Nothing starts off a party like an easy-to-make dip. This one is a crowd-pleaser whether you’re heading to the beach or gathering around a roaring fire.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200C.

2. Heat a large frying pan over high heat and cook the spinach in batches using1 tablespoon of olive oil total until spinach is wilted.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper and transfer cooked spinach to a strainer and gently press to remove all excess liquid, cool spinach.

4. Roughly chop the spinach into large pieces.

5. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

6. Add the onions and cook for 4 minutes or until translucent stirring often.

7. Add the garlic and carrot and cook for a further 3-4 minutes.

8. Add the cream and bring to the simmer, then reduce heat and stir in the cream cheese.

9. Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated add the Jarlsberg and Grana Padano and continue stirring.

10. Once all of the cheese had melted add the spinach to the pan and mix well.

11. The mixture will thicken slightly when the spinach is added but continue stirring until the texture has softened.

12. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.

13. Pour dip into a small baking dish and place in the oven on the middle rack.

14. Cook for 15 minutes or until the top has browned.

15. Serve with carrots and crostini.