Express Holiday Spinach Dip Bread

Featured in: Rustic Bakes & Breads

This dish features a creamy mixture of thawed spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spices, all blended together and baked inside a hollowed sourdough loaf. The top is sliced off and the bread center removed to create a bowl, which holds the spinach mixture during baking. The bread pieces removed from the loaf are perfect for dipping. A red bell pepper garnish adds a festive color. It's an easy-to-make appetizer ready in just over 30 minutes, ideal for holiday gatherings or quick entertaining.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:24:00 GMT
Warm, bubbly Holiday Spinach Dip inside a golden-brown bread bowl, perfect for sharing. Save
Warm, bubbly Holiday Spinach Dip inside a golden-brown bread bowl, perfect for sharing. | basilhearth.com

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

This dip has become a staple at our holiday parties where everyone loves the fun presentation and flavorful taste

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 Oven:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Prepare Bread Bowl:
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 Ingredients:
In a large bowl mix together the spinach cream cheese sour cream mayonnaise mozzarella Parmesan garlic nutmeg salt and pepper until well combined
Fill Bread 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
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| basilhearth.com

Family and friends gather around eagerly passing the bread bowl and sharing stories at every holiday celebration

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

Per serving Calories 320 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 10 g

A close-up of cheesy, creamy Holiday Spinach Dip bubbling after baking, ready to be served. Save
A close-up of cheesy, creamy Holiday Spinach Dip bubbling after baking, ready to be served. | basilhearth.com

This spinach dip bread bowl is sure to impress your guests and become a holiday favorite

Recipe FAQs

How should the spinach be prepared before mixing?

Use frozen chopped spinach that is fully thawed and well drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

What type of bread works best for the bowl?

A large round sourdough loaf is ideal for its sturdy crust and hollowed interior, perfect for holding the filling.

Can the dip be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the spinach mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and baked just before serving for freshness.

What are good dippers to serve with the bread bowl?

Reserved bread pieces, assorted crackers, or fresh vegetables make excellent accompaniments for dipping.

How is the dish garnished for a festive touch?

Diced red bell pepper sprinkled on top adds color and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.

Express Holiday Spinach Dip Bread

Creamy spinach and cheese blend baked inside a warm, crusty sourdough bread bowl for festive occasions.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Rustic Bakes & Breads

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Bread

01 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1.1 lbs)

Spinach Dip

01 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
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 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish & Dippers

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

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 02

Prepare bread bowl: Slice the top off the sourdough loaf and hollow out the center, leaving approximately 1 inch of bread around the edges to form a bowl; reserve removed bread for dipping.

Step 03

Combine dip ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 04

Assemble dip: Spoon the prepared spinach mixture into the bread bowl; optionally, sprinkle diced red bell pepper on top for a festive appearance.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan), and possibly egg (mayonnaise). Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 320
  • Fat content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Protein Amount: 10 grams