The Greatest Spinach Dip with Fried Bow Tie Pasta

Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled adventure that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! We’re diving headfirst into the world of spinach dip, the superstar appetizer that brings the fun and the flavor to any party. Join us as we explore the history, tasty alternatives, and the key ingredients that make this dip an absolute crowd-pleaser!

The Backstory

Spinach dip has humble beginnings that add to its charm and appeal. While it’s difficult to pinpoint its exact origins, this delectable dish gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. Back then, creative home cooks were experimenting with ways to transform simple ingredients into appetizing delights. It was during this period that spinach dip made its first appearance, capturing hearts and taste buds across the nation.
The original version of spinach dip typically consisted of thawed frozen spinach combined with powdered soup mix and a creamy base. This simple yet satisfying combination quickly became a hit at social gatherings, potlucks, and parties.
As time went on, cooks started adding their own creative touches to the classic recipe, adapting it to suit their preferences and experimenting with various ingredients. Soon, spinach dip began to evolve into an exciting and versatile dish, incorporating additional elements that would enhance its taste, texture, and visual appeal.
Today, spinach dip comes in countless variations, each showcasing individual creativity. From the original recipe to inventive twists featuring decadent additions like garlic, artichoke hearts, or even crab meat, spinach dip has become a canvas for culinary exploration and experimentation.

Key Ingredients

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese forms the base of spinach dip, contributing to its creamy texture and richness. It provides a smooth and luscious foundation for the other flavors to meld together.

Sour Cream: Sour cream adds tanginess and a pleasant creaminess to the dip. Its slightly acidic nature balances the richness of the cream cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Cajun Seasoning: Cajun seasoning brings a smoky, spicy flair to the spinach dip. It adds depth and complexity, tantalizing the taste buds with a touch of Louisiana-inspired heat.

Ranch Seasoning: Ranch seasoning, with its herby and savory notes, complements the other flavors in the dip. It enhances the overall taste profile, providing a hint of familiarity and a comforting flavor.

Louisiana Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, Louisiana hot sauce can be a fantastic addition. Its fiery undertones bring excitement and intensity to the dip, balancing out the creaminess and adding a bit of zing.

Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses contribute to the richness and stringy texture of spinach dip. They melt beautifully, creating a gooey and irresistible dip when combined with the cream cheese and sour cream.

The Perfect Dipper: Fried Bow Tie Pasta

One of the joys of enjoying spinach dip lies in the delightful array of dippers that complement its creamy goodness. While traditional options such as tortilla chips, crackers, or bread are always reliable choices, creative food enthusiasts have taken dip accompaniments to a new level by introducing fried bowtie pasta. If you have ever been to Copelands or Chimes, you would understand how great this is! The best part is its super simple to replicate at home!

Fried bowtie pasta adds a unique and visually appealing twist to the spinach dip experience. The crispy texture of the pasta perfectly contrasts with the creamy dip, creating a satisfying combination of flavors and sensations.

To prepare the pasta, begin by boiling it according to the package instructions until it is cooked al dente. Drain the pasta and pat it dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. In a deep pan or skillet, heat oil to a medium-high temperature. Dredge the pasta in an egg wash and breading mixture. Gently add the bowtie pasta to the oil and fry until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove the pasta from the oil and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

The resulting fried bowtie pasta, with its intricate and eye-catching shapes, becomes an edible scoop for the spinach dip. Its crispy texture holds up well against the thick creaminess of the dip, offering a deliciously crunchy bite that adds a delightful twist to the traditional experience.

So, the next time you serve spinach dip, consider adding a bowl of fried bowtie pasta to the dipping options. Your guests will be delighted by the unexpected presentation. It’s an excellent way to enhance the experience and showcase your culinary inventiveness.

Spinach Dip with Fried Bow Tie Pasta

Recipe by Alden B.Course: Appetizers

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled adventure that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! We’re diving headfirst into the world of spinach dip, the superstar appetizer that brings the fun and the flavor to any party.

Ingredients

• Ingredients for Dip:

• 2 tbs butter

• 1 lb baby spinach (chopped, fresh or frozen)

• 6 oz cream cheese (softened)

• ¼ c sour cream

• ¼ c evaporated milk

• ¼ c sweet onion (chopped)

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• 2 tsp cajun seasoning

• 1 tbs dry ranch mix

• 1 tsp Louisiana hot sauce (optional)

• 1 c parmesan cheese (grated)

• ½ c mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• Ingredients for Fried Bow Tie:

• 8 oz bow tie pasta

• 2 eggs (beaten)

• 2 tbs milk

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 c breadcrumbs

• 1 c parmesan cheese (grated)

• 1 tsp cajun seasoning

• oil for frying

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions for 4 minutes or until translucent. Add in garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
• Add cream cheese, sour cream, and evaporated milk. stir until everything is well combined then season with dry ranch mix and cajun seasoning. Remember, “If you ain’t sneezing’, it ain’t seasoned!” Whisk it all together until well blended.
• Cut the heat off and add in the hot sauce, spinach, parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until well combined.
• Place the mixture in a cast iron or oven safe dish. Add mozzarella cheese on top.
• Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Take it out the oven and serve as an appetizer and just like my name, you’re all done!
• Fried Bow Tie Pasta
• Boil 8 oz of bow tie pasta al dente and strain. (According to package instructions)
• Heat up oil to 320 degrees F.
• In a bowl, combine eggs Italian seasoning and milk and whisk together. In a separate bowl, mix in breadcrumbs with ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese and cajun seasoning.
• Dip your bow tie pasta in the egg wash and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off excess batter.
• Add pasta to hot oil and fry for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and top with the rest of the grated parmesan and just like my name you’re all done!