Cheddars Santa Fe Spinach Dip

February 6, 2025

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There’s one thing magical about that second when a sizzling, effervescent spinach dip arrives at your desk at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. After numerous visits and quite a few makes an attempt in my kitchen, I’ve lastly cracked the code to recreating their well-known Santa Fe Spinach Dip. The key? An ideal mix of 4 completely different cheeses and a way that ensures the spinach stays completely distributed all through the dip.

homemade Cheddar's Santa Fe spinach dip and tortilla chips

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Creamy and tacky spinach dip

An excellent dip makes each gathering higher. Whether or not it’s household film night time or tailgating with mates, Cheddar’s Santa Fe Spinach Dip is certain to be successful!

Cheddar Spinach Dip is splendidly creamy with a four-cheese mix and only a trace of spice. These items is so scrumptious that even of us who declare they hate spinach can’t get sufficient of it!

Strive it as soon as, and you’ll wish to make it repeatedly. That’s okay as a result of the Cheddars Spinach Dip recipe is fast and easy to organize. Quickly you’ll search for causes to make it!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds by combining the appropriate ratio of cheeses for the right soften, correctly making ready the spinach to keep away from extra moisture, and layering flavors with each recent and ready substances. The result’s a creamy, tacky dip with simply the correct quantity of warmth that rivals the restaurant model.

Components

For the Base:

Frozen Spinach – Creates the nutritious basis
White onion, finely diced – Offers savory depth
Cream cheese, softened – Creates a creamy base texture
White cheddar cheese, shredded – Provides sharp taste
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded – Offers glorious melting high quality
Mozzarella cheese, shredded – Creates the right cheese pull
Recent garlic – Provides fragrant taste
Jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced – Offers light warmth
Seasoned salt – Enhances all flavors

For Serving:

Heat corn tortilla chips – Good for dipping
Bitter cream – Provides cooling creaminess
Recent salsa – Offers recent distinction

Cheddars Santa Fe spinach dip ingredients

The right way to Make Cheddar’s Spinach Dip

Thaw spinach then drain and squeeze liquid from the spinach.
Place spinach, diced onions, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, jalapeno pepper, and seasoned salt in a bowl.

ingredients for homemade Cheddars Santa Fe spinach dip in a bowl

Stir till effectively blended.

homemade Santa Fe spinach dip mixture in a bowl

Unfold the combination right into a 1-quart casserole dish
Bake at 350 levels for half-hour or till the highest is sweet and bubbly.
Serve with bitter cream, salsa, and warmed tortilla chips.

Professional Suggestions and Variations

For creamier dip: Let cream cheese attain room temperature
For spicier model: Go away jalapeño seeds in
For smoother texture: Course of onions in meals processor
For make-ahead: Assemble as much as 24 hours upfront, bake when wanted

Artistic Variations

Artichoke Model

Change half the spinach with chopped artichoke hearts
Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Citrus Brilliant Model

Change jalapeño with lemon zest and juice
Add 1/4 cup recent chopped herbs

Poblano Model

Change jalapeño with roasted poblano peppers
Add 1/4 teaspoon floor cumin

homemade Cheddars Santa Fe spinach dip and tortilla chips on a wood board

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-free: Already naturally gluten-free
Vegetarian: Already vegetarian
Decrease fats: Use reduced-fat cheeses and lightweight cream cheese
Keto: Serve with vegetable crudités as a substitute of chips

CopyKat Tip: Use a kitchen towel to squeeze liquid from cooked or thawed spinach. Wrap the spinach within the towel, twist, and tightly squeeze.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Directions

Cool fully
Cowl tightly with plastic wrap
Refrigerate for as much as 4 days
Don’t freeze

Reheating Strategies

Oven Technique (Finest):
- 350°F for 15-20 minutes
- Cowl with foil
Microwave Technique (Fast):
- 50% energy in 30-second intervals
- Stir between intervals

Scaling the Recipe

For a crowd: Double recipe, use a bigger baking dish
For small teams: Halve the recipe or use ramekins
For particular person servings: Bake in 4-oz ramekins for 15-20 minutes

Widespread Questions and Troubleshooting

Q: Why is my dip watery? A: Inadequate draining of spinach; squeeze extra totally subsequent time.

Q: Why isn’t my cheese melting easily? A: Cheese is perhaps too chilly; let substances attain room temperature first.

Q: Can I make this forward? A: Sure, assemble as much as 24 hours forward and bake when wanted.

overhead view of homemade Cheddar's Santa Fe spinach dip and tortilla chips

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Bear in mind, the important thing to good spinach dip is correctly drained spinach and endurance whereas baking. Don’t rush the method – let it get sizzling and bubbly for the very best texture and taste.