Print

Creamy Gringo Dip Recipe: Easy Cheesy Spinach Queso Blanco Party Appetizer

creamy gringo dip - featured image
Print Recipe

This ultra-creamy, cheesy spinach queso blanco dip is the ultimate party appetizer—rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded queso blanco (about 8 oz)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 3 cups fresh spinach, sautéed, chopped, and squeezed dry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced green chilies (canned, mild or hot)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup extra shredded queso blanco or Monterey Jack (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze dry using a colander or clean kitchen towel. If using fresh, sauté until wilted, then chop and squeeze dry.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded queso blanco, Monterey Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese. Blend with a hand mixer or sturdy whisk until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Pour in whole milk. Add ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Stir in the prepared spinach, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and diced green chilies. Fold together with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  6. Scrape the dip mixture into a greased 1.5-2 quart oven-safe baking dish. Smooth the top.
  7. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top for a golden crust.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. For a deeper crust, broil for an extra 2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and dry your spinach thoroughly to avoid a runny dip. Taste and adjust seasonings before baking. The dip can be assembled ahead (without topping), refrigerated, and baked when ready. For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso blanco dip, spinach cheese dip, party appetizer, creamy gringo dip, cheesy dip, Mexican dip, gluten-free appetizer, easy party dip

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-gringo-dip-recipe-easy-cheesy-spinach-queso-blanco-party-appetizer/