Creamy Spinach Queso Fundido Dip
A creamy, cheesy dip combining fresh spinach with a smoky spice blend, perfect for cozy gatherings and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 8 oz queso fresco, crumbled
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 small fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in chopped fresh spinach and jalapeño if using. Cook, stirring frequently, until spinach wilts and releases moisture, about 4-5 minutes. Scoop out excess liquid if any.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled queso fresco, shredded Monterey Jack, and softened cream cheese. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in milk and mix until smooth and creamy but not runny.
- Fold the sautéed spinach mixture into the cheese blend gently, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, spreading evenly. Optionally, sprinkle extra Monterey Jack on top for a golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.
Notes
Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing to avoid lumps. Watch the dip closely during the last minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning. Sauté spinach thoroughly to avoid watery dip. You can prepare the spinach and cheese mixture up to 24 hours ahead and bake fresh before serving. For vegan adaptation, use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based shredded cheese, and almond or oat milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ cup per serv
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 8
Keywords: spinach queso fundido, creamy dip, cheesy dip, spinach dip, queso fundido recipe, easy appetizer, cozy gatherings, party dip