Baked Spinach and Cheese Fondue in Hawaiian Bread Bowl
This Baked Spinach and Cheese Fondue in Hawaiian Bread Bowl is a delightful creation that combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesy spinach dip with the sweetness of a Hawaiian bread loaf. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family lunch, it's a fun and interactive dish that encourages everyone to dig in together. The dip is bursting with flavors, thanks to the mix of creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and a robust vegetable soup mix, all blended with two types of cheese for that perfect melty texture. Your friends and family will love scooping out the warm cheesy goodness with bite-sized pieces of soft bread. It's an easy recipe that's sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hawaiian sweet bread
1 loaf (whole)
Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 package (1 1/4 ounces) (dry)
Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated, plus extra for topping)
Spinach
13 1/2 ounces (drained and squeezed dry)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully hollow out the top of the Hawaiian bread loaf, leaving about an inch thick at the sides and bottom. Remove the inner bread and pinch it into bite-sized pieces for serving.
3
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, vegetable soup mix, and both types of cheese (Colby-Monterey Jack and Parmesan). Mix in the drained and dried spinach until fully incorporated.
4
Scoop the creamy spinach and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, spreading it evenly to fill the entire loaf.
5
Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top of the filled bread bowl for added flavor and texture.
6
Place the filled bread bowl onto a cookie sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
8
Serve warm, accompanied by the extra pieces of bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to hollow out the Hawaiian bread loaf?
Carefully cut a circle into the top of the loaf and scoop out the center, leaving about an inch of bread at the sides and the bottom to ensure the 'bowl' stays sturdy enough to hold the dip.
What should I do with the bread I removed from the center?
Don't throw it away! Pinch the inner bread into bite-sized pieces and save them to serve alongside the bread bowl for dipping.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it to the mix?
If using frozen spinach, simply thaw it, then drain and squeeze it very dry. If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly until wilted, then squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How long does the Baked Spinach and Cheese Fondue take to bake?
It typically takes 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese dip inside is hot and bubbling.
Can I substitute the Colby-Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can substitute it with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend depending on your flavor preference.
What is the purpose of the vegetable soup mix?
The dry Knorr vegetable soup mix provides a robust seasoning base with herbs and dehydrated vegetables that flavors the entire dip.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream if you prefer a slightly tangier flavor or a different nutritional profile.
Why do I need to squeeze the spinach dry?
Squeezing the spinach dry prevents excess water from leaking into the dip, which would make the fondue runny and the bread bowl soggy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the spinach and cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. However, wait to fill and bake the bread bowl until you are ready to serve to keep the bread fresh.
Is it necessary to use a cookie sheet?
Yes, placing the bread bowl on a cookie sheet makes it easier to transfer in and out of the oven and catches any cheese drips that might occur while baking.
Can I add artichokes to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped, drained canned artichoke hearts would turn this into a delicious Spinach Artichoke bread bowl.
What other items can I use for dipping besides the bread pieces?
Carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, tortilla chips, or crackers all pair excellently with this cheese fondue.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the bread bowl?
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to maintain the bread's texture, or microwave individual portions if you are in a hurry.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This specific recipe is designed to be served warm and bubbly directly from the oven.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, light mayonnaise works fine, though the final dip may be slightly less creamy than the full-fat version.
What if my bread is browning too fast in the oven?
If the edges of the bread bowl are getting too dark before the dip is hot, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Can I use a sourdough loaf instead of Hawaiian bread?
Yes, sourdough is a popular alternative. It provides a tangy contrast to the creamy dip, though you will lose the signature sweetness of the Hawaiian bread.
Should the vegetable soup mix be prepared with water first?
No, add the soup mix dry directly into the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture.
Can I add some spice to this dip?
Yes, you can mix in a few dashes of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
How many people does this serve?
As an appetizer, one bread bowl usually serves 8 to 10 people.
What makes Hawaiian bread different from regular bread?
Hawaiian bread is enriched with milk, eggs, and sugar (often pineapple juice), giving it a much softer texture and a sweeter flavor profile.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
It is not strictly necessary, but you can use parchment paper or a light spray to ensure no cheese that bubbles over sticks to the pan.
Can I freeze the assembled but unbaked bread bowl?
It is not recommended, as the bread may become soggy and the dairy-based dip can separate when thawed.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great substitutes that offer a similar salty, nutty flavor.
Can I use fresh garlic in the dip?
Yes, adding one or two cloves of minced garlic will enhance the savory flavor of the spinach and cheese.
Should I let the dip cool before serving?
Let it cool for about 2-5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly and guests don't burn themselves, but serve it while still warm.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Generally yes, but check the ingredients on your specific brand of vegetable soup mix to ensure no animal-derived flavorings are used.
Can I use a different type of spinach?
Frozen chopped spinach is the easiest to work with for this recipe, but fresh baby spinach works well if sautéed first.