These Spinach Dip Bites are the perfect little snacks for any get-together! They combine creamy spinach dip with a crispy shell that makes each bite extra fun and tasty.
I love serving these at parties; they’re always a hit! Plus, they’re easy to grab and eat while chatting, so no one has to miss out on the fun. 🥳 Grab a few before they vanish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base for our bites. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use phyllo pastry or puff pastry instead. Both will give a nice flaky texture!
Frozen Chopped Spinach: Fresh spinach works well too! Just sauté it until wilted and then chop it up. This gives a fresh taste without losing the spinach flavor.
Cream Cheese: If you want a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a great substitute. It’s similar in texture and taste but has less fat.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be a good alternative for a tangy flavor and extra protein. Just ensure it’s plain and unflavored!
Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are great, feel free to mix it up with cheddar, gouda, or even feta cheese. I love a bit of feta for an extra zing!
How Do You Make Sure the Spinach is Properly Drained?
Draining the spinach is crucial for avoiding a soggy filling. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After thawing the spinach, place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist the towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. Aim for it to be as dry as you can get it.
- If you still feel like there’s moisture, you can also pat it down with paper towels.
This step keeps your bites from becoming too watery and helps maintain that perfect crispy shell!
Spinach Dip Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bites:
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or onion powder for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes of prep time and around 18 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 28 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious bites! They’re quick to make and perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a mini muffin tin. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove your delicious bites once they’re baked.
2. Shape the Dough:
Next, unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. For a mini bite-sized portion, cut each triangle in half. This will give you smaller pieces to fit into your muffin tin. Gently press each piece into the muffin cups, forming a little shell.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices you like for extra flavor. Use a whisk or spatula to blend everything until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Add the Spinach & Cheese:
Next, fold in the thawed and drained chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure everything is well combined—it should look creamy and tasty!
5. Fill the Dough Cups:
Now, spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each crescent roll cup that you formed in the muffin tin. Fill them up but don’t overstuff—leave a little room at the top!
6. Bake the Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently pop them out of the muffin tin. Serve them warm with a side of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping, if you like.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy spinach dip bites as a delightful appetizer or snack! They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach can be sautéed until wilted, then chopped and added to the mixture. Just ensure you drain any excess moisture for the best results!
How Can I Make These Bites Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, include crushed red pepper flakes into the filling or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover spinach dip bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and fill the dough cups up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. They may take an extra couple of minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.
