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This Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe is the classic version you know and love! Cold and creamy, it’s so easy to make and tastes even better than you remember.
Savvy cooks have been relying on a pantry staple— Knorr vegetable mix— as a seasoning for spinach dip for years. Even though it’s actually a soup mix, there’s a picture right on the small, yellow packet of what it’s really loved for: spinach dip.
This cool and creamy dip has a smooth texture perfect for dipping with crunchy things. Serve it with crackers, chunks of sourdough bread, and a whole bunch of veggies like red peppers and carrots, depending on the group. Just make sure you have a backup supply, because spinach dip this delicious has a way of disappearing, bread bowl and all.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Water chestnuts: These are a crunchy, aquatic vegetable that grows under water. You can find them in almost any well-stocked grocery store. Look in the international aisle or the Asian foods section, as they’re often added to stir-frys.
- Knorr vegetable mix: This used to be labeled “soup mix” but Knorr changes their packaging every once in awhile. By the way, the Leek Soup mix can also be used for this dip. (I love Knorr much more than Lipton brand, by the way.)
- Frozen spinach: To substitute fresh spinach, use 1 pound of fresh spinach leaves instead of the 10 ounces of frozen spinach. Cook according to the package directions and squeeze out excess liquid and moisture in a clean kitchen towel.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, water chestnuts, scallions, and Knorr mix. Stir to combine.
- Stir spinach in to the mixture, using a spoon or spatula to break up and distribute any clumps of spinach.
- Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve with bread and fresh vegetables.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups dip, enough for 16 servings, ¼ cup each.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make ahead: For the best flavors, let the dip chill at least 2 hours. Or, make it a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Favorite dippers: I could eat this cold spinach dip recipe with a spoon, if I’m being honest. It’s also delicious with carrot sticks, broccoli florets, cucumbers, sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, baguette slices, pita chips, and tortilla chips.
- Customize your dip: Spinach Artichoke Dip is hard to beat. Add one can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, to the recipe. Or, add more flavor with worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Bread bowl: The only thing better than Spinach Dip is Spinach Dip in a bread bowl! Slice off the top of a round, rustic loaf of bread (such as sourdough, country white, or Italian) and hollow it out. Cut the lid and inner bread pieces into chunks for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately not; there is a small amount of barley in the mix.
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of thick, creamy Greek Yogurt for the sour cream in this dip recipe.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, add 1 (14 ounce) can artichokes (drained and chopped), 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 8 ounces sliced water chestnuts (drained and chopped), 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, ¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 packet Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Stir to combine, then pour into a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bake until the dip is hot and bubbly, about 30 to 35 minutes.
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Knorr Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts drained and chopped (see note 1)
- 3 scallions thinly sliced
- 1 (1.4 ounce) packet Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix (see note 2)
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach cooked and squeezed dry (see note 3)
- bread chunks and fresh vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, water chestnuts, scallions, and Knorr mix. Stir to combine.
- Stir in spinach, using a spoon or spatula to break up and distribute any clumps of spinach. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve with bread and fresh vegetables.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Water chestnuts: These are a crunchy, aquatic vegetable that grows under water. You can find them in almost any well-stocked grocery store. Look in the international aisle or the Asian foods section, as they’re often added to stir-frys.
- Knorr vegetable mix: This used to be labeled “soup mix” but Knorr changes their packaging every once in awhile. By the way, the Leek Soup mix can also be used for this dip. (I love Knorr much more than Lipton brand, by the way.)
- Frozen spinach: To substitute fresh spinach, use 1 pound fresh spinach leaves instead of the 10 ounces of frozen spinach. Cook according to the package directions and squeeze dry in a clean kitchen towel.
- Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups dip, enough for 16 servings, ¼ cup each.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
for anyone wondering, all the dippers for this given are good, but the *best* thing to eat this with is regular store bought Hawaiian rolls, we don’t actually use the Knorr mix and have a blend we make ourselves, but hawaiian rolls are 100% definitely #1 for this
That’s a REALLY good point, I will add those to the post. You’re absolutely right. The rolls are the best thing to happen since sliced bread. :) Happy Thanksgiving! -Meggan
Hi There ! I’ve been making Knorr Spinach Dip for many, many years. The only difference now is that Knorr says that the spinach needs to be frozen, chopped, and then cooked. Hah – Long, long ago cooking the spinach was not required since prepackaged frozen spinach of any kind is always cooked prior to packaging. Check out Google and you will see that what I say is true. I’ve served this spinach dip w/o cooking the spinach lots of times and no one ever got sick. I do use name brand packaged spinach when I make the dip. I would love to say Thank You for posting the recipe since it no longer is on the Knorr packaging. Knorr is revising the recipe’s packaging so that the recipe appears. Knorr’s recipe does say “Cook the Spinach,” but In will save my time and not do that. I have advised Knorr of the older recipe’s directions and what Google says about frozen spinach. Can Hardly Wait to Make the Dip !!! Thank You Again for the recipe (especially the ingredient amounts).
I have used this recipe for many years as well as the artichoke spinach dip. Everyone loves both and I always make sure I have knorr on hand.
Thank you so much for your comment, Pam! I’m so happy this recipe has been a keeper! – Meggan
Can this dip be frozen?
Hi Angela, thank you for your question! While you could, I think the sour cream and/or mayonnaise would become watery and/or separate. So I don’t really recommend it. I think you’d ultimately be disappointed with the result! – Meggan
What kind of
Bread do you use
Hi Candi, I like sourdough, country white, Italian, or Hawaiian bread. I hope you love this dip! – Meggan
This spinach dip is a favorite of ours. Friends expect it at pot lucks now. Easy to make ahead and it tastes better the longer it sits.
Thank you for your comment, Rene! take care! – Meggan
put the recipe back on the veg pk for the Spinach Dip! Knorr dip is great,! I have my family hooked
Love the Knorr spinach dip so does everyone that I take it to.
Happy it’s a hit, April! Take care! – Meggan
Can I substitute conned chopped spinach for the frozen?
Hi Connie, I don’t see why not! Just make sure to drain it well. = Meggan
This fabulous. My preference is omitting the water chestnuts (not a fan) and partially cooking then hand-squeezing the water out of the spinach enhances the flavor. It’s a great dip, spread or “off the spoon” mix. Multiplies well too.
Your recipe says cream cheese instead of sour cream in one section, and may be confusing to some, just an FYI! :)
Hi Amber, thank you so much! I will fix it up so it’s less confusing. The hot version uses cream cheese while the cold version uses sour cream. Thanks so much again! – Meggan
I use uncooked fresh spinach. I prefer it this way. No one has complained.
Great tip, Kelley! Thank you! – Meggan
So yummy! It’s a family favorite for holiday get togethers and leftover dip is even better! Quick, easy, but if you love Hawaiian Bread for the bowl, get it early or they’ll be gone!
Hi Jeanie, so glad you loved it! Great tip for the bread bowl with the holiday approaching! Take care! – Meggan
I can’t wait to try the hot version, I love spinach dip. Anything spinach I love.. Thank you for actually having a recipe that gives an option of not adding artichoke. Great substitutes.
Thanks so much Vickie! I hope you love the hot one too! -Meggan
I like this post, enjoyed this one thankyou for putting up.
Simply put …. outstanding !!
Thanks Randy! – Meggan
Looking for the amt of the ingredients to use. If they are here they are hard to find.
Hi Brenda! You can find the amounts on the recipe card just above the comment section or you can use the “jump to recipe” button to go straight to it. Hope this helps! – Meggan
When adding parmesan cheese what quantity do you suggest ?
Hi Randy, I just add to taste. It’s up to you! – Meggan
I accidentally bought chopped turnip greens. Has anyone used them as a substitute for the spinach?
Do you have Mushroom dip in bread bowl recipe
Hi Lee, I’m sorry but I don’t have that recipe. I’m sorry about that! – Meggan
Hi I made my knorr spinach dip but was given recipe to add 2 cups mayo .Well it came out amazing but I taste too much mayo. Is there a way I can add some other ingredient to remove a little of the mayo taste?
Hi Joanne, I’m not sure what other ingredients you have in the dip since it wasn’t my recipe, but the tartness of some sour cream and crispness of water chestnuts may help the taste. Hope this helps! – Meggan
Just add more sour cream works like a charm then add more of the spinach scallions and water chestnuts if desired. The Mayo sour cream ratio is super flexible and forgiving – in fact in 80s recipe called for 1 cup each Mayo and Sour Cream – I just normally added extra sour cream and now I see it’s universal. Recipe also used to call for white onion … works great don’t need scallions.
Can I use knor onion soup mix instead?
Hi Robin, I haven’t tried it but it sounds great! – Meggan
I’ve been making the cold Knorrs dip for years! People rave about it! A great number of years ago I had it at a baby shower. It was served with crackers. As I was sitting near the food table, I couldn’t stop eating it!! It’s so good! When I make it I opt not to add the water chestnuts. I just finished making it for the Christmas evening meal tomorrow to be served with veggies and crackers. I wanted to find the Good Thins beet crackers but couldn’t find them. They are SO GOOD with the dip!
I looked over the recipe for the hot version. I noticed that there were no directions for thawing out the frozen spinach and squeezing out the water, then chopping it up. If someone didn’t read the whole post, they’d be wondering how to add frozen spinach to the rest of the ingredients! :-)
I couldn’t find the vegetable soup mix. I had to get the spring vegetable one. I hope it tastes just as good.
I usually use fresh cooked spinach. I think it’s easier than thawing out the frozen. Merry Christmas!
Why is the knorrs vegetable mix all crunchy
Hi Kristi, it’s because it is a dry mix. Allowing the dip to chill will soften it up. Enjoy! – Meggan
We went to buy the Knorr vegetable soup mix to make this (haven’t made in years) and it has tomato in it and makes a red broth. Did they change the soup mix?? We may have to use the leek then so I’m glad you mentioned it.
Hi Renae, oh no! I’m not sure if they changed it, I’ll have to look into that. Hope you still enjoy! – Meggan
For my Spinach dip, I used the last batch of Mrs Grass Homestyle Vegatable Soup last year. I used this soup for over 40 years.
My dear Mrs Grass has discontinued this soup.
I’m going to try this recipe with Knorr mix and hope it come close to what I’ve always made.
I’m hoping it that is does, my family loved so much, even
down to tearing the bread bowl apart!! I always gave it as gifts to my loved ones as well. 🤞🏻🙏
I’ll try and let you folks know how it turns out.
Thank you for all of your ideas!!😉
Hi Lou, oh no! I hate when that happens, but hopefully this recipe does the trick. Yes please come back and let us know how it goes! – Meggan
I’ve made this for years and always add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic.
Iv been usit this recipe for yeat with the leek soup mix. 2things I do is I add 1 teaspoon to one tablespoon of Dill weed depending on how much you make and to taste but it has to set for a while for the flavor to come out i rub it in hands to bhelo bring out flavor and I add garlic powder to taste iv made it one time and forgot the dill weed and it was just not as good will be trying the water chestnuts.
Dill sounds great Kimberly, I’ll have to give it a try! – Meggan
The ingredients are wrong….first says sour cream then cream cheese
Hi Folly, the cream cheese is for the hot version of this dip while the sour cream is for serving cold. – Meggan
I made this recipe and everyone wants it so very good thank you
Thanks Roxanne, so glad you all liked it! – Meggan
Sounds good going to make
Hope you enjoy Helen! -Meggan
Just the best recipe ever! Love it!
I’ve been making this dip for decades. My only suggestion is that, in replacement of, or, in addition to the water chestnuts, I dice crisp sweet apple into tiny piece and stir that in. It adds a perfect something extra to the flavor. People ALWAYS rave over it and then ask me what it is that I do different. Everyone I know who makes this stuff now adds the apple to the dip. SOOOOOO yummy!
Added diced artichoke hearts, fresh parmesan cheese, and diced bacon. So good!
have you tried it with yogurt ? how was it ?
Hi Michael, I’ve substituted Greek yogurt. The yogurt’s consistency is different than sour cream. Are you thinking about trying a different type of yogurt? – Meggan
I’m confused. Sometimes it says cream cheese other times it says sour cream. Which one is it?
Hi Caitlyn, sorry for the confusion. If you are making it as a cold dip, use sour cream. If you are making it as a hot dip, use cream cheese. :) – Meggan
What if you use frozen sour cream…thawed it and it is runny..what can you do to thicken it uo?
Hi Anita, this is common when sour cream is frozen. With a whisk or a hand mixer, beat it until it gains a nice smooth consistency. – Meggan
Very easy and got a million compliments on it!
Been making this for years. However, I’ve found out that it stays thicker if you microwave the frozen spinach for 3-5 minutes on high, let cool, then press out all excess water using a spatula and a wire mesh strainer then squeezing it by hand to drier still. Not a big fan of water chestnuts. I always make a double recipe because it does not last long.
I agree this is the best spinach dip ever! Growing up in West Michigan this is the only spinach dip we knew. To this day if someone comes to a get together with a store bought substitute we all know!
I don’t cook the spinach. I thaw it, drain it and put it in the mixture and refrigerate for 2 hrs. Everyone loves it!!! I bet it is good with artichoke hearts!!!!
Same. I’ve made this for years, “cooking the spinach” was not in my old recipe. This has always been a hit, uncooked spinach ‘n all. Was cooking the spinach always supposed to be in the recipe?
Patty – The oldest version of the recipe (back in the 1970s) required “No Cooking of the Frozen, Chopped Spinach.” That is exactly as I will continue to make it … no one ever got sick. Google says that all frozen spinach is always cooked prior to packaging. We are smart and know how to save some time. Have a wonderful day.
I do not come the spinach. I thaw it out, squeeze it and put it in the mixture. My cousins mother in law cooked the spinach and she said it was horrible, not like mine. She loves mine!
Thank you! It’s available at my local Crate and Barrel. Perfect platter for spinach dip. (^.^)/
I like your white round platter. May I ask where you got it?
Hi Lola, thank you! It’s from Crate and Barrel, the Mercer collection.
I think this is it: https://www.crateandbarrel.com/mercer-serving-bowl/s237267
Thank you again! Good luck. -Meggan
I use about 1/2 pkg of wither Knorr Cream of Leek or Cream of Vegetable soup mix, and substitute Greek yoghurt for the sour cream, and people tell me it’s the best spinach dip they’ve ever had.
I love this spinach dip! But I substitute 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt,, instead of mayo! Never any left over!!
I dream of this stuff! I take the bread removed from the sourdough bowl and toss it in garlic butter & lightly toast it to dip into the well, DIP! I BRUSH THE BREAD BOWL with garlic butter too. The when everyone leaves, I pull it out and & enjoy it myself after clean up. Self indulgent? Why, YES!🤶
thanks for that idea!
I have used the VEGETABLE SOUP MIX for many years, in making spinach dip, and am very disappointed that they keep messing with the formula to the mix, now called Vegetable Recipe Mix, and is missing the original main ingredients that made it so good!!! PLEASE, MAKE IT ORIGINAL AGAIN, AND LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!
The way I was originally shown this recipe was with Knoor Leek soup mix. I have found the taste to be a bit more flavorful than the vegetable soup mix. I’m only able to find the leek soup mix online (Amazon in a 3 pack). I don’t cook the spinach but do drain it (squeeze out excess liquid). I also use King’s Hawaiian rolls for dipping.
is doing vegetable mix the same I could only find the spring mix in a 0.9oz if so how many packets wld I use
Hi Pat, it’s not the same but it might still be good (I haven’t tried it so I don’t know). I would say just use 1 packet. Is there a dip recipe on the package? Maybe you can follow that? It sounds like it would still be great! Good luck. Thanks – Meggan
Is the spring vegetable mix the same (it only came in 0.09oz) If so how many packets
I’ve been using this recipe for years! Best recipe ever!! I use a food processor with fresh spinach. Turns it a nice minty green color. :)
Wow, thank you so much Tom! I’m glad you like it! :D -Meggan
Did you cook the fresh spinach first?
Hi Cheryl, yes I did. I just threw it in the microwave with a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover tightly and microwave until starting to wilt, about 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your microwave. Squeeze it dry in a clean kitchen towel. I hope this helps! Thanks – Meggan
I like this Spinach Dip recipe But I add some cream cheese to it 😁
Sometimes it’s by the gravy mixes!
Would knorr onion soup mix too? Or would it throw the flavour off too much
Hi Tamara, when are you going to make this? I might have time to test it and let you know. If I test it tomorrow and report back, is that soon enough? -Meggan
This is the Knorr re ipe I use too, but I add chopped marinated artichoke hearts and a little bit of Ranxh seasoning packet to taste. Spoo yummy!
Can you prepare the hot spinach version a day in advance?
Can this be made with frozen WHOLE spinach? My store was all out of chopped
Yes! I would just chop it. If you have a food processor, throw it in there when it’s thawed. Pulse it a few times. Or, you can chop it by hand too, no problem. Thanks!
For a healthy twist use Chobani Nonfat Great Yogurt instead of Sour Cream & Light mayonnaise.
Can you freeze the spinach dip??
Good question! While you could, I think the sour cream and/or mayonnaise would become watery and/or separate. So I don’t really recommend it. I think you’d ultimately be disappointed with the result! But great question.
I cannot find that mix either!
Could you use Lipton veggitable mix instead??
That’s the one.
ALL I want to know is why can I not find Knorr Soup Mix in the grocery Store. I do not need any more recipes for Spinach Dip…right now anyway. Are you still making the Knorr Soup Mix? I would appreciate a suggestion for where I can locate the Soup Mix. Thank you. Millie Thompson.
In my store, it’s located with the salad dressings. Just past them is a section that carries packaged, dry salad dressing mixes. Hope this helps.
I love this recipe but I have a problem….I look for the Soup Mix and the stores don’ t seem to carry it up here in my store I shop with . Any suggestions. Millie Thompson
Amazon
Use the knorr cream of leek soup mix. It is a much better flavour.
We like to add Pimentos to our dip. It gives it a better flavor and it’s festive for Christmas!!! :)
I use fresh uncooked baby spinach, shredded.
I add diced bacon to mine instead of water chestnuts and some Parmesan cheese. Everyone goes nuts over it.
Pinning this one and Making this for my grandkids.. thank you.
Oh Meggan, this is perfect! I LOVE water chestnuts, too – fabulous idea to add them into a spinach dip! :-)
I too am a stalker of spinach dip! I love the stuff! Warm or hot it’s always fab!! Great recipe as always! Have a great weekend honey!
Wow, love it! So simple and tasty! Hand me that bread bowl, please! Pinning!
You say guilty pleasure, I say healthy treat. After all it’s mostly spinach and it is a superfood. I love the addition of the water chestnuts, I need to give that a try.
Hi Gary, the spinach should be cooked and squeezed dry. Thanks! – Meggan
Frozen Chopped Spinach is just thawed and squeezed dry.
Hi Adrianna, so sorry about that! How did it turn out? – Meggan