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Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines gooey, cheesy goodness with fresh spinach and tangy artichokes, all baked right inside a crusty bread bowl. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to for game days, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortlessly Delicious: With just a handful of ingredients, you get an impressive, cheesy dip that melts perfectly inside a rustic bread bowl.
  • Versatile & Crowd-Friendly: Whether it’s a party or a quiet family night, this recipe pleases both kids and adults alike.
  • Hands-On Fun: Scooping out the bread and dipping into the warm, creamy spinach artichoke mix makes casual dining extra cozy and interactive.
  • Quick to Make: Ready in just about 25 minutes, it’s perfect when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in your bread bowl. Plus, they’re easy to find, making your shopping trip a breeze.

  • Frozen Spinach: Thaw and drain it well to avoid any watery dip — this keeps it creamy, not soggy.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes work great here; just drain and chop them to spread that delicious tang evenly.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and creamy texture that balances the richness.
  • Mayonnaise: Enhances the moistness without overpowering the other flavors.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced for that punch of savory flavor — don’t skip it!
  • Cream Cheese: At room temperature so it mixes smoothly into the dip.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for that stretchy, melty goodness everyone loves.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated to add an extra layer of sharpness and depth.
  • Round Bread (like sourdough): The crusty exterior holds the dip perfectly and doubles as the edible bowl.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m always tweaking this Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe to suit different moods and diners. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — it’s so forgiving and versatile!

  • Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes sometimes — it gives a lovely warm heat without overwhelming the dip.
  • Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or gouda to change up the flavor profile; my family enjoys pepper jack for its subtle spice.
  • Greens Upgrade: Swap spinach for kale or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh twist.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free bread bowl or serve the dip with gluten-free crackers — it still tastes amazing.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, get your ingredients ready so everything flows smoothly. Doing this makes the actual assembly and baking a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dip Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine thawed, drained spinach, chopped artichokes, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, room-temperature cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir everything together until creamy and well blended. I like to use a spatula to make sure no cheesy pockets remain — that way, every scoop tastes consistent.

Step 3: Prepare Your Bread Bowl

Using a sharp bread knife, slice the top off your round loaf and carefully scoop out the inside, leaving a sturdy shell about an inch thick. Keep all that soft bread — I usually cut it into cubes and toast them or serve as dippers alongside the dip. It’s a bonus snack that often disappears first!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour your cheesy spinach artichoke mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Spread it evenly, then pop it into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end — you want melted cheese that’s turning lightly golden, not burnt.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Dig In

Once out of the oven, place the bread bowl on a serving plate and surround it with those toasted bread cubes or fresh slices. Everyone loves digging in with their own “dippers”— it’s both tasty and interactive!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

  • Drain the Spinach Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that excess moisture ruins the dip’s texture, so pressing the thawed spinach with paper towels works wonders.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends better and gives you that perfectly creamy dip with no lumps.
  • Keep the Bread Bowl Thick: Leaving about an inch thickness ensures the bowl holds the dip without collapsing or leaking.
  • Watch the Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary, so check at 12 minutes to avoid browning too deeply or drying out the dip.

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

A large round loaf of bread is hollowed out and filled with creamy spinach artichoke dip that is light green with bits of darker green spinach and small browned spots on top from baking. The thick crust of the bread is golden brown with slightly darker edges, showing a toasted texture. Surrounding the bread bowl on a white plate are chunks of bread with white soft insides and toasted brown crusts, ready for dipping. All this is set on a white marbled surface with a striped blue and white cloth slightly visible under the plate, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some extra fresh chopped parsley or a tiny pinch of smoked paprika on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a subtle smoky note that elevates the flavors. A few more shredded mozzarella bits fresh out of the oven are also delightful!

Side Dishes

To balance all that cheesy richness, I like pairing this dip with crisp veggie sticks like carrots and bell peppers or a simple green salad. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements it nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve used mini sourdough boulettes as individual bread bowls for single servings—such a fun way to personalize the experience! Another favorite is placing the bread bowl on a wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies and meats for an inviting appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer any leftover dip (once cooled) into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The bread bowl itself tends to lose its crunch, so I cut and toast leftover bread cubes separately the next day for a fresh snack.

Freezing

This dip freezes well on its own—just store it without the bread in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

Reheating

I warm leftovers in a small oven-safe dish at 350°F until bubbly, covering it lightly with foil to prevent excessive browning. This keeps the cheese melty and the dip creamy without drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this recipe?

    Absolutely! If you’re using fresh spinach, wilt it down in a pan first, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into the dip. This helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents the dip from becoming watery.

  2. What kind of bread works best for the bread bowl?

    I recommend using a sturdy round loaf like sourdough or a dense white bread. The crust should be firm enough to hold the dip without falling apart, but soft enough inside to complement the creamy filling.

  3. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature and stir before filling the bread bowl and baking. This helps save time on busy days while keeping flavors fresh.

  4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    The dip itself is gluten-free, but traditional bread bowls contain gluten. For a gluten-free option, serve the dip with gluten-free crackers or bread alternatives instead of the bread bowl.

  5. How can I avoid the dip leaking from the bread bowl?

    Make sure to leave a thick enough wall around the bread bowl when scooping it out—about an inch thick works best. Also, draining the spinach and artichokes thoroughly before mixing helps keep the dip firm and reduces leakage.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe is one of those comforting, no-fail dishes I always turn to when I want to impress without the stress. It hits that perfect note of creamy, cheesy, and savory all wrapped up in an edible bowl — what’s not to love? I hope you enjoy making (and eating) it just as much as my family and I do. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch everyone dive in happily around your table!

Print
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Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 148 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This classic Spinach Artichoke Dip served in a hollowed-out bread bowl is an easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring a creamy blend of spinach, artichokes, and cheeses baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for dipping with the bread chunks scooped from the bowl.


Ingredients

Dip Ingredients

  • 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and chopped (about 1 ¼ cups)
  • 14 ounces artichoke hearts (1 can), drained and chopped
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (half a package)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bread Bowl

  • 1 whole round bread loaf (such as sourdough, white, or dark bread)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed into a creamy dip.
  3. Prep Bread Bowl: Using a bread knife, slice off the top of the bread loaf to create a lid. Carefully scoop out the soft bread from the inside of the loaf to create a hollow cavity, leaving enough bread around the edges to hold the dip. Reserve the scooped out bread for serving later.
  4. Assemble & Bake: Spoon the prepared spinach artichoke dip into the hollowed bread bowl, spreading it evenly. Place the dip-filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese inside the dip is melted and the top is golden brown.
  5. Finish & Serve: Remove the bread bowl from the oven. Cut the reserved scooped-out bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them around the bread bowl. Serve the warm spinach artichoke dip with the bread pieces for dipping.

Notes

  • This recipe uses a bread bowl, eliminating the need for crackers—perfect for serving at casual gatherings.
  • Ensure the spinach is well drained to prevent a watery dip.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Feel free to use any type of round bread loaf you prefer, such as sourdough for a tangier flavor or white bread for a milder taste.
  • For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle some additional mozzarella or Parmesan before baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 296 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 628 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 42 mg

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