Express Holiday Spinach Dip Bowl

Featured in: Afterglow Suppers

This dish features a creamy mixture of spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses, baked inside a hollowed sourdough loaf. The bread bowl crisps as the dip heats, creating a warm and inviting dish perfect for celebrations. Seasoned with garlic, nutmeg, and peppers, it offers a balanced flavor, while the reserved bread pieces provide a perfect dipping partner. Simple to prepare and ready in just over half an hour, this hearty dish brings comfort and festivity together effortlessly.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:31:00 GMT
Warm, bubbly Express Holiday Spinach Dip in a crusty sourdough bread bowl, perfect appetizer. Save It
Warm, bubbly Express Holiday Spinach Dip in a crusty sourdough bread bowl, perfect appetizer. | sunnyspoonful.com

A festive, creamy spinach dip served in a warm, crusty bread bowl—perfect for holiday gatherings and quick to prepare.

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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

Preheat:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Hollow Bread:
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
Mix Dip:
In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined
Fill Bowl:
Spoon the spinach mixture into the bread bowl Sprinkle diced red bell pepper over the top for a festive touch, if desired
Bake:
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
Serve:
Serve immediately with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping
A close-up of a creamy Express Holiday Spinach Dip with vibrant red pepper garnish, ready to serve. Save It
A close-up of a creamy Express Holiday Spinach Dip with vibrant red pepper garnish, ready to serve. | sunnyspoonful.com

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon

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

Melting cheese topping the delicious Express Holiday Spinach Dip, served with bread for dipping. Save It
Melting cheese topping the delicious Express Holiday Spinach Dip, served with bread for dipping. | sunnyspoonful.com

This spinach dip bread bowl is sure to brighten holiday parties with its creamy texture and festive presentation

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread is best for the bowl?

A large round sourdough loaf works best due to its sturdy crust and soft interior, which holds the dip well during baking.

How should the spinach be prepared?

Use frozen chopped spinach that is fully thawed and drained to remove excess moisture, ensuring a creamy but not watery texture.

Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?

Yes, the spinach mixture can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.

What are good options for serving alongside?

Reserve the scooped bread pieces for dipping, or serve with assorted crackers and fresh vegetables for variety.

How can I add extra flavor to the dip?

Consider adding chopped artichoke hearts or a pinch of cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Express Holiday Spinach Dip Bowl

Creamy spinach blend served warm in a crusty bread bowl, ideal for festive occasions.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Duration
35 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Afterglow Suppers

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 8 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Bread

01 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1.1 lb)

Spinach Dip

01 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
02 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 1/2 cup sour cream
04 1/2 cup mayonnaise
05 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
09 1/2 tsp salt
10 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish & Dippers

01 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
02 Reserved sourdough bread pieces or assorted crackers and vegetables

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 02

Prepare Bread Bowl: Cut off the top of the sourdough loaf and hollow out the center, leaving approximately 1 inch of bread along the edges to form a bowl. Reserve the removed bread for dipping.

Step 03

Mix Spinach Dip: Combine the thawed spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.

Step 04

Assemble Dip in Bread Bowl: Transfer the spinach mixture into the hollowed sourdough bowl. Optionally, sprinkle diced red bell pepper on top for added color.

Step 05

Bake: Place the filled bread bowl onto a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly and the bread is lightly crisp.

Step 06

Serve: Serve immediately with reserved bread pieces, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Bread knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and possibly egg (due to mayonnaise). Verify product labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 320
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Proteins: 10 grams