Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip

This Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip is a terrific warm appetizer for game day ... or any party! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with spinach. Serve it with veggies or pita chips, and it'll go fast.

By
Nick Evans
Nick Evans
Nick Evans
Nick has been creating recipes for home cooks for almost 12 years. He is the author of Love Your Leftovers and has contributed to Simply Recipes since 2017.
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Updated July 27, 2021
Nick Evans
Crockpot spinach feta dip
Nick Evans

It’s that time of year where I crave a big bubbling pot of cheese dip. You too? This Spinach Feta Dip is a welcome addition to any party spread or game day celebration.

A Twist on Spinach Artichoke Dip

Instead of making a classic spinach and artichoke dip, I doubled the spinach usually called for and added feta cheese for a saltier dip. (Be careful not to add too much salt while you cook the spinach, since feta is pretty salty on its own.)

If you're really missing the artichokes, though, go ahead and add a can. Just halve the amount of spinach.

Spinach feta dip in the slow cooker
Nick Evans

Should I Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach for Spinach Feta Dip?

You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this dip! My preference is fresh, because when you sauté with olive oil and a pinch of salt, it really brings out the spinach flavors.

If you do use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw the spinach completely and press out as much water as you can. Water will ruin the dip and make it too runny. I like to wrap my thawed spinach in paper towels to press out as much liquid as possible.

How to Make Spinach Feta Dip in the Slow Cooker

This dip is perfect for the slow cooker: it's hands-off and cooks in 90 minutes. All you need to do is stir the dip every 30 minutes or so to make sure it's melting together evenly. Once the dip has cooked, keep it warm on the lowest slow cooker setting for serving.

mediterranean spinach feta dip on a pita chip
Nick Evans

Suggestions and Substitutions for Spinach Feta Dip

If you can’t find feta, you can use Monterey jack, which melts beautifully. You will probably need to add an extra pinch of salt if you do that, though.

Make-Ahead and Storing Spinach Feta Dip

You can make this dip entirely in advance; just keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat it gently over low heat on the stovetop or in your slow cooker on the "warm" setting until it comes back to its original deliciousness.

I don’t recommend freezing cheese-based dips like this. They tend to get grainy and lose their creamy texture. But this dip will keep great in the fridge for five to seven days, and I can’t envision a world where your family couldn’t finish it off by then!

More Cheesy Party Dips!

Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 90 mins
Total Time 100 mins
Servings 4 to 6 servings

This recipe works best in a smaller 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. Double the recipe if your slow cooker is larger or if you want to make more dip for a larger party.

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches fresh spinach or 10 ounces frozen spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pita chips or sliced veggies, for serving

Method

  1. Prep the spinach:

    If you are using fresh spinach (my preference), trim off any long stems and add the spinach to a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and cook until spinach is completely cooked down, and all the liquid has cooked off.

    If you are using frozen spinach, thaw it completely in the microwave, then press the spinach between bunches of paper towels to press out as much liquid as possible. Add the thawed spinach to a skillet with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. The spinach won’t wilt like fresh spinach, but it’s good to season it anyway and cook off any extra water.

    Spinach in a bowl for spinach feta dip in the crockpot
    Nick Evans
    Wilted spinach for crockpot spinach feta dip
    Nick Evans
  2. Add ingredients to a slow cooker:

    Combine the cream cheese, feta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and cooked spinach in a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. Cook on high for 60 minutes, then turn to low for 30 minutes more, stirring a few times to make sure the dip is cooking evenly.

    Mix spinach and feta for slow cooker spinach feta dip
    Nick Evans
  3. Keep warm until serving:

    Turn to the Warm setting to keep dip warm until serving. If dip separates slightly, stir it well to recombine.

    Serve the dip with pita chips or sliced veggies.

    Mediterranean spinach feta dip in the slow cooker
    Nick Evans