Yummy Spinach Recipe: Dip or Side Dish

Spinach is one of my favorite vegetables. It is healthy, packed with nutrients, tastes great, and is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Spinach is also very versatile. It is a great base for or addition to salads in its raw formed, and the possibilities for creating great dishes with cooked spinach are virtually unlimited.

This recipe is one of my all-time spinach favorites. It is easy to make and is always a hit with friends and family. Even people who claim to dislike spinach usually enjoy this recipe. It is perfect as either a side dish or a dip, which is how it gets its name!

Versatile Spinach Recipe: Spinach Casserole or Warm Spinach Dip

2 packages frozen chopped spinach (boxes)

1 16oz. carton reduced fat sour cream

8 oz cheddar cheese

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 package dry vegetable soup mix (such as Lipton or Knorr)

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Defrost the spinach and drain all liquid. Pat spinach dry. In a square baking dish, mix spinach, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, nutmeg, garlic powder, vegetable soup mix, and salt together. Stir until all ingredients are blended. Spread the mixture out so that it is even in the pan. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 30 minutes until mixture is heated through and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions:

As a side dish: Simply scoop onto your plate and enjoy. This side dish is particularly good with grilled steak or chicken.

As a warm dip: I usually serve this dip with Triscuit crackers, wheat thins, Ritz crackers, Townhouse crackers, or Fritos. It is also good with melba toast and baked pitas.

Variation:

Add chopped marinated artichoke hearts to the mixture before backing for a delicious twist!