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Creamy Spinach Dip in Bread Bowl

creamy spinach dip in bread bowl - featured image

This creamy spinach dip baked right inside a crusty sourdough bread bowl is the ultimate holiday party appetizer. Packed with three cheeses, tangy spinach, and a hint of Worcestershire, it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 4 cups fresh baby spinach, wilted and chopped)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1 lb)
  • Optional: extra baguette or bread cubes for dipping
  • Optional: 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • Optional: 1/3 cup chopped water chestnuts
  • Optional: hot sauce, a few dashes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze dry. For fresh spinach, sauté in a dry pan until wilted, then chop.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, garlic, chives, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Slice the top off the sourdough loaf (about 1 inch thick). Hollow out the center, leaving 1/2–1 inch thick sides and bottom. Reserve the inside bread for dipping.
  5. Spoon the spinach dip mixture into the hollowed bread bowl.
  6. Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the dip is bubbling and the top is golden. For extra crispy edges, tent with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover.
  7. While baking, cut reserved bread into cubes. Arrange extra baguette slices or crackers if desired.
  8. Let the bread bowl cool for about 5 minutes before serving. The dip will thicken slightly as it cools.
  9. If dip is too thick after baking, stir in 2–3 tbsp milk or extra sour cream. If too runny, let cool a few more minutes.
  10. Serve warm, surrounded by bread cubes, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery dip. Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing. Don’t hollow out the bread bowl too much—leave thick sides for support. Taste and adjust seasoning before baking. For gluten-free or dairy-free, use suitable bread and cheese alternatives. Dip mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach dip, bread bowl, holiday appetizer, party dip, creamy dip, cheese dip, sourdough, easy appetizer, festive recipe