Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl
This Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for gatherings and parties. A creamy blend of cream cheese, low-fat mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese is combined with flavorful ingredients like tender spinach, crunchy water chestnuts, crispy bacon, and aromatic green onions. All of this luscious filling is baked inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf, creating a warm, gooey dip that you can scoop up with the included bread cubes and fresh veggies. Whether it’s New Year's Eve or game day, this dish will surely impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
2 (packages, softened (8 ounces each))
low-fat mayonnaise
1 (cup)
frozen chopped spinach
1 (package (10 ounces), thawed and squeezed dry)
cheddar cheese
1 (cup, shredded)
water chestnuts
1 (can (8 ounces), drained and chopped)
bacon
5 (slices, cooked and crumbled)
green onion
1 (chopped)
dill weed
2 (teaspoons)
garlic
1 (clove, minced)
seasoning salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
sourdough bread
1 (unsliced round loaf)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and low-fat mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.
3
Add the thawed and squeezed dry chopped spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped water chestnuts, crumbled bacon, chopped green onion, dill weed, minced garlic, seasoning salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
Take the sourdough bread and carefully cut a slice off the top. Set this top piece aside. Hollow out the inside of the loaf, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick shell.
5
Cube the removed bread into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
6
Spoon the prepared spinach dip mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, then replace the top piece to cover it.
7
Wrap the entire bread bowl in heavy-duty foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 75 to 90 minutes or until the dip is heated through and bubbly.
9
Once done, carefully unwrap the foil. Serve the warm spinach dip with the cubed bread and an assortment of fresh vegetables for dipping.
10
Enjoy your delicious and creamy appetizer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl?
It is a creamy, warm appetizer dip featuring spinach, bacon, and cheddar cheese baked inside a hollowed sourdough loaf.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the bread bowl take to bake?
It needs to bake for 75 to 90 minutes until the dip is heated through and bubbly.
What type of bread should be used?
An unsliced round loaf of sourdough bread is recommended.
How do I prepare the spinach?
Use one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
What ingredients provide the creaminess?
The base consists of two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese and one cup of low-fat mayonnaise.
What kind of cheese is in the dip?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What adds a crunchy texture to the filling?
One 8-ounce can of drained and chopped water chestnuts adds a distinct crunch.
How much bacon is needed?
Five slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled, are added to the mixture.
What aromatics are used in the recipe?
The dip includes chopped green onion and one minced clove of garlic.
What seasonings are added to the dip?
It is seasoned with two teaspoons of dill weed, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I prepare the sourdough loaf?
Cut a slice off the top and hollow out the center, leaving a 1/2-inch thick shell.
What should I do with the bread removed from the center?
Cube the removed bread into bite-sized pieces to use for dipping later.
How is the bread bowl prepared for the oven?
Once filled and topped, the entire loaf is wrapped in heavy-duty foil and placed on a baking sheet.
What are the best items for dipping?
Serve the warm dip with the reserved sourdough bread cubes and an assortment of fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of low-fat?
Yes, regular mayonnaise can be substituted for low-fat mayonnaise if preferred.
How do I ensure the dip isn't watery?
It is crucial to squeeze the thawed spinach completely dry before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can simply omit the bacon to make it a vegetarian spinach dip.
Why is the bread bowl wrapped in foil?
Wrapping in foil prevents the bread from burning while allowing the dip to heat thoroughly over a long baking period.
How many cream cheese packages are required?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not specified, but it is designed as a party appetizer for multiple guests.
Is fresh garlic better than bottled?
The recipe calls for one clove of minced garlic, and fresh garlic generally provides the best flavor.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, extra cheddar can be added to the top or inside for a more cheesy result.
What holidays is this dish popular for?
It is suggested as an excellent choice for New Year's Eve or game day celebrations.
How much dill weed is used?
The recipe uses two teaspoons of dill weed.
Does the recipe use seasoning salt or table salt?
It specifically calls for seasoning salt.
How thick should the bread bowl walls be?
Leave approximately a 1/2-inch thick shell when hollowing out the loaf.
Do I need a baking sheet?
Yes, placing the foil-wrapped loaf on a baking sheet helps catch any potential drips.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you must cook and thoroughly squeeze the fresh spinach first to match the texture of frozen chopped spinach.