Hot Spinach Queso Dip with Bacon: Creamy, Cheesy & Easy

A Restaurant-Inspired Favorite

Not all great recipes come from a favorite family cookbook, and my Hot Spinach Queso Dip was not one of them. Sometimes, they come from a memorable restaurant experience that leaves you wanting more!

I got my Hot Spinach Queso Dip recipe inspiration from a dining experience at a small sports pub in Atlanta, Georgia. I ordered their hot spinach queso, took one bite, and knew I had to make it at home. I can’t remember the pub’s name, but I’ll never forget the queso!

After leaving the pub that evening, I made a mental note of the ingredients I could identify and the delicious flavors I wanted to recreate. As soon as I got home, I started my search. I found a few promising recipes, borrowed a little from each, and tweaked the flavors until I came up with a version that reminded me of the original.

My Hot Spinach Queso Dip is creamy, cheesy, warm, and packed with spinach and smoky bacon. The savory bacon and chopped spinach pair beautifully with Velveeta and cream cheese, creating a rich, smooth dip that’s hard to resist.

And the best part? You don’t need a sports pub or hours in the kitchen to enjoy it. Just gather your ingredients, pull out your slow cooker, and let the cheese work its magic!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Spinach Queso Dip

If you love a warm, cheesy dip with plenty of flavor, this one deserves a spot on your appetizer table. Smoky bacon, spinach, and creamy cheese make every bite delicious.

Here are a few reasons to give it a try:

• Easy to Prepare: A handful of simple ingredients makes assembly quick and fuss-free.
• Rich and Creamy: Velveeta and cream cheese melt together for a wonderfully smooth consistency.
• Smoky, Savory Flavor: Bacon adds a delicious smoky taste that takes traditional spinach queso up a notch.
• Easy to Customize: Choose your favorite Rotel variety to adjust the heat to your liking.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serve it on game day, at a holiday gathering, or whenever friends and family come calling.

This dip is certainly a crowd-pleaser, but you don’t need a special occasion to make it. Sometimes, a bowl of warm queso and a few good dipping chips are reason enough!

What You’ll Need to Make Hot Spinach Queso Dip

One thing I love about this recipe is its short ingredient list. There’s no need to hunt down a long list of specialty ingredients, and everything comes together with very little fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
• 16 ounces original Velveeta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles, undrained
• 6-8 slices cooked bacon, chopped or crumbled
• Onion powder and garlic powder, to taste (optional)

A couple of ingredient tips will help you get the best results.

Don’t drain the Rotel! The liquid adds flavor and helps create the right consistency for your queso. Draining it can make the dip thicker than you intend.

You can also adjust the heat to suit your taste. Original Rotel provides a pleasant kick, while a milder variety works well if you prefer less spice. For extra heat, choose a spicier variety.

And don’t skip squeezing the excess water from your thawed spinach. Too much moisture can make an otherwise creamy dip watery.

How to Make Hot Spinach Queso Dip

This recipe is easy to assemble in your slow cooker, making it a convenient choice when you’re preparing other dishes for a gathering.

Step 1: Prepare the spinach.

Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out excess moisture. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the bacon.

Cook the bacon until crisp, then chop or crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the cheese.

Cut the Velveeta and cream cheese into cubes. Smaller pieces will melt more evenly.

Step 4: Add the ingredients.

Place the Velveeta, cream cheese, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and any seasonings you’re using into your slow cooker. Stir to combine. Once the cheeses are melted, add spinach and bacon. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Heat until creamy.

Cover and heat on LOW, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses have melted and the dip is hot and creamy. Once the dip has fully melted, turn the heat to warm if you are not ready to serve. Turn back to LOW heat closer to serving time. Stir well before serving. Exact time will depend on your slow cooker. The recommended slow cooker time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Allow enough time for everything to melt thoroughly.

A Little Tip for Keeping Your Queso Creamy

Have you ever noticed how queso dips tend to thicken the longer they sit in the slow cooker? I have, and I’ve found a simple solution! I keep a little warm chicken broth nearby and stir in a splash whenever the dip begins to get too thick. It helps loosen the queso without sacrificing that delicious savory flavor. Add a little at a time, stirring well after each addition, until you reach your preferred consistency. That way, your queso stays creamy and ready for dipping!

A Little Make-Ahead Tip

Want to make party day a little easier? Thaw and drain the spinach ahead of time, and cook and crumble the bacon the night before. Store both in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dip.

A little preparation ahead of time means less fuss in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company!

My Hot Spinach Queso Dip Recipe

This Hot Spinach Queso Dip with Bacon combines creamy melted cheese, tender spinach, smoky bacon, and a little kick from Rotel tomatoes for an irresistible appetizer perfect for game day, parties, or casual get-togethers.

Serve this warm, creamy queso with your favorite chips and dippers, and keep a little warm chicken broth nearby to maintain that perfect consistency. Gather your friends and family, grab the chips, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

What to Serve with Hot Spinach Queso Dip

Now comes the fun part: deciding what to serve alongside this creamy, cheesy goodness!

The dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers, so you can keep things simple or build a whole appetizer spread.

Try serving it with:

• Tortilla chips
• Fritos Scoops
• Crackers
• Fresh vegetable sticks
• Warm breadsticks
• Pretzel bites
• Loaded potato skins
• Nachos or baked potatoes as a cheesy topping

Whether you’re putting together a game-day spread or want something warm and cheesy to share, a bowl of queso with a basket of tortilla chips is always a welcome sight.

Just make sure you have plenty of chips. You might need them!

Another Queso Recipe to Try

If you love a hearty queso dip, try my Hot Sausage-Beef Queso Dip next. It offers a completely different flavor, with sausage and beef adding a deliciously savory twist to this party favorite.

I first introduced this hot queso dip to my family and friends, and it quickly became a holiday classic and a must-have for game day. If your crowd enjoys a hearty dip with plenty of flavor, it’s worth adding to your recipe collection, too!

Grab the Chips!

There’s just something about a bowl of warm, creamy queso in the middle of the table that makes everyone want to grab a chip and dig in.

Whether you’re serving this Hot Spinach Queso Dip for game day, a Tex-Mex dinner, or a casual get-together with friends, don’t expect many leftovers!

Grab the chips, gather your cheeses, and pull out the slow cooker. It’s time to make Hot Spinach Queso Dip!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I enjoyed recreating that restaurant’s favorite. Share a bowl with your family and friends, and don’t forget to save a little for yourself!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Blissful Foods Plus!