Save This creamy, cheesy spinach dip is baked warm inside a hollowed sourdough bread bowl, creating the perfect shareable snack. The dip features sautéed onions, garlic, spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan, seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Served with reserved bread cubes and fresh vegetables, it’s ideal for game day or casual gatherings. Prepare by hollowing a round loaf, mixing the dip ingredients, filling the bread, and baking until bubbly and golden.
My brother in law brought this spinach dip to our first Super Bowl party together, and I watched the bread bowl disappear within ten minutes. Everyone kept reaching past the veggie platter straight for those cheesy, spinach soaked bread cubes. Now it is not a game day at our house without that golden brown bread bowl sitting on the coffee table.
Last year we made two bread bowls because our neighbors invited themselves over when they smelled it baking. Both bowls were gone by halftime, and nobody touched the actual dinner Id planned. That is when I learned this dip is a meal in itself.
Ingredients
- Large round sourdough loaf: The sturdy structure holds up to baking and creates those perfect dunkable chunks
- Olive oil: Coats the onions and garlic for a smooth foundation without overpowering the cheese
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped so it almost disappears into the creamy base while adding sweetness
- Garlic cloves: Minced small so no one gets an overwhelming raw bite
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and squeezed completely dry, this is better than fresh for getting that classic texture
- Cream cheese: Make sure it is softened so it blends smoothly without lumps
- Sour cream: Adds tang that cuts through all the rich cheese
- Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient that makes everything taste restaurant quality
- Shredded mozzarella: Provides those gorgeous cheese pulls when you scoop a bite
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkles in a salty, nutty depth that keeps people guessing
- Kosher salt: Essential since spinach needs help waking up its flavor
- Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Totally optional but my sister swears by the subtle warmth
- Reserved bread cubes: The absolute best part of the whole experience
- Raw vegetables: Carrot sticks and celery add crunch and make you feel slightly virtuous
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350F and grab a baking sheet while the oven comes up to temperature
- Prep the bread bowl:
- Cut the top off your sourdough loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving about an inch thick shell, then save all those bread pieces for dipping
- Build the flavor base:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, cook the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes, then stir in garlic for 1 more minute
- Prep the spinach:
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook 2 minutes, then remove from heat, and seriously make sure you have squeezed out every drop of water
- Mix the creamy base:
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl
- Combine everything:
- Fold in the spinach mixture until no white streaks remain and everything is evenly distributed
- Fill and bake:
- Spoon the dip into your bread bowl, set it on the baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes until bubbling and golden
- Serve it up:
- Bring that hot bread bowl straight to the table and watch everyone dive in
Save My daughter asked if we could have this every Sunday instead of just football season, and honestly, I am considering it. Something about tearing off pieces of bread right from the bowl makes dinner feel like a party.
Making It Ahead
You can assemble the entire dip in the bread bowl, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Just add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Besides the obvious bread cubes, I have found that pretzel crisps and baguette slices work beautifully for dipping. The crunchy vegetables are there mostly for appearance but someone always appreciates having a lighter option.
Easy Variations
Sometimes I throw in chopped artichoke hearts or a dash of smoked paprika when I want to switch things up. A gluten free bread loaf works perfectly if you need to accommodate guests, just look for one with a similar sturdy texture.
- Extra mozzarella on top never hurt anyone
- Try mixing in some grated Swiss for a different flavor profile
- Keep the bread top to use as a lid if transporting
Save Every time I make this, someone asks for the recipe, which is the highest compliment a home cook can get.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for the dip bowl?
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A large round sourdough loaf is ideal due to its sturdy crust and soft interior, which holds the dip well.
- → Can fresh spinach be used instead of frozen?
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Yes, fresh spinach can be used but it should be cooked down and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture before mixing.
- → How can I make the dip spicier?
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Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika to the dip mixture for added heat and smoky flavor.
- → What are good dippers to serve alongside?
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Reserved bread cubes from the hollowed loaf, raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, crackers, or chips all pair well for dipping.
- → Is there a way to prepare this ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the dip inside the hollowed loaf, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
