Snacks are the heart of any gathering, and I can’t get enough of them! That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps. These little bites are a delightful twist on the classic spinach dip, bringing together the creamy goodness of cheese and the vibrant flavor of spinach, all baked to crispy perfection. They’re so versatile, too—great for parties, game nights, or just when you want something tasty to munch on while binge-watching your favorite show. I always whip up a batch for family gatherings, and trust me, they disappear faster than I can say “seconds, please!” You’ll want to keep this recipe close for all your snack cravings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Make sure it’s washed and roughly chopped; this adds vibrant flavor and nutrients!
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: This is what gives our crisps that gooey, melty goodness—yum!
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Let it sit out for a bit before using; it blends in smoother that way!
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nice tang and depth of flavor; don’t skip this one!
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: For that irresistible, aromatic kick. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just enough to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A touch of spice to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup almond flour: This will help give our crisps that lovely crunch—gluten-free goodness!
How to Prepare Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps
Making these Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps is a breeze, and I promise you, the end result is totally worth it! Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to whip these up. Follow these steps, and you’ll be snacking in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when our crisps are ready to go in!
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I like to use a fork to really mash everything together until it’s a cohesive mixture. It should be thick but blend well.
- Form the crisps: Now comes the fun part! Take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into small balls or form patties. I usually aim for about 1-2 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect—each one has its own character!
- Coat with almond flour: Once you’ve shaped all your balls, roll them in almond flour until they’re well-coated. This is what gives them that delightful crunch when baked. You might want to get a little messy here, but that’s part of the fun!
- Prepare for baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place your coated crisps on the sheet, giving them a bit of space to breathe (about an inch apart) so they crisp up nicely.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as oven temperatures can vary! They should smell amazing!
And voila! Once they’re baked to perfection, let them cool for a minute before serving. I love to pair these with my favorite dip—trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them without worry!
- Quick to whip up, with just 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of baking.
- Perfectly crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—what a delightful combo!
- Great for gatherings; they always get gobbled up before you know it!
- Versatile enough to pair with your favorite dips or sauces—endless possibilities!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your cream cheese is really softened; it helps everything blend together smoothly. When mixing, don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands—it’s the best way to ensure an even distribution of flavors! For the baking, keep an eye on those last few minutes; every oven is a little different. If they’re not golden brown yet, give them a couple more minutes, but don’t let them burn! Lastly, let them cool slightly before serving—this helps them firm up a bit more. Enjoy the crispy goodness!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are tons of ways to customize your Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps! For a different flavor profile, try using feta cheese instead of parmesan for a tangy twist. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for an extra kick. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. And for those who love herbs, adding fresh dill or basil can elevate the flavors even more. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional info for each Spinach Dip Cheese Crisp. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g)
- Sodium: 150mg
These little bites are not only delicious but also a great low-carb snack option! Enjoy them guilt-free, knowing they pack a flavorful punch without all the extra carbs.
FAQ Section
How should I store leftovers? After you’ve enjoyed your Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps, let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days—if they last that long!
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This makes party prep a breeze!
What dips pair well with these crisps? I love serving them with a creamy ranch or a zesty salsa. They also go great with a classic marinara sauce for dipping! Get creative and find your favorite combo!
Can I use frozen spinach instead? Sure! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the frozen spinach before mixing it in. It’ll work beautifully!
What if I don’t have almond flour? No problem! You can substitute it with regular flour or even breadcrumbs if you’re okay with gluten. Just remember, the texture might change a bit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps fresh, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy that crispy texture again, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to reheat. This helps restore their crunch! You can also use an air fryer if you have one—just a few minutes at a low setting will do the trick. Avoid the microwave for reheating, as that can make them soggy. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Print
Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps: 5 Irresistible Snack Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 crisps 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory snack made with cheese and spinach, perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup almond flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form small balls or patties with the mixture.
- Coat each ball in almond flour.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with your favorite dip.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Can substitute spinach with kale if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crisp
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps