Hot Cheesy Spinach Dip

2 Tablespoons butter 
1/4 cup chopped onion (about 1/4 medium) 
2 cloves garlic, minced (1 teaspoon) 
1 Tablespoon all-pourpose flour 
1 3/4 cups half-and-half 
2 packages (9 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained 
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheeese
1 package (1 ounce) dry vegetable soup mix
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat  oven to 425°F. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is crisp-tender and garlic is fragrant, 2-3 minutes.

Stir in flour; cook and stir an additional minute. Add half-and-half and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens, about 2 minutes.

Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in chopped spinach, water chestnuts, Cheddar and vegetable soup mix. Spoon dip into a 1-quart casserole or gratin dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Bake dip until it is bubbly and cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes. Serve warm.

Makes 8 servings

Helpful Tips

It is not necessary to grease the casserole dish because of the high fat content of the Cheddar.