Save 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 my family last holiday season and it was a huge hit with everyone asking for seconds
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
Save Our family gathers around this dish every holiday, sharing laughs as we dip and enjoy the warm creamy goodness together
Pairings
This dip pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with a hint of lemon for a refreshing balance
Storage
Prepare the dip a day in advance and keep refrigerated. Bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture
Variations
Add chopped artichoke hearts or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra flavor kick
Save This spinach dip bread bowl brings warmth and festivity to any holiday table with minimal effort
Kitchen Help
- → How do you prepare the bread bowl?
Slice the top off a large sourdough loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving about an inch of bread around the edges to form the bowl. Reserve the removed bread for dipping.
- → Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used but should be cooked and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture affecting the dip’s texture.
- → What cheeses enhance the spinach mixture?
A combination of cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan adds creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor to the dip.
- → How long should the dip bake inside the bread bowl?
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the bread edges are lightly crisp.
- → What are good dipping options besides the bread pieces?
Assorted crackers or fresh vegetables like bell pepper strips and carrots pair well, offering variety for dipping.