Pin A festive, creamy spinach dip served in a warm, crusty bread bowl—perfect for holiday gatherings and quick to prepare.
I first served this to a holiday crowd and it was gone within minutes, proving to be a festive favorite.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 500 g)
- Spinach Dip: 300 g (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well, 250 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream, 120 g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise, 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Garnish & Dippers: 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, for color), Sourdough bread pieces (from hollowed loaf) or assorted crackers and veggies
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 2:
- Slice the top off the sourdough loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of bread around the edges to form a bowl. Reserve the removed bread for dipping.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Spoon the spinach mixture into the bread bowl. Sprinkle diced red bell pepper over the top for a festive touch, if desired.
- Step 5:
- Place the filled bread bowl on a baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the bread is lightly crisp.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Pin This recipe brings our family together every holiday and creates lasting memories with every bite.
Required Tools
Bread knife, Mixing bowl, Baking tray, Spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread) Milk (cream cheese sour cream mozzarella Parmesan) Egg (mayonnaise if using traditional mayonnaise). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 320 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 10 g per serving.
Pin This spinach dip bread bowl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds warmth and joy to any gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best for serving this dip?
A large round sourdough loaf is ideal for hollowing out and baking the spinach mixture, providing a sturdy and flavorful bowl.
- → Can I prepare the dip in advance?
Yes, the dip can be mixed up to a day ahead and refrigerated. Bake it just before serving for best results.
- → What are some good dippers for the spinach mixture?
Use the reserved sourdough bread pieces, assorted crackers, or fresh vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for dipping.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the spinach dip?
Absolutely, chopped artichoke hearts or a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the dish's flavor profile.
- → How do I ensure the spinach is not watery?
Make sure to thaw and drain the frozen chopped spinach thoroughly before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the dip.
- → Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it contains no meat, using vegetarian-friendly dairy products, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.