Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Espinaca Dip

Teresa Ambra

Espinaca Dip is a fantastic queso dip with spinach, cream cheese, Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies, velveeta and whipping cream. It is very smooth tasting with plenty of kick to it because of the diced jalapeno pepper.

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This Tex-Mex dip is wonderful served over tortilla chips, but it is also good served on veggie dippers like red, orange, yellow or green bell peppers, sliced zucchini, sugar snap peas, or any vegetable of your choice. It’s extremely easy to make because you just put everything in a crockpot to heat up.

Espinaca Dip is a delightful appetizer for tailgating parties and entertaining–especially if you’re having a houseful over to watch a sporting event or birthday celebrations and other special occasions. I brought it to a baby shower last night and it was a big hit. This is also a great appetizer for holiday entertaining. Place this lovely dip out for your guests and it will be gone in no time!

I got this recipe from my dear friend, Mylia Roan when she and her husband Jared served as directors for our Young Couples’ Sunday school class of many years. Mylia made this one time for one of our gatherings and it was a delight to everyone–especially me. I have served this several times since then and it always goes over really well. I have also seen the recipe posted at food.com, and several other places. Apparently it is inspired by Jose Pepper’s Espinaca Dip from his Overland, Kansas, Grill and Cantina. I’m not sure who the originator of the actual recipe is. But I’m grateful for Mylia sharing it with me.

Be warned! This recipe is very fattening and highly addictive! But if you’re on the lookout for a spectacular lip-smacking appetizer, then Espinaca Dip is a great recipe for you!

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

This lip-smacking dip is a favorite with everyone who tries it! Espinaca Dip is a tasty appetizer to serve watching football games and other sporting events.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Espinaca Dip is great served over tortilla chips. You can make a meal out it really easily! Oh, yum!

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | wonderful Jose Pepper's Grill and Cantina #copycat recipe. This amazing #appetizer is great for #tailgating parties or #holiday entertaining. #Tex-Mex #cheese #spinach

You can also serve Espinaca Dip with veggie dippers. They taste wonderful dipped in this gooey queso sauce.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

While this recipe isn’t low in calories, it’s one of the best queso-type dips you’ll ever eat!

Here’s what I did.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Cube the Velveeta cheese and toss into a crockpot. I sprayed mine with cooking spray first. 

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Add cubed cream cheese.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Add heavy whipping cream and Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies to the crock pot.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Add diced onion, frozen chopped spinach, chicken bouillon or chicken bouillon cubes, milk and jalapeño pepper.

You can add up to a half cup of diced, seeded, jalapeño peppers. If you like a lot of heat, go ahead and dice up that much. I was making this recipe for a ladies’ baby shower so I diced up about 1/8 cup instead. I change around the amount of jalapeño based on the occasion for bringing the recipe.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Stir to combine. Heat in the crockpot until all the cheese is melted. Be careful not to cook this too long or at too high of a temperature. One-to two hours on high and then reduce to warm is probably all you’ll need. Continue stirring periodically until the Espinaca Dip is completely smooth.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Espinaca Dip is very smooth but it has a wonderful kick to it because of adding fresh diced jalapeño peppers. I served this wonderful queso dip and tortilla chips along Santa Fe Enchiladas for a wonderful Tex-Mex meal.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Spinach and diced tomatoes with chilies give this queso wonderful texture and flavors. 

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Espinaca Dip is also great accompanied by salsa and Chunky Homemade Guacamole.

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

We’ve always drooled over this delicious appetizer. It’s perfect for tailgating parties, potlucks and family get-togethers.

Here’s the recipe.

ESPINACA DIP

(Recipe from Mylia Roan, when we attended Hillcrest Baptist Church, Cedar Hill, TX)

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Espinaca Dip

Teresa Ambra
This amazing Tex-Mex dip is very smooth but has wonderful kick from the jalapeno peppers and diced green chilies. This Jose Pepper's Grill and Cantina copycat recipe is a wonderful appetizer for tailgating parties or the Super Bowl!
4.42 from 34 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 16
Calories 159 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 crock pot
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. Velveeta cheese cut in cubes
  • 16 oz. pkg. cream cheese cut in cubes (two 8-ounce blocks)
  • 1/2 pt. heavy whipping cream (1 cup)
  • 29 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies drained (two 14.5-ounce cans)
  • 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 - 1/2 cups frozen spinach chopped, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 4 cubes chicken bouillon
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk add more if needed
  • 1/4 cup jalapeno chopped, to desired heat (most online sites recommend ½ cup – I use about ¼ cup)

Instructions
 

  • Place all in a crockpot and heat through.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or strips.

Notes

NOTE: Be sure not to overcook this. One or two hours in the crockpot should do it. Then turn crockpot to warm.
 
NOTE: This dip is also good with veggie dippers.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 11gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 666mgPotassium: 323mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1165IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 304mgIron: 1mg
Keyword appetizer, cream cheese, espinaca dip, spinach, Tex Mex
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Espinaca Dip[/b]
Recipe Type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Mylia Roan, when we attended Hillcrest Baptist Church, Cedar Hill, TX
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 16
This amazing Tex-Mex dip is very smooth but has wonderful kick from the jalapeno peppers and diced green chilies. This Jose Pepper’s Grill and Cantina copycat recipe is a wonderful appetizer for tailgating parties or the Super Bowl!
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. of [url href=”http://www.kraftrecipes.com/Products/velveeta-hub.aspx” target=”_blank” title=”velveeta cheese”]Velveeta[/url] cheese, cut in cubes
  • 2 8 oz. cream cheese blocks, cut in cubes
  • 1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cans of [url href=”http://www.ro-tel.com/Diced-Tomatoes-Products/Original-Canned-Diced-Tomatoes-and-Chilies?gclid=CjwKEAiA4rujBRDD7IG_wOPytXkSJACTMkgaOUz2OEJjjarPzoxpQ02Fi9H6Z318muPts-QSGst1phoC6KXw_wcB” target=”_blank” title=”rotel tomatoes”]Rotel[/url] diced tomatoes with chilies (drained)
  • 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 – 1/2 cups of chopped frozen spinach
  • 4 cubes of chicken bouillon
  • 1/2 cup milk (add more if needed)
  • Chopped jalapeno to desired heat (most online sites recommend ½ cup – I use about ¼ cup)
Instructions
  1. Place all in a crockpot and heat through.
  2. Serve with tortilla chips or strips.
Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Perfectly yummy!

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

You won’t be able to get enough of this fantastic Espinaca Dip once you start eating it! 

Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Treat your family to this fantastic dip some night when you’re home together watching movies or sporting events.

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Tex-Mex Black Bean Dip

Tex-Mex Black Bean Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | This #TexMex dip is amazing. It's one of the best #appetizers we've ever eaten. #blackbeans #cheese #salsa #glutenfree

Avocado Black Bean Dip

Avocado Black Bean Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | one of the best #TexMex #appetizers you'll ever taste! Perfect for summer #holidays like the #FourthofJuly or #LaborDay, the #SuperBowl or other tailgating parties, potlucks and backyard barbecues. #Avocado #corn #blackbeans #chilies #glutenfree #vegan

Nacho Cheese Dip

Nacho Cheese Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fantastic 4-ingredient #TexMex #appetizer that's fabulous for #tailgating, #NewYearsEve or #SuperBowl parties. #sausage #Velveeta
Espinaca Dip | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #appetizer is perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks. Everything is dumped in the #crockpot! Jose Peppers Cantina #copycat recipe.

Espinaca Dip

Teresa Ambra
This amazing Tex-Mex dip is very smooth but has wonderful kick from the jalapeno peppers and diced green chilies. This Jose Pepper’s Grill and Cantina copycat recipe is a wonderful appetizer for tailgating parties or the Super Bowl!
4.42 from 34 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 16
Calories 159 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 crock pot
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. Velveeta cheese cut in cubes
  • 16 oz. pkg. cream cheese cut in cubes (two 8-ounce blocks)
  • 1/2 pt. heavy whipping cream (1 cup)
  • 29 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies drained (two 14.5-ounce cans)
  • 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 – 1/2 cups frozen spinach chopped, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 4 cubes chicken bouillon
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk add more if needed
  • 1/4 cup jalapeno chopped, to desired heat (most online sites recommend ½ cup – I use about ¼ cup)

Instructions
 

  • Place all in a crockpot and heat through.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or strips.

Notes

NOTE: Be sure not to overcook this. One or two hours in the crockpot should do it. Then turn crockpot to warm.
 
NOTE: This dip is also good with veggie dippers.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 11gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 666mgPotassium: 323mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1165IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 304mgIron: 1mg
Keyword appetizer, cream cheese, espinaca dip, spinach, Tex Mex
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

32 Comments

  • Angie Ellefson

    April 18, 2024 at 7:12 pm

    I wonder if the white Velveeta would be good? Thoughts? I’ve also seen people add corn to this?

    1. Teresa Ambra

      April 24, 2024 at 1:11 pm

      Hi Angie. I think both of those options would be excellent! I’d give both a try. 🙂

  • Kathie

    January 15, 2023 at 12:56 pm

    Can you freeze this?

    1. Teresa

      January 16, 2023 at 8:09 am

      Hi Kathie. I would not freeze it because the cream will probably separate when thawing and it will get gritty in texture rather than stay creamy.

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    May 19, 2022 at 10:30 pm

    […] addition to tailgating, Espinaca Dip is an excellent appetiser for parties and entertaining, especially if you’re hosting a large […]

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    November 7, 2020 at 3:06 pm

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  • TayTay

    October 22, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    I made this Espinaca and used pico instead of onions and jalapeños and it took a the bomb !! AMAZING

    1. Teresa

      October 26, 2020 at 6:09 am

      So glad you enjoyed it.

  • Anonymous

    September 19, 2017 at 7:39 pm

    Followed the recipe and the dip was a big hit! I will definitely make, again!

    1. Teresa

      September 20, 2017 at 10:22 am

      So glad you and your company enjoyed the recipe. It’s not low on calories but it sure is big on flavor! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know.

  • Andrea

    August 30, 2017 at 9:45 am

    My cream cheese never melts all the way and leaves lumps, even after the cheese is done. Is there anything I’m doing wrong?

    1. Teresa

      August 30, 2017 at 10:07 am

      You may have to whisk it in a little Andrea. That may help. Also cut the cream cheese in smaller pieces. I think it depends on the crockpot, some definitely run hotter than others.

  • Ebony Harbut

    July 29, 2017 at 3:48 pm

    Did anyone else use the whole cube of velveeta? 32oz/2 lbs? (I did, can’t wait to see if that matters…its cooking right now!)

    1. Teresa

      July 29, 2017 at 3:56 pm

      I’m sure it will be very cheesy, Ebony. 🙂

  • Cecilia

    March 3, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    I dont have a crockpot, how can i alter it. to come out the same. going to a potluck party, Party starts at 6pm. Can i make it at home. Or make over there. It takes a 45min drive from my house to theirs. Hope u get back to me on this.

    1. Teresa

      March 4, 2017 at 8:49 pm

      Hi, Cecilia, I’m sure you can make this on top of the stove over a low heat. It can be reheated in the microwave or on top of the stove.

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  • Retired

    January 15, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    This is wonderful. I didn’t use Velveeta I used hot pepper it’s a white cheese.If you can’t find hot pepper (not pepper jack) use a white cheese and add jalapeno’s.You will love this instesd of the fake stuff (Velveeta). Try it you’ll love it.

    1. Teresa

      January 16, 2016 at 10:08 am

      Great idea! So glad you enjoyed the dip. It’s one of our favorites.

    2. Sharon

      May 25, 2024 at 5:08 pm

      Thanks for the substitute suggestion for the Velveeta.
      I loved it as a kid but not now.

  • Anna

    July 26, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Do I need to thaw and squeeze out the liquid from the frozen spinach, or do you just throw the whole frozen block in?

    1. Teresa

      July 28, 2015 at 6:54 am

      Hi, Anna, I placed the spinach in the crockpot still frozen.

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  • pb

    May 5, 2013 at 8:42 am

    I’ve never seen this dip made with added cream, milk and spincah, but I could see how that would mellow the flavors and reduce some of rubber texture that happens when the Velveeta cools. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Teresa

      May 5, 2013 at 5:01 pm

      It’s a fabulous dip. Add diced jalapeno peppers to your desired heat–up to half a cup!

  • dianeroark

    May 4, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    Teresa, You always do such a great job on your recipes but especially your pictures. I love looking at them. Since tomorrow is May 5th, like most people we are planning on eating Mexican food. I will try this dip. Blessings, Diane

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    February 5, 2013 at 12:42 am

    Oooh. I Can’t wait to make this. I think I pretty much have everything on hand already. This could be dangerous!!!!…..but delicious!

    1. Teresa

      February 5, 2013 at 4:55 pm

      It is so amazing–fattening, yes! But amazing. We love this recipe. Let me know how it turns out for you.

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4.42 from 34 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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