Save A creamy, flavorful spinach dip served in a crusty bread bowl—perfect for parties and gatherings. Easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and always a crowd favorite.
I first made this spinach dip for a family game night, and everyone kept coming back for more. The warm, cheesy center paired with crunchy bread cubes was a huge hit at the table.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1 lb (450 g))
- Dip Base: 10 oz (285 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained; 1 cup (240 g) sour cream; 1 cup (225 g) mayonnaise; 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped green onions; 1/2 cup (60 g) diced water chestnuts (optional, for crunch); 1 small clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
- For Serving: Assorted raw vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers); Extra bread cubes (from bread bowl or additional loaf)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Bowl:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut a circle from the top of the sourdough loaf and scoop out the inside to create a bowl. Cut the removed bread into bite-sized cubes for dipping.
- Mix Dip Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed and well-drained spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, water chestnuts (if using), garlic, salt, pepper, and dill. Mix until fully blended.
- Fill Bread Bowl:
- Spoon the spinach dip mixture into the hollowed bread bowl.
- Bake:
- Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until the dip is warmed through and cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Arrange bread cubes and assorted vegetables around the bread bowl for dipping. Serve immediately.
Save This spinach dip has become a staple at our holiday gatherings, especially when family visits from out of town. Watching everyone reach for the bread bowl always brings smiles around the table.
Required Tools
Sharp bread knife, mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, baking sheet
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (bread), milk (cheese, sour cream), eggs (mayonnaise, depending on brand). May contain soy (mayonnaise, depending on brand). Double-check labels for mayonnaise and bread if concerned about allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 285, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 7 g
Save This spinach dip is a guaranteed party favorite and a delicious centerpiece for any gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip mixture in advance and chill it. For a cold serving, skip the baking step and serve chilled.
- → What type of bread works best as a bowl?
A large round sourdough loaf works well due to its sturdy crust and mild flavor that complements the dip.
- → How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?
Hollowing out the bread thoroughly and serving immediately after baking helps maintain the bread's crispness.
- → Can I add other ingredients for variation?
Yes, adding chopped artichoke hearts or substituting part of the mayo with Greek yogurt offers extra flavor and a lighter texture.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Serve with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, along with extra bread cubes for dipping.