If you’ve been on the hunt for a swoon-worthy party appetizer that’s as easy as it is irresistible, look no further than Marry Me Dip! Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, creamy cheeses, and savory Italian spices, this hot, bubbly skillet dip is so good it might just spark a proposal at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Fusion: The combination of creamy cheeses, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs makes every bite an explosion of savory goodness.
- Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Prep: Marry Me Dip comes together in just minutes and bakes up bubbly and beautiful—perfect for effortless entertaining!
- Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you’re serving with crostini or crisp veggies, this dip pairs with almost anything and suits every occasion.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Golden cheese and fresh basil on top create a gorgeous finish that always impresses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Dip recipe is all about layers of flavor and creamy texture, and every ingredient pulls its weight! Here’s why you’ll want each one on hand—and a few ideas to make them shine even more.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: These give the dip its signature tang and a sweet-savory depth; chop them small so you get a bit in every bite.
- Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes Jar: Don’t waste that flavorful oil! It adds an extra boost of tomato and herb to sauté the garlic.
- Minced Garlic: One tablespoon may sound like a lot, but it infuses the whole dip with warm, garlicky goodness.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste deepens the sauce’s umami punch and intensifies the color for a richer taste.
- Cream Cheese: The base of the dip—softened cream cheese turns every spoonful velvety and decadent.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess, balancing out the cheeses beautifully.
- Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry, spinach sneaks a pop of green and subtle earthiness into the mix.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutty and salty, Parmesan amps up the Italian vibes and melts right in.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that makes the dip taste instantly like comfort food.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just enough seasoning to bring out the full flavor profile.
- Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella: This is what gives you that bubbly, stretchy, golden cheese pull on top—don’t skimp!
- Chopped Fresh Basil: For garnish; bright and fragrant, it’s the perfect finish.
- Crostini Toast: Your vehicle for scooping up all that luscious dip—though chips or veggies work too!
Variations
One of the best parts about Marry Me Dip is how endlessly customizable it is! Tweak the ingredients to match your mood, dietary needs, or what’s in your fridge—the possibilities are dreamy and delicious.
- Go Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or minced Calabrian chiles for a kick of heat.
- Make It Meaty: Fold in a bit of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or pancetta for extra heartiness.
- Lighter Version: Swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream and reduced-fat cream cheese for a little less indulgence—still plenty creamy!
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella shreds to make a lactose-free version without missing out on that luscious texture.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in artichoke hearts, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for more color and flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Dip
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Tomato Paste
Start by heating up that gorgeous sun-dried tomato oil in a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium. Toss in the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly—this step wakes up the garlic and caramelizes the tomato paste, creating a super aromatic base in just a couple of minutes.
Step 2: Blend in Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
Remove your skillet from the heat. Now’s the time to add your cubes of softened cream cheese and all the sour cream. Whisk them in while the pan is still warm, letting the mixture transform into a silky-smooth, ultra-creamy sauce—no lumps, no worries!
Step 3: Add Spinach, Cheese & Seasonings
Fold in the thawed, well-drained spinach, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 cup of your shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is perfectly distributed—this is where the Marry Me Dip magic starts to take shape!
Step 4: Top & Bake
Spread the dip out into an even layer in your skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella on top. Slide it into your preheated oven (375°F) and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges—about 8–10 minutes.
Step 5: Broil for a Golden Top
Without taking the skillet out, bump up the oven to broil. Let the top get golden brown and extra melty—just 3–5 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. Pull from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve your Marry Me Dip piping hot with crostini.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Dip
- Spinach Prep Matters: Squeeze every bit of water out of your thawed spinach—excess moisture can make the dip runny instead of perfectly creamy.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese melts and blends much better, guaranteeing a super-smooth dip.
- Broiler Watch: When broiling the dip at the end, keep a close eye—cheese can go from golden-brown to burnt in seconds.
- Serve HOT: Marry Me Dip’s oozy, melty texture is best when piping hot, so plan to serve it straight from the oven to the table.
How to Serve Marry Me Dip
Garnishes
Finish your Marry Me Dip with a shower of fresh chopped basil—its herby lift brightens the whole dish! For a little extra pop, you can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dip shines alongside a platter of crisp crostini, pita chips, crackers, or even raw veggies like bell peppers and carrots. It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a bowl of olives for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Marry Me Dip right in the skillet—or transfer to a pretty baking dish for extra flair. You can even portion it into individual ramekins for personal appetizers, or hollow out a round loaf of bread and pour the warm dip inside for an edible centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Marry Me Dip keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal it tightly in an airtight container (or just cover that skillet with foil) to keep in all that luscious flavor and prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for later, let the dip cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture may be a little softer after freezing, but the taste remains dreamy!
Reheating
To reheat Marry Me Dip, bring it back to bubbly in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave smaller portions in a heat-proof bowl until hot. If it looks a little thick, stir in a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture.
FAQs
-
Can I make Marry Me Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if baking from cold.
-
Is there a way to make Marry Me Dip gluten-free?
Marry Me Dip itself is gluten-free—just be sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers like veggie sticks or certified GF crackers if you’re hosting guests with dietary restrictions.
-
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can swap in fresh spinach! Simply sauté it in a dry pan until wilted, let it cool, squeeze out any water, and use it just as you would the frozen version in the recipe.
-
What’s the best way to reheat Marry Me Dip for a party?
For parties, reheat the dip in a 350°F oven until bubbling, and give it a quick broil right before serving for that irresistible cheesy crust. You can also keep it warm in a small slow cooker set to low for extended grazing.
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your guests and treat yourself, too? Give this Marry Me Dip a try and watch it become the star of every gathering. It’s rich, comforting, totally customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast—so don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe again and again!
Print
Marry Me Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of cheeses, it’s perfect for any gathering or party.
Ingredients
Sun-Dried Tomato Mixture:
- 1/2 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (6 ounce) package frozen cut leaf spinach, thawed and drained, then patted dry
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh basil
- Crostini toast
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Sun-Dried Tomato Mixture: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and tomato paste until fragrant.
- Combine Cream Cheese Mixture: Whisk in cream cheese and sour cream, then fold in spinach, Parmesan, seasonings, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the mixture in a skillet, top with mozzarella, bake until bubbly, then broil until golden. Garnish with basil and serve with crostini.
Notes
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
