Onion diced
- 10 oz. Spinach blanched and chopped
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 cup Gouda Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cut the end off a head of garlic to expose the cloves.
- Coat it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then wrap it in foil.
- Roast for 40 minutes.
- Dice the small onion and set it aside.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Blanch the spinach by submerging it until it wilts, then transfer it to ice water.
- Prepare an oven-proof dish with non-stick spray.
- Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, gouda, cheddar, salt, and red pepper in a large bowl.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with extra parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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