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Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe 5 Easy Steps for Rustic Bread Bowl

creamy spinach artichoke dip - featured image

A warm, garlicky, creamy spinach artichoke dip baked inside a crusty rustic bread bowl, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. This easy recipe combines simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a nostalgic comfort food vibe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped and wilted (or well-drained frozen spinach)
  • 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, chopped and well-drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 rustic round bread loaf (sourdough or country-style)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Using a sharp knife, cut a 3-4 inch diameter circle from the top of the rustic bread loaf. Hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick wall all around. Set the bread bowl and top piece aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer or paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until silky smooth.
  5. Stir in minced garlic, chopped artichoke hearts, drained spinach, grated Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently to combine.
  6. Spoon the dip mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, packing it in but not overfilling. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
  7. Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread is toasted.
  8. Serve immediately with the bread bowl lid on the side and the hollowed-out bread pieces for dipping.

Notes

Always squeeze out excess moisture from spinach and artichokes to avoid a watery dip. Soften cream cheese ahead of time for smooth blending. Use a sturdy rustic bread loaf with a thick crust to hold the dip without leaking. If cheese browns too fast during baking, cover loosely with foil. The dip can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh before serving. Leftovers reheat well in microwave or oven. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or serve with crackers. Vegan versions can be made with plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and mozzarella alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach artichoke dip, creamy dip, bread bowl dip, party appetizer, easy dip recipe, cheesy dip, rustic bread bowl