Spinach Dip Bites are mini delights packed with creamy spinach and cheese, all wrapped in a crispy shell. They’re perfect for sharing and are oh-so-easy to whip up!
Seriously, who can resist these charming little bites? I like to serve them at parties, and they always disappear faster than I can keep track! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This adds creamy texture and richness. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt, though it will alter the flavor slightly. I prefer full-fat cream cheese for a richer dip!
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess to the dip. You can replace it with plain yogurt if you need a healthier swap. My preference is to mix half sour cream and half Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Frozen Chopped Spinach: Ensure it’s well-drained to avoid watery bites. In a pinch, fresh spinach works too—just sauté and chop it down to match the quantity. Fresh spinach gives a vibrant taste!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is great for meltiness, while Parmesan adds a sharp flavor. For a twist, try feta or cheddar cheese. I love the bite of feta when I’m in the mood for something different!
Wonton Wrappers: They create a crispy shell. If you can’t find them, phyllo dough is a great substitute. Just slice it into squares and stack a few layers for thickness.
How Do I Make Sure My Wonton Wrappers Don’t Stick?
Getting the wonton wrappers right can be tricky if they cling to the muffin tin. Here are my tips to prevent sticking:
- Use cooking spray or olive oil generously on your muffin tin. This creates a non-stick surface.
- Press the wonton wrappers gently but firmly into the tin, ensuring they fit snugly without tearing.
- Let them bake until golden brown—this helps them release easier. If they’re still stuck, use a thin spatula to gently pry them out.
By following these tips, your bites will pop out beautifully every time! Enjoy these bites fresh for the best taste and texture.
How to Make Spinach Dip Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spinach Dip Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bites:
- 1 package wonton wrappers (about 40 wrappers)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Spinach Dip Bites recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 12-15 minutes for baking. So, you’re looking at a total time of around 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick appetizer to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil so your bites won’t stick!
2. Make the Spinach Dip Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix them together until you have a smooth and creamy texture. This is the base of your dip!
3. Add the Spinach and Cheeses:
Next, add the thawed and well-drained chopped spinach to the mixture. Give it a good stir to blend everything together. Now, toss in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated—this is where the flavors come together!
4. Assemble the Bites:
Now it’s time to work with the wonton wrappers! Take each wrapper and gently press it into the mini muffin tin, creating small cups. Be careful not to tear them! Once the cups are ready, spoon approximately 1 to 1½ teaspoons of the spinach and cheese mixture into each wonton cup. Fill them generously, but don’t overfill!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges of the wonton wrappers to turn golden brown and the filling to be bubbly and heated through.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes before carefully taking them out using a spoon or spatula. Serve the Spinach Dip Bites warm and enjoy this delightful appetizer with your friends and family!
Tip: These tasty bites can be made ahead of time and gently reheated in the oven before serving, making them perfect for gatherings or parties!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 6-8 cups of fresh spinach, sauté it in a bit of olive oil until wilted, drain any excess moisture, and chop it before adding it to the mixture. Fresh spinach adds a lovely vibrant flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free wonton wrappers or substitute with gluten-free phyllo dough or even corn tortillas, though the texture will differ. Just be sure to check any pre-packaged items for gluten-free labels!
Can I Customize the Cheese in This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other cheeses like feta, gouda, or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep the same quantities for the best results!
