Can you make a creamy, delicious dip without the cheese? Absolutely!
I’ve scoured Pinterest for the best non-dairy alternatives and I have concluded I just need to splurge on the store bought stuff. Soaking cashews and pureeing them with vinegar and spices to make “cream cheese” just never turns out well for me. Maybe you have had better luck and can send me your tips!
So, when I wanted to make my favorite baked spinach dip I decided to try Kite Hill brand Dairy Free Cream Cheese. I was impressed with it’s flavor by itself and it baked deliciously. I’m sure there are other brands out there too that work just as well.
AND if no one in your family is avoiding dairy feel free to substitute to the real deal. As written, this recipe is gluten, grain, and dairy free. Serve with almond flour crackers (our favorite brand is Simple Mills but Jilz brand is in the pic) and some raw veggies (sliced red pepper is the best)!
Ingredients:
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5 cups Spinach, chopped
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2 tbs Olive Oil
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2 Green Onions, chopped
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1 clove Garlic, chopped
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1 tsp Sea Salt
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1 tbs Dried Oregano
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4 oz Dairy Free Cream Cheese (I use Kite Hill)
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1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray 4 small ramekins (or 1 large) with non stick cooking spray.
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Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until they are softened. Then, add spinach and sauté until greens are wilted.
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Add salt and oregano, stirring to combine. Decrease heat to low, add dairy free cream cheese, and stir until melted. Add nutritional yeast and stir until well combined.
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Divide spinach mixture between the ramekins. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown on top.*
*If you do not need to keep this dairy free, you can top the dip with a sprinkle of mozzarella or parmesan cheese and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until melted.
Wondering if you should be worried about dairy in your diet?
Some people can tolerate it well, others need to heal their digestive system before dairy can be a healthy additional, others are predisposed to dairy problems due to genetics.
Do you know if you have the genes to be lactose intolerant? Do you know if you have chronic inflammation that could be exacerbated by dairy?
As a health coach, I help people work through these questions and get the answers they need to make the best decisions about their health. Click the link below to set up a FREE No Obligation Discovery Visit to find your next best step toward feeling your best.
