This Loaded Bell Pepper Dip is a colorful and tasty treat that’s perfect for parties or a cozy movie night! It’s packed with cream cheese, bell peppers, and spices that give it a nice kick!
Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly—everyone loves dipping their chips into this cheesy goodness! I love serving it warm with crunchy veggies. It’s super easy to make, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers offer a sweet flavor and bright color. If they’re not available, feel free to swap with green bell peppers or use just one kind!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for adding a nutritional boost. However, frozen spinach works too. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. It will change the texture a bit, but it’s a great alternative if you prefer that!
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan combine nicely, but any cheese you like can be substituted, such as cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick.
How Do I Sauté Bell Peppers Perfectly?
Sautéing bell peppers is a key step to enhance their flavor before adding them to the dip. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced peppers and minced garlic. Cook until the peppers soften, about 5 minutes.
- Keep an eye on them; you’ll want just the right balance of softness without them getting too mushy!
- Finally, add the spinach and cook until it’s wilted.
Perfect sautéed peppers give your dip a delicious and well-rounded flavor!
Loaded Bell Pepper Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dip:
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Serving:
- French bread slices or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 35-40 minutes. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends at any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the dip bakes evenly and becomes nice and bubbly!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers soften and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the Spinach:
Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Combine the Creamy Base:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or whisk to blend everything until smooth and creamy.
5. Fold in the Vegetables:
Gently fold the sautéed bell pepper and spinach mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Be careful not to break the cooked vegetables!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the entire mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Top it with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, spreading it evenly on top for a cheesy, golden finish.
7. Bake the Dip:
Place the dip in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese has turned a lovely golden brown. The scent will surely fill your kitchen and get everyone excited!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to scoop without burning your fingers!
9. Enjoy!
Serve warm with slices of French bread or your favorite crackers. Grab a friend or two, dip in, and enjoy this creamy, colorful bite of goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! While red and yellow bell peppers provide sweetness and color, you can use green bell peppers for a slightly different flavor. Feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand!
Can I Make This Dip Spicy?
Definitely! If you like some heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. You might also substitute the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftover Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly again. You might want to add a splash of cream or a little mozzarella on top while reheating for creaminess!
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the dip in advance! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, and then bake as usual!
