Low carb spinach dip with cream cheese and garlic
Why Low Carb Spinach Dip is Your New Party Essential
Is there anything better than a low carb spinach dip that’s so creamy and garlicky, your guests won’t believe it’s keto-friendly? This rich, velvety appetizer combines tender spinach with tangy cream cheese and aromatic garlic, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without the carb guilt. Whether you’re hosting game day gatherings or need a reliable potluck contribution, this keto spinach dip takes just 20 minutes and disappears even faster.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed completely dry)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
Substitution Tips: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to boost protein. Use fresh spinach (1 lb, sautéed and drained) for a slightly milder flavor.
Timing
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min | Serves: 10
How to Make Low Carb Spinach Dip
Mix the Creamy Base
Beat softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a large bowl until completely smooth and lump-free, about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. Pro tip: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to prevent clumping.
Incorporate Spinach and Seasonings
Fold in the thoroughly drained spinach, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed. Add 1 cup mozzarella and all the Parmesan, stirring until fully combined. Pro tip: Press spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove every last drop of moisture—excess water makes dip watery.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella. Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes until edges bubble vigorously and cheese turns golden brown. Pro tip: Broil for 2 minutes at the end for an irresistible crispy top layer.
Cool and Serve
Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving—this allows flavors to meld and prevents tongue-scorching first bites. The texture should be thick enough to cling to celery sticks without dripping.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (about ⅓ cup): Calories: 210 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Net Carbs: 2.8g | Fiber: 1g
Variations, Tips & Storage
Flavor Variations: Add ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts for classic spinach-artichoke dip. Mix in ¼ cup crumbled bacon for smoky depth. Stir in red pepper flakes for spicy party dip low carb lovers.
Common Mistakes: Don’t skip draining spinach—watery spinach ruins the texture. Avoid overbaking past 18 minutes or the cream cheese separates. Never use cold cream cheese, which creates lumps.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge). Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 45 seconds, stirring halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy low carb spinach dip with cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, pork rinds, or almond flour crackers. For elegant presentations, hollow out a small round bread loaf (for non-keto guests) and fill with warm dip, surrounding it with your favorite low-carb dippers.
Conclusion
This low carb spinach dip proves keto eating never means sacrificing flavor or social food moments. With its luxurious texture and crowd-pleasing taste, you’ll make this recipe on repeat for every gathering. Whip up a batch this weekend and watch it become your most-requested contribution!
More Low-Carb Recipes You’ll Love
Craving something sweet after your savory dip? Try our decadent low-carb chocolate mousse for the perfect keto-friendly dessert pairing.
FAQs
Can I make low carb spinach dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the unbaked mixture up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add 3–5 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold. This actually enhances flavor as ingredients meld overnight.
How do I prevent my spinach dip from being watery?
The key is thoroughly draining your spinach—squeeze it in batches using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth until absolutely no liquid comes out. Frozen spinach holds more water than you’d expect, and even a tablespoon of excess moisture ruins the creamy consistency.
Is this dip truly keto-friendly?
Yes! At just 2.8g net carbs per serving, this keto spinach dip fits perfectly into ketogenic macros. The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and full-fat cheeses provides satisfying fats while keeping carbohydrate content minimal.
What are the best dippers for low carb spinach dip?
Choose celery sticks, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, broccoli florets, or pork rinds. Whisps cheese crisps and almond flour crackers also work beautifully for crunch without carbs.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Certainly! Use 1 pound fresh baby spinach, sautéed in 1 tablespoon butter until wilted (about 4 minutes), then cooled and thoroughly squeezed dry. Fresh spinach creates a slightly brighter, more delicate flavor compared to frozen.
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