Save to Pinterest This creamy spinach and artichoke blend combines softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded mozzarella with tender artichoke hearts and drained spinach. Garlic and seasonings enrich the mixture before it's spooned into a hollowed bread bowl and baked until bubbly and golden. Ideal for sharing, this dish pairs wonderfully with vegetable sticks or crackers and can be prepared ahead and baked fresh when needed, offering a warm, savory crowd-pleaser.
The first time I brought this bread bowl to a Super Bowl party, my friend Mark literally hovered over it like a protective hawk, grabbing pieces of the bread bowl itself as they became soaked through with cheesy goodness. Now it is the only appetizer anyone actually requests, and I have learned to make two because one vanishes within fifteen minutes.
My sister-in-law accidentally discovered that tearing the bread chunks into irregular pieces creates more surface area for catching the dip, and now we all fight over the jagged, crispy edges. Something about tearing the bread by hand instead of cutting it makes the whole experience feel more rustic and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends seamlessly into the dip base, and I learned the hard way that cold cream cheese creates lumps that never quite disappear
- Sour cream and mayonnaise: This tangy combo balances the richness and adds a slight acidity that cuts through all that cheese
- Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella provides the signature stretch while Parmesan delivers that sharp, salty depth that keeps people coming back for more
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and squeezed completely dry is non-negotiable, because excess water turns your dip into a sad, soggy mess
- Artichoke hearts: Canned work perfectly fine here, just give them a rough chop so you get bites of tender artichoke throughout
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic blooms during baking and infuses the entire dip with subtle warmth
- Seasonings: Simple salt and pepper enhance everything, while red pepper flakes add just enough background warmth
- Round sourdough bread: A sturdy loaf with a thick crust holds its shape better than softer breads, and sourdough adds tang
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Getting your oven to 180°C (350°F) first means everything can go in as soon as you are ready, no waiting around.
- Prepare the bread bowl:
- Cut a circle from the top of your bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about a 2 cm (3/4-inch) thick shell so it stays structurally sound.
- Mix the creamy base:
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan until completely smooth, using a sturdy spoon or electric mixer.
- Add the good stuff:
- Fold in spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until everything is evenly distributed.
- Fill and arrange:
- Spoon the mixture into your bread bowl, then place both the filled bowl and the torn bread pieces on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the dip is bubbling and the bread bowl has turned golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately:
- Bring the whole thing straight to the table and let everyone dig in while it is at its molten best.
Save to Pinterest Last Thanksgiving, my grandma who claims she does not even like dip went back for fourths, saying something about how the bread makes it feel like a proper meal. Seeing her scrape the last bits from inside the bowl with her spoon was basically the highlight of my entire holiday hosting career.
Make It Ahead
You can assemble everything in the bread bowl up to 8 hours before baking, just wrap it tightly and keep it refrigerated. I have found that letting the flavors meld actually improves the final result, plus it means one less thing to stress about when guests arrive.
Bread Selection
Sourdough or country-style loaves work best because their sturdy structure holds up to all that filling without getting soggy too quickly. softer breads like white sandwich bread will collapse, and dense breads like rye can be too heavy for this application.
Serving Suggestions
Beyond the bread pieces from the bowl, I like to set out additional dippers for variety and to accommodate larger crowds. The contrast of cold, crisp vegetables against the hot, creamy dip is something guests always appreciate.
- Sliced bell peppers add crunch and color
- Celery sticks provide a refreshing break from the richness
- Extra crackers ensure everyone gets enough even after the bread runs out
Save to Pinterest Watch how quickly this becomes the centerpiece of any gathering, with everyone gathered around, tearing bread and laughing. That is exactly what good party food should do.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prepare the bread bowl for baking?
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Cut a circle from the top of a round loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving a 2 cm shell. Reserve the removed bread for serving.
- → Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
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Yes, fresh spinach should be cooked and well-drained before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
- → What types of cheese work best in this dish?
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Combining cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a creamy and flavorful texture.
- → How long should the dip bake in the oven?
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Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until the filling is hot, bubbly, and the bread crust is golden.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
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Yes, assemble in the bread bowl, cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking for freshness.
