These Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps transform everyone’s favorite dip into a deliciously crispy, bite-sized treat. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these gluten-free crisps combine the creamy texture of spinach dip with the irresistible crunch of baked cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside – the perfect texture combination
- Gluten-free while still being incredibly satisfying
- Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep
- Great for entertaining or as a low-carb snack option
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings
- Combines the beloved flavors of spinach dip with the addictive quality of cheese crisps
- Can be made ahead and easily reheated
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fresh spinach adds a nutritious element and classic spinach dip flavor. Make sure to chop it finely for the best texture distribution throughout your crisps.
Cream cheese provides the creamy base that holds everything together while adding rich tanginess. Allow it to soften properly at room temperature for easiest mixing.
Mozzarella cheese gives these crisps their stretchy, gooey interior texture. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
Parmesan cheese contributes a savory depth and helps with browning and crisping during baking. The aged quality of Parmesan brings umami notes that make these crisps irresistible.
Garlic powder infuses the entire mixture with aromatic flavor without the moisture that fresh garlic would add, which helps achieve the perfect crisp texture.
Onion powder adds subtle savory notes that enhance the overall flavor profile without adding chunks or moisture.
Salt enhances all the flavors in the recipe. Kosher salt works particularly well, but table salt is perfectly fine too.
Black pepper provides a gentle warmth and slight spiciness that balances the richness of the cheeses.
Red pepper flakes add a pleasant heat that cuts through the richness. They’re optional, so feel free to omit if serving to those sensitive to spice.
Cheddar cheese forms the top layer that creates that beautiful golden-brown crust. Its sharp flavor provides the perfect contrast to the creamy interior.
Directions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Form Crisps: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each portion.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, with each serving consisting of 2-3 crisps depending on size. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is 15-20 minutes, bringing the total time to around 30 minutes.
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, making these a relatively light appetizer or snack option that still satisfies.
Variations
Mediterranean Style: Add a tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a teaspoon of dried oregano to the mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
Buffalo Chicken: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cooked chicken and 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce for spicy buffalo chicken crisps.
Artichoke Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts to recreate a classic spinach-artichoke dip experience.
Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh herbs like 1 tablespoon each of chopped basil and parsley for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Jalapeño Popper Style: Add 2-3 tablespoons of finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick reminiscent of jalapeño poppers.
Bacon Lover’s: Mix in 1/4 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory addition.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: These crisps freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.
Reheating from Refrigerated: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated crisps in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Reheating from Frozen: Reheat frozen crisps in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer Method: For extra crispiness, reheat in an air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes. This method works particularly well to restore the original crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Use about 1/2 cup of thawed, squeezed frozen spinach in place of the 2 cups fresh spinach.
Why aren’t my cheese crisps getting crispy?
This could be due to too much moisture in the mixture. Make sure your spinach is well-drained and pat dry, and flatten the crisps thinly before baking. You can also extend the baking time by a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake them up to 2 days ahead, store in the refrigerator, and reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F just before serving. This makes them perfect for entertaining.
Are these keto-friendly?
Yes, these crisps are very low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein, making them suitable for a ketogenic diet. Each serving contains minimal carbs, mainly from the small amount of spinach.
What can I serve with these crisps?
These are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a balsamic glaze for dipping. They also pair nicely with a simple green salad for a light meal.
My mixture seems too soft to form crisps. What should I do?
If your mixture is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm up before forming the crisps. Also, make sure your cream cheese isn’t over-softened – it should be soft enough to mix but not runny.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Finely chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or grated zucchini (squeezed dry) make excellent additions. Just make sure any vegetables you add are chopped small and contain minimal moisture.
How do I know when the crisps are done baking?
The crisps are done when the edges turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly throughout. The edges should look slightly darker and crisp, while the centers remain a bit softer.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, Fontina, or Monterey Jack. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for the interior mixture.
My crisps stuck to the baking sheet. How can I prevent this?
Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. If you don’t have either, make sure to generously grease your baking sheet with cooking spray or butter.
Conclusion
These Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps bring together the best elements of a beloved dip in a convenient, crispy form that’s perfect for any occasion. Their versatility makes them suitable for everything from elegant appetizers to casual snacking, and their gluten-free nature means everyone can enjoy them.
The combination of creamy interior and crispy exterior creates an irresistible texture contrast, while the blend of cheeses and seasonings delivers deep, satisfying flavor. With the ability to make them ahead and reheat as needed, they’re a practical addition to your recipe collection.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a low-carb snack option, or simply want to try something new with familiar flavors, these Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them as is or explore the variations to make them your own!
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Spinach Dip Cheese
Delicious gluten-free spinach dip cheese crisps made with a blend of cheeses and flavorful seasonings, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Form Crisps: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each portion.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Flatten them thinner before baking.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or air fry at 325°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
