These Spinach Dip Bites are little bits of joy! Filled with creamy spinach and cheese, they’re like party pleasers in tasty pastry cups. Perfect for snacking!
Honestly, I can’t resist them! They disappear fast at gatherings, which is no surprise. They’re super easy to bake too, making last-minute snacks a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Chopped Spinach: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find it, you can use fresh spinach, just be sure to sauté it until wilted and chop it finely. Frozen spinach is convenient for its already-prepped state.
Cream Cheese: The base of the filling makes it creamy. Neufchâtel is a great lighter option if you’re watching calories. You could also try goat cheese for a tangier flavor!
Shredded Mozzarella: This provides gooeyness. For a twist, use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a slight kick. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it may not melt as nicely due to anti-caking agents.
Wonton Wrappers: These create the perfect crispy cup. If you’re looking to avoid gluten, try rice paper or phyllo dough. Just adjust the baking time accordingly!
How Do You Ensure Creamy & Flavorful Spinach Dip Bites?
Getting the creamy texture and delicious flavor just right is key. First, make sure your spinach is well-drained; any excess moisture can make the filling soggy. Use a clean dish towel to squeeze out the water thoroughly.
- Mix the spinach with softened cream cheese to ensure smooth blending.
- Don’t skip the garlic! It adds great flavor, so fresh minced garlic is best.
- Press the wonton wrappers well into the muffin tin to form little cups, so they hold the filling without spilling.
Finally, keep an eye on them as they bake! You want golden edges and bubbly cheese for the best results!
Spinach Dip Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Wontons:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving:
- Ranch or sour cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of baking, yielding delicious bites that are ready in just about 30 minutes! They’re perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important for ensuring that your Spinach Dip Bites come out crispy and delicious. While the oven heats up, lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy filling is what makes these bites so tasty!
3. Prepare the Spinach:
Now, take your thawed spinach and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is key to preventing sogginess! Once well-drained, add the spinach to the creamy cheese mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
4. Assemble the Wonton Cups:
Grab your wonton wrappers and place one in each cup of the mini muffin tin, pressing down gently to form a cup shape. Make sure the edges come up over the sides to hold all of that delicious filling.
5. Fill the Cups:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the spinach and cheese mixture into each wonton cup. Don’t be shy with the filling—fill them well for a delightful bite!
6. Bake:
Put the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the wontons to be crispy with golden edges, and the cheese filling should be bubbly and hot.
7. Cool & Remove:
Once baked, carefully remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently lift each bite out of the muffin tin. They should come out easily, thanks to the cooking spray.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
These Spinach Dip Bites are best enjoyed warm. Serve them with ranch dressing or sour cream on the side for dipping if you like. Dig in and enjoy these delightful bites—they’re a hit at any gathering!
Happy snacking!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it until wilted, then chop it finely before mixing it into the filling. This will give you a fresh flavor and the right texture.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Wonton Wrappers?
If you don’t have wonton wrappers, you can use phyllo dough, cut into squares, or even mini pastry shells. Just adjust the baking time accordingly as phyllo may cook faster.
Can I Prepare These Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the wonton cups up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. Increase baking time slightly if baking from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Spinach Dip Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture.