Express Holiday Spinach Dip Bowl

Featured in: Quick Homemade Snacks

This festive dish features a creamy blend of softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and spinach, combined and baked inside a hollowed sourdough loaf. The bread acts as a warm, crusty vessel perfect for dipping. Optional touches like diced red bell pepper add vibrant color. Quick to prepare and baked to a bubbly finish, it’s ideal for holiday gatherings. Serve with reserved bread pieces, crackers, or fresh vegetables to complement the rich, flavorful dip.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:31:00 GMT
Warm and bubbling Express Holiday Spinach Dip in a crusty bread bowl, ready to serve and enjoy. Pin It
Warm and bubbling Express Holiday Spinach Dip in a crusty bread bowl, ready to serve and enjoy. | sweetbatata.com

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

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

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Step 2:
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
Step 3:
In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined
Step 4:
Spoon the spinach mixture into the bread bowl Sprinkle diced red bell pepper over the top for a festive touch, if desired
Step 5:
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
Step 6:
Serve immediately with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping
A close-up of the creamy Express Holiday Spinach Dip, a perfect holiday appetizer with dippers. Pin It
A close-up of the creamy Express Holiday Spinach Dip, a perfect holiday appetizer with dippers. | sweetbatata.com

Festive, cheesy Express Holiday Spinach Dip bread bowl, with a golden-brown baked top and vibrant red peppers. Pin It
Festive, cheesy Express Holiday Spinach Dip bread bowl, with a golden-brown baked top and vibrant red peppers. | sweetbatata.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of bread is best for the dip bowl?

A round sourdough loaf works best, offering a sturdy crust and soft interior to hold the dip while providing great flavor and texture for dipping.

Can I prepare the spinach mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the spinach dip ingredients up to a day in advance. Store it refrigerated and bake just before serving to keep flavors fresh.

What can I use as dippers besides the bread bowl pieces?

Assorted crackers, fresh veggies like carrot sticks or celery, or toasted pita chips complement the creamy spinach dip nicely.

How do I ensure the spinach is not watery?

Properly thaw and thoroughly drain the frozen chopped spinach to remove excess moisture. Press with paper towels if needed before mixing.

What are good additions for extra flavor?

Chopped artichoke hearts or a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the dip’s taste with added depth and a subtle kick.

Express Holiday Spinach Dip Bowl

Creamy spinach dip baked in a sourdough bread bowl, ideal for festive gatherings and easy to prepare.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created by Nora James


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Bread

01 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 17.5 oz)

Spinach Dip

01 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
02 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 4 fl oz sour cream (1/2 cup)
04 4 fl oz mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
05 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
09 1/2 tsp salt
10 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish & Dippers

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

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the 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 the removed bread for dippers.

Step 03

Combine Dip Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Step 04

Fill Bread Bowl: Transfer the spinach mixture into the hollowed sourdough loaf. Optionally, scatter diced red bell pepper over the top for color.

Step 05

Bake Dip: Place the filled bread bowl on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbling and the bread edges are lightly crisp.

Step 06

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and egg (mayonnaise may contain egg). Check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Sweetbatata only offers this for informational use. Please don't treat it as personalized medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 320
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 10 g