There’s something magical about that moment when a hot, bubbling spinach dip arrives at your table at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. After countless visits and numerous attempts in my kitchen, I’ve finally cracked the code to recreating their famous Santa Fe Spinach Dip. The secret? A perfect blend of four different cheeses and a technique that ensures the spinach stays perfectly distributed throughout the dip.
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Creamy and cheesy spinach dip
A great dip makes every gathering better. Whether it is family movie night or tailgating with friends, Cheddar’s Santa Fe Spinach Dip is sure to be a hit!
Cheddar Spinach Dip is wonderfully creamy with a four-cheese blend and just a hint of spice. This stuff is so delicious that even folks who claim they hate spinach can’t get enough of it!
Try it once, and you are going to want to make it again and again. That’s okay because the Cheddars Spinach Dip recipe is quick and simple to prepare. Soon you are going to look for reasons to make it!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds by combining the right ratio of cheeses for the perfect melt, properly preparing the spinach to avoid excess moisture, and layering flavors with both fresh and prepared ingredients. The result is a creamy, cheesy dip with just the right amount of heat that rivals the restaurant version.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- Frozen Spinach – Creates the nutritious foundation
- White onion, finely diced – Provides savory depth
- Cream cheese, softened – Creates a creamy base texture
- White cheddar cheese, shredded – Adds sharp flavor
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded – Provides excellent melting quality
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – Creates the perfect cheese pull
- Fresh garlic – Adds aromatic flavor
- Jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced – Provides gentle heat
- Seasoned salt – Enhances all flavors
For Serving:
- Warm corn tortilla chips – Perfect for dipping
- Sour cream – Adds cooling creaminess
- Fresh salsa – Provides fresh contrast
How 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.
- Stir until well blended.
- Spread the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the top is nice and bubbly.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, and warmed tortilla chips.
Pro Tips and Variations
- For creamier dip: Let cream cheese reach room temperature
- For spicier version: Leave jalapeño seeds in
- For smoother texture: Process onions in food processor
- For make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, bake when needed
Creative Variations
Artichoke Version
- Replace half the spinach with chopped artichoke hearts
- Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Citrus Bright Version
- Replace jalapeño with lemon zest and juice
- Add 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs
Poblano Version
- Replace jalapeño with roasted poblano peppers
- Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-free: Already naturally gluten-free
- Vegetarian: Already vegetarian
- Lower fat: Use reduced-fat cheeses and light cream cheese
- Keto: Serve with vegetable crudités instead of chips
CopyKat Tip: Use a kitchen towel to squeeze liquid from cooked or thawed spinach. Wrap the spinach in the towel, twist, and tightly squeeze.
Storage and Reheating
Storage Instructions
- Cool completely
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Do not freeze
Reheating Methods
- Oven Method (Best):
- 350°F for 15-20 minutes
- Cover with foil
- Microwave Method (Quick):
- 50% power in 30-second intervals
- Stir between intervals
Scaling the Recipe
- For a crowd: Double recipe, use a larger baking dish
- For small groups: Halve the recipe or use ramekins
- For individual servings: Bake in 4-oz ramekins for 15-20 minutes
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
Q: Why is my dip watery? A: Insufficient draining of spinach; squeeze more thoroughly next time.
Q: Why isn’t my cheese melting smoothly? A: Cheese might be too cold; let ingredients reach room temperature first.
Q: Can I make this ahead? A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake when needed.
Favorite Appetizer Recipes
If you enjoy appetizers, you may like some of these recipes:
- Fried Zucchini
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Pluckers Wing Bar Hot Wings
- Outback Bloomin Onion
- Parmesan Garlic Sauce Wings
- Fried Jalapeno Poppers
- Chili’s Awesome Blossom Petals
- Rotel Cheese Dip Recipe
- Restaurant Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Easy Artichoke Dip
Love Cheddars? Try these copycat recipes!
Find ever more of my restaurant style appetizers and the most popular copycat recipes.
Remember, the key to perfect spinach dip is properly drained spinach and patience while baking. Don’t rush the process – let it get hot and bubbly for the best texture and flavor.
Cheddars Santa Fe Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen spinach thawed and drained
- 1//2 cup finely diced white onion
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons finely minced jalapeno pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
For Serving
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 4 ounces corn tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, onions, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, jalapeno pepper, and seasoned salt.
- Stir until well blended. Spread into a 1-quart casserole dish and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the top is nice and bubbly.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, and warmed tortilla chips.
Alissa
Do you have the recipe for the queso dip from J Alexanders?
V
My husband loves cheddars spinach dip, so I tasted it as well. I believe there is also chunks of artichokes in it.
LB
No, Cheddar’s dip does not contain any artichoke.
RF
There are no onions in cheddars spinach dip recipe. I am severely allergic and am positive about this.
Stephanie
Thank you for your comments.
Doris
Stephanie how do you make crab ragoons restaurant style
Jalessa
Any suggestions on how to prepare with fresh spinach?
Victoria
you cut it up and cook it down. I would think it would be easier bc you don’t have to drain the spinach!
Stephanie
I would blanch is first and drain it very well. The frozen spinach comes already blanched.
Maria
This was fabulous..thank you for the recipe!! I made it for new year’s eve and all my guests loved it. I would like to know however if it is possible to prepare this in advance and freeze it so I can heat up whenever i have unexpected guests over
Stephanie
I am honestly uncertain about freezing. I don’t tend to freeze anything. I think it would be fine in the refrigerator a day or two if you made it ahead of time.
Teresa Minnick
Since spinach dip is available in the freezer section, as long as it is sealed and air tight,you should be able to freeze it
Tiffany
I’m just wondering how close this tastes like Cheddar’s?? I just ate my leftover spinach dip from there last night. Its the best I’ve ever had from any restaurant.
Stephanie
I think it is pretty close. I hope you like it.
Sharome
Do you know the recipe for copelands steak laborche??
Stephanie
I am sorry I am not familiar with that recipe.
Kristin Swenson
Definitely game day worthy! And we take our game day fare seriously!
Stephanie Manley
Thank you very much.
Courtney
This looks soooo yummy. Perfect hearty snack for football season!
Stephanie Manley
Football season seems to cry out for great snacks.
Lorane Rhoden
This looks beyond delicious! Perfect timing for all the Football games this season. I’m definitely gonna try it
mail4rosey
I just think this sounds awesome. It’d be great for weekends when family is over too, or for football games.
Stephanie Manley
I made this for my Bunco ladies, they loved it.
Laura Funk
I adore jalapeno with my spinach dips. makes them taste so good
Stephanie Manley
Thank you Laura.
Liz Mays
I can’t even begin to say how good this sounds. I love the cheese combo in it!
Stephanie Manley
Thank you. It is amazing what a combination of cheeses can do to a dish.
Carol Bryant
I want to make this for a football game – sharing with my spouse so we can make it
Stacey Werner
Cheese, cheese and more cheese… perfect! I love these kinds of dips.
Stephanie Manley
Cheese makes everything taste better 😉
Ashley @irishred02
this dip looks amazing!! I’m pinning this one!
Tiffany
I love a good spinach dip. I am wondering if my kids would give it a try, even with that green stuff in there.
maria @ close to home
I always love a good spinach dip. Especially during football season
Milena Milani Barrett
I love spinach dip and this looks like a good one! I’ll have to pin it!
Heather Lawrence
Yummy! Spinach dip is one of my guilty pleasures. So rich in flavour and tastes so good on French bread. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Robin Rue
That sounds like an awesome restaurant and this dip sounds fantastic. I love spinach dip!
Stephanie Manley
I really like Cheddar’s it is good food, and it is at a value price.