This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
Copycat Kelseys' 4 Cheese Spinach Dip
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- #5637
Kelseys got it right with this recipe! This restaurant favorite is made with cream cheese, Parmesan, Romano, chopped spinach, and topped with Cheddar cheese. Serve with fried pita wedges like Kelsey's does or use your favorite dippers.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
47 reviews
5 comments
ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon freshly grated Romano cheese
1 tablespoon very finely chopped red bell pepper
1 green onion, white and green finely chopped
1/2 package (10 ounce size) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup grated medium Cheddar cheese
1 pinch cayenne pepper
directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine the cream cheese, garlic powder, Parmesan, and Romano with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until well mixed.
Add the red bell pepper and green onion and mix on medium-low until just mixed in.
Add the spinach and mix on low.
Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish and top with cheddar cheese and cayenne.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let sit for 5-7 minutes before serving. Serve with fried or baked pita wedges or tortilla chips.
recipe tips
Want a creamier dip? Mix in a small amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking.
Try different cheese blends.
Serve in a bread bowl for a retro presentation.
If you prefer a smoother texture, puree the spinach before adding it to the dip.
common recipe questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Cook down 1/2 pound of fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted, then chop it and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the dip.
Is there a substitute for Romano cheese?
If you don't have Romano cheese, you can substitute it with more Parmesan cheese or another hard, aged cheese like Asiago or Pecorino.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To make the dip spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate it. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the refrigerator.
Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
For a lower-fat version, use low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat cheeses. Keep in mind that this can alter the texture a bit.
Can I make this dip without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula.
What are some other dippers I can serve with this?
Besides pita wedges and tortilla chips, you can serve this dip with carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, or crusty bread.
How should I store leftover dip?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I freeze this spinach dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese can separate and become grainy when thawed.
Is it possible to make this dip in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this dip in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except the cheddar cheese and cook on low for 1-2 hours, then top with cheddar and serve.
tools needed
Hand or Stand Mixer: For combining the cream cheese, garlic powder, Parmesan, and Romano cheese to create a smooth and creamy base for the dip.
Mixing Bowl: To mix the cream cheese mixture with the finely chopped red bell pepper, green onion, and spinach before transferring to the ovenproof dish.
Ovenproof Dish: To bake the dip in the oven until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Grater: For freshly grating the Parmesan and Romano cheese to add a rich, cheesy flavor to the dip.
Spatula: For transferring the dip mixture from the mixing bowl to the ovenproof dish without making a mess.
Baking Sheet: If serving with baked pita wedges instead of fried, a baking sheet will be needed to bake the pita wedges until crispy.
what goes with it?
Pita Chips: The crispy, salty pita chips will be the perfect vehicle for scooping up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Crudite Platter: fancy up your veggie game with a colorful array of fresh, crunchy vegetables. The cool, crisp veggies will provide a nice contrast to the warm, gooey dip.
Garlic Breadsticks: give your taste buds a cheesy garlic overload by pairing this dip with some garlicky, buttery breadsticks.
Jalapeno Poppers: add a little kick to your dip game by serving this creamy concoction with spicy jalapeno poppers. The spicy jalapenos will balance out the richness of the cheese.
nutrition data
302 calories, 27 grams fat, 5 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
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reviews & comments
April 16, 2023
AMAZING! This recipe is spot on and a huge hit with everyone I've served it to. I've started doubling the recipe because it's gone on no time.
December 13, 2022
Iâve had my eye on this recipe for awhile and decided to give it a trial run before making it for a Christmas Eve appetizer. It was mediocre. Definitely not as creamy as Kelseyâs. the spinach ratio was off. I suggest using half of the spinach it calls for. Seasoning was also lacking. I followed the recipe exactly as written. It was super easy to make but I probably wonât make it again.
June 13, 2020
Definitely needs sour cream or mayo to make it a little smoother- very thick without it. Great taste and easy to make!
April 28, 2020
The Romano cheese isnât a must ... loveeeee this... for sure tastes as good or maybe better than restaurant and my blender broke so I hand mixed
January 1, 2020
This is such a crowd pleaser recipe. I am always asked to make this dip.
Personally, I would garnish with the shredded cheddar after heating this through so it would not burn or melt.
It's a baked dip so the idea is to melt the cheese.
August 13, 2017
SOOOOOOOOO DELICIOUS! This dip is incredibly creamy, and addicting to the point where I'm already wanting more. I used tortilla chips because I like that crunch factor with my spinach dip, and it was just as good as the pita chips. I drizzled some basil-based olive oil onto my pita chips and sprinkled some Parmesan for a little flavour in the chip too. But I had added a little bit more cheese because, who doesn't like cheese? I also added a dollop of sour cream to the dip so it would stay creamy
July 2, 2017
my gal is crazy about this dip! I threw in some 'laughing cow' soft cheeses in the mix and I finely diced a bit of mushroom to top w/ grated parmesan/romano. a+ stuff
November 17, 2016
SO easy to make and SO delicious. I didn't use Romano, I just added extra parmesan. I also used a little bit less spinach than the recipe calls for and it was PERFECT. I will be making this for every event and maybe even every meal...
August 17, 2016
Wow, this is simply amazing!! This spinach dip is always gone in less than 10 minutes flat when served to my friends and family members. Its creamy and delicious consistency is always a huge hit at parties and get-togethers. Fabulous!!
My daughter-in-law will love this. I can't wait to make it for her!
July 26, 2014
The best I have had or I mean maded
July 4, 2014
Kelseyâs 4 Cheese Spinach Dip is truly delicious, and easy to make. This would be a nice appetizer or a popular party snack. Spread on pizza for an unusual twist instead of other pizza sauce.
how much is half a bag of spinach?
It's 1/2 a 10 ounce package
June 27, 2014
Please your guests with this delicious dip that works beautifully with cocktails or a buffet. Kelsey's 4 Cheese dip is rich and full flavored, without being overly fatty. It tastes like you worked for hours, but it goes together quickly and bakes in as little as 15 minutes. Your guests are likely to ask you for the recipe.
February 5, 2014
Best dip I've ever had!
February 2, 2014
this is always my requested item to bring for Superbowl....and the platter I bring it in always leaves clean!...nuff said?
December 2, 2013
I just made this last night for my family and wow, it feels like we ordered it from Kelsey's. I recommend this recipe for anyone that wants to make a cheese spinach dip.
November 21, 2013
The recipe says it serves four people but trust me when I tell you to double it because when you taste it you'll wish you had made more! It's a great blend of flavors from the different cheeses and the texture is perfectly creamy.
October 28, 2013
This is my favorite dip. The balance of the different cheeses is perfect. It's rich but not so rich that you regret eating it. I use jarred diced pimiento instead of the red bell pepper (I hate to cut up a pepper just for a tablespoon) but that's the only change I make.
October 23, 2013
Love this dip!
June 19, 2013
A crowd pleaser;I am always asked for the recipe. It is very delicious.
January 2, 2013
My husband and kids love this when we go to Kelsey's so it's a real treat to make it a home. Is there anyway I can pin this to pinterest??
December 26, 2012
ABSOLUTELY amazing!! The best dip I've ever made. I make it year after year and have never had such rave reviews. I don't like regular cold spinach dip but this stuff is incredible. I always serve with baked Greek style pitas and sometimes crackers, tortilla chips, etc..
November 5, 2012
AMAZING!!!
May 19, 2011
This is absolutely one of my most favorite things! I always crave it! I found the most delicious way to make it.. I always do a double batch, but I don't use a whole package of spinach I just take a little chunk out of it because I find it makes it too overpowering, and then I make sure that I HEAP up the Red peppers on the tbsp's. and I add a glob of sour cream to it because it keeps it from stiffening up too much as it starts to cool. MMMM Now I'm hungry for some! :P
October 9, 2010
My boyfriend and I gobbled this up! I plan on making it again just not adding as much chopped spinach and using marble cheese instead of just cheddar.
March 10, 2010
I get asked the recipe everytime I make this mmm :)
September 6, 2009
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm sooooo good......it is my fall back recipe when we are doing potlucks....i always make a double batch and if it doesnt get eaten(which it always does) I happily take the left overs home.....mmmmmmm its exactly what kelsey's tastes like....
August 31, 2009
I made this dip tonight and it was quite yummy. This is my first time making any sort of dip like this myself but we always order it when we go out to eat. I found it pretty easy to make and I didn't even make much of a mess in the kitchen doing it. Now that I have experimented with my family, I hope that I can impress some friends next time we get together.
July 29, 2009
Glad everyone has lots of positive things to say about the spin-dip, its one of our most popular and, in my opinion, yummiest things on the menu! :)
May 9, 2009
I've made this many many times now and when ever a group of us from work get together for dinner.....this is my now mandatory contribution.....sooooooo good......mmmmmmmm droooollll....
January 6, 2009
I made this recipe for a party once and now people always want me to bring it! I am keeping the recipe a secret though! haha. Great recipe thanks for posting.
January 2, 2009
The secret ingredient you are missing is the melindas hot sauce that Kelseys puts in theirs. It gives the dip a unique spicy flavour. Looks like a great recipe too though. Great work
December 3, 2008
I made this for company one evening, it was thoroughly enjoyed. It was very easy to make and it truly did turn out just like Kelsey's dip. I served this with toasted pita chips and tortilla chips. mmmmm
October 18, 2008
Yummy, even better than Kelseys and you can make the portion size you want! Im addicted!
March 8, 2008
I noticed that the onions in are red onion so maybe adding a bit of both?
? There are no red onions in this recipe (but it'd be ok to add them if you wish)
December 10, 2007
I made this just this past weekend and nearly fainted with happiness! It turned out just like the restaurants! I was to happy!
December 2, 2007
My boyfriend loves this dip and orders it everytime we go to Kelseys. We can hardly tell the difference between the two. I double the recipe and put the extra batch into an oven/freezer safe dish and freeze it for another time. Just unthaw and bake when ready to use. Turns out great.
Does anyone know what Kelsey's serves as the chips with this dip?
Kelsey's serves it with deep fried pita wedges
March 24, 2007
I have made this SO many times and it is so great! It tastes just like Kelsey's and I have requests for it all the time. And so easy to make too!
February 15, 2007
This recipe was great! The only thing that I changed was adding 1/3 cup of Alfredo sauce. ( I asked in Kelsey's once and they told me there was Alfredo in theirs) There are never any leftovers when I serve this.Thanks for the recipe!!
November 21, 2006
This recipe is actually better than the original. I add a slice of finely chopped red onion as well. Every time I bring it to a party, I get multiple requests for the recipe. I serve it with Scoops or sliced baguette.
May 1, 2006
HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL! This is amazing! It just came out of the oven 20 minutes ago, and it's already gone! My sister and I devoured it! I didn't have any garlic powder or Romano cheese, so I left them out. However, I mixed in some mozzarella cheese with the cheddar. Then I ripped up some pita bread and coated them with a little olive oil, garlic and salt and baked them until they turned crunchy. I think I'm going to make some more tomorrow! Even my dad loves it, and he isn't easily impressed! I LOVE THIS SOOOOO MUCH! And I am lactose-intolerant so I will be using a lot of Lactaid pills to eat this! haha THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS AWESOME RECIPE!
I've made this dip several times and it is always a crowd pleaser. There are never any left overs.!!
January 21, 2006
This recipe is absolutely perfect. I have made countless spinach and cheese dip recipes trying to find one that would slightly resemble that of Kelsey's, but never had any luck until now. It tastes EXACTLY like the dip at Kelsey's. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
January 9, 2006
Awesome! Everyone asks me for this recipe. We serve it with Costco's pita chips.
October 5, 2005
This recipe tastes just like the real thing! Very very good. You won't have any complaints.
April 11, 2005
You have no idea how long I have searched for this. My husband and I often go to Kelsey's just to eat this..especially while I was pregnant!!!I have gotten my whole family addicted and am so excitied to try and make it myself. However I do feel terrible for Kelsey's we "use" to spend a fortune in there. Oh well.
September 24, 2004
This recipe is AWESOME...I love Kelsey version and order it often when ever we go but this is ten times better, and less expensive.My family just loves this recipe..I usually double the batch and serve with nachos...This makes a great appetizer to any gathering...and so TASTY....
November 18, 2003
I don't even know how to put words into the description of this...wait I've got it...orgasmic! Ha Ha! I have only tried this dip at the restaurant, and now that I've found the recipe I can't wait to try it myself. It is amazing and mouth watering. It's suppose to serve four, but my girl friend and I cleared an entire thing by ourselves. Good...no GREAT STUFF!
August 30, 2003
This dip is my 16 year old daughter's favourite treat. It was very easy to make and she told me she could not tell the difference from the real thing. I doubled the recipe and it turned out great. I know this will a recipe I will make often!