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Easy Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip in Bread Bowl

creamy spinach artichoke dip - featured image

A quick and easy creamy spinach artichoke dip baked inside a hollowed-out bread bowl, perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped and cooked down (or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 round loaf bread bowl (about 8 inches diameter), sourdough or crusty boule

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Using a serrated knife, cut a circle on top of the loaf about 2 inches from the edge. Remove the top and hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Save the bread chunks for dipping.
  3. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted and most moisture evaporates, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth. Add sautéed spinach and garlic, chopped artichoke hearts, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Spoon the dip mixture into the hollowed bread bowl, packing gently but not overflowing. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella evenly on top.
  6. Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  7. Serve warm with the bread lid and reserved bread chunks for dipping.

Notes

Drain and squeeze out excess moisture from spinach and artichokes to avoid watery dip. Tent bread bowl with foil if it browns too quickly. Freshly grate cheese for best melting. Prepare dip filling ahead and refrigerate if needed. Variations include vegan substitutions and adding spicy or smoky flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach artichoke dip, bread bowl dip, party dip, creamy dip, easy appetizer, crowd-pleaser