Express Holiday Spinach Dip

Featured in: Weekend Feast Ideas

This creamy spinach dip combines thawed spinach with cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and spices. The mixture is tucked inside a hollowed sourdough loaf, then baked until bubbly and lightly crisp. Garnished with diced red bell pepper and served alongside reserved bread pieces or crackers, this dish makes a warm, festive centerpiece for holiday entertaining. Easy to prepare in 35 minutes, it offers a rich, savory flavor perfect for sharing.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:32:00 GMT
A golden-brown holiday spinach dip bread bowl overflowing with creamy, bubbly filling, ready to serve. Save
A golden-brown holiday spinach dip bread bowl overflowing with creamy, bubbly filling, ready to serve. | smokyfeast.com

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

This spinach dip bread bowl has become a holiday favorite with my family and friends; everyone loves how festive and tasty it is.

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.
Warm, crusty bread cradles the savory holiday spinach dip, garnished lightly with diced red bell pepper. Save
Warm, crusty bread cradles the savory holiday spinach dip, garnished lightly with diced red bell pepper. | smokyfeast.com

This recipe always brings smiles and laughter when shared at family gatherings and special occasions.

Additional Tips

Try adding chopped artichoke hearts or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Pairings

Pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (bread), milk (cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan), and egg (mayonnaise, if using traditional mayonnaise). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

This festive holiday spinach dip bread bowl offers a perfect blend of warm bread and rich, flavorful dip. Save
This festive holiday spinach dip bread bowl offers a perfect blend of warm bread and rich, flavorful dip. | smokyfeast.com

This spinach dip bread bowl is guaranteed to be a hit and add warmth to your holiday festivities.

Kitchen Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used but should be cooked and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What bread is best for the bread bowl?

A large sourdough loaf works best as it holds the dip well and crisps nicely during baking.

How can I make the dip spicier?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños can provide a pleasant heat to the dip.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach mixture a day in advance and bake it just before serving for fresh warmth.

What are good dippers for this dish?

Reserved sourdough bread pieces, assorted crackers, or fresh vegetables like bell peppers and carrots pair well.

Express Holiday Spinach Dip

Creamy spinach and cheese blend served warm in a hollowed sourdough loaf, ideal for festive gatherings.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Bread

01 1 large round sourdough loaf (approximately 17.6 oz)

Spinach Dip

01 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained
02 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 ½ cup sour cream
04 ½ cup mayonnaise
05 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 ½ teaspoon salt
10 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish & Dippers

01 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
02 Bread pieces reserved from hollowed loaf, assorted crackers, or fresh vegetables

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).

Phase 02

Prepare bread bowl: Slice off the top of the sourdough loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about 1 inch of bread around the edges to create a bowl. Reserve the removed bread for dipping.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Fill bread bowl: Spoon the spinach mixture into the hollowed bread bowl evenly. Optionally, sprinkle diced red bell pepper on top for a festive appearance.

Phase 05

Bake dip: Place the filled bread bowl on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the bread is lightly crisped.

Phase 06

Serve: Serve immediately accompanied by reserved bread pieces, assorted crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk products (cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan), and eggs (mayonnaise if traditional). Verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 10 g