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Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as fun to serve as it is delicious to eat, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe. Imagine creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip bubbling inside a perfectly crusty bread bowl — it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing combo that always gets rave reviews. I absolutely love how this turns out because it’s super easy to make, requires just a few wholesome ingredients, and there’s no need for extra crackers since the bread bowl itself becomes the ultimate dipper. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe before the bowl is empty!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry staples and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
  • Perfect Party Food: The bread bowl doubles as the serving dish and the dippers — no mess, no fuss.
  • Rich & Comforting: Gooey cheese, creamy spinach, and tangy artichokes come together for maximum flavor.
  • Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite cheeses or add-ins for a personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a starring role in this Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe — from the creamy cheeses to the tender spinach and artichokes, all nestled inside a crusty round bread that you’ll want to savor until the last crumb. Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials and some shopping tips that’ll help you pick the best versions.

  • Frozen Spinach: I prefer frozen because it’s already chopped and super convenient—you just need to thaw and drain it well to avoid sogginess.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Canned ones work perfectly; they’re tender and packed with flavor. Just make sure to drain and chop them.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess which balances the richness of the cheese.
  • Mayonnaise: A surprising but wonderful addition that keeps the dip luscious and smooth.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic elevates the flavor with a bit of zing.
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy base of this dip—make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, giving that iconic cheesy stretch.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan brings a sharp, nutty bite that rounds out the flavor profile.
  • Round Bread Loaf: A sourdough or rustic white bread round is perfect for hollowing out and baking—pick one with a sturdy crust!
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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 love how flexible this Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe is — you can easily personalize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want it spicier, cheesier, or even dairy-free, it’s simple to switch things up to keep it fresh and exciting.

  • Extra Cheese: Once I added some sharp cheddar for a stronger cheesy punch, and my family went crazy for it.
  • Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a little heat.
  • Greens Swap: You can swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard if you want a different green texture and flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan cream cheese and vegan mozzarella alternatives to keep it creamy and melt-y without dairy.
  • Different Bread Choices: Try a rye or multigrain loaf for a new flavor twist — just make sure it’s sturdy enough for scooping.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Oven

Start by setting your oven temperature to 400°F. This is key because a hot oven ensures the cheese melts perfectly without drying out the bread. While it’s heating, you can get started on prepping your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

In a large bowl, combine your thawed, drained, and chopped spinach with the chopped artichoke hearts. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and softened cream cheese. Then, toss in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. I like to use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to really mix it well — this helps the cheeses blend evenly so you get that luscious texture with every bite.

Step 3: Hollow Out the Bread Bowl

Grab your round loaf and slice off the top, about an inch thick, creating a lid. Then, scoop out the inside gently to make room for the dip, leaving a nice thick shell so it holds together while baking. Pro tip: Save the scooped-out bread chunks because they make perfect dunking pieces once toasted!

Step 4: Fill, Bake, and Melt

Pour your spinach artichoke mixture right into the hollowed bread bowl, pressing down slightly to make sure it’s packed but not overflowing. Pop the bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes—or until you see the cheese bubbling and the top turning a beautiful golden brown. The aroma while it’s in the oven is downright irresistible — I promise!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, cut the bread lid into chunks and arrange them around the bowl. Use these to scoop up the dip — you’ll quickly see why this is a game-changer for your next gathering. The contrast of the crisp bread and creamy dip is just heavenly.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

  • Drain Thoroughly: I discovered this trick when I first ended up serving a watery dip—make sure your spinach and artichokes are really well-drained to avoid a soggy bread bowl.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Mixing softened cream cheese makes blending the dip so much easier and smoother, giving you that ideal creamy consistency.
  • Use a Sturdy Loaf: A strong crusty bread like sourdough holds the dip nicely without collapsing or getting too soggy, which is key for presentation and serving.
  • Don’t Overfill: Avoid packing the dip too high in the bowl, as it may bubble over during baking; leaving a little room makes cleanup simpler.

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 love finishing this dip with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I even add a little drizzle of olive oil or some cracked black pepper right after baking—it really brightens things up and makes it look super inviting.

Side Dishes

This bread bowl dip pairs wonderfully with crisp veggie sticks like carrots or celery, or alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, I like serving it with roasted chicken or grilled sausages on the side—makes a fantastic cozy dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve hollowed out several mini bread bowls to make individual servings — it’s such a fun party trick! You can also serve the dip in a hollowed-out pumpkin or squash for a seasonal twist that wows your guests visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually scoop the dip out of the bread and keep it separate from the bread chunks, to maintain the latter’s crunch as long as possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the dip portion alone (without bread) and thawed it later with great results. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly. The bread doesn’t freeze well after baking, so I’d suggest using fresh bread when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, I spread the dip in a small oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly again (about 10 minutes). This keeps the cheesy texture perfect without drying it out. Avoid microwaving too long or the texture may become rubbery.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

    Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 2-3 cups, sauté it lightly until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before adding it to your dip. This helps prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy.

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

    Round loaves with firm, crusty exteriors like sourdough or rustic white bread are best because they can hold the dip without falling apart. Avoid very soft or flaky breads that might soak up too much moisture.

  3. Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

    You can definitely prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, fill the bread bowl and bake. Preparing the bread just before baking ensures crispiness.

  4. Can I add protein to this dip?

    Yes! I’ve added cooked bacon bits or diced chicken for an extra savory touch. Just fold them into the dip before filling the bread bowl.

  5. What’s the best way to serve the bread chunks for dipping?

    After scooping the bread hollow, cut the reserved bread into bite-sized cubes. If you want crunchier dippers, toast them lightly in the oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns an everyday dip into a festive, interactive experience. The way the bread soaks up all that cheesy, garlicky goodness is just irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or a holiday gathering, this dip is always a winner — I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people. Seriously, once you make this, I’m betting it’ll become your go-to crowd pleaser too!

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Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • 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 bread bowl is a warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or a cozy snack. Combining creamy cheeses, savory spinach, and tangy artichokes, all melted inside a crusty bread bowl, it offers a delicious and convenient way to dip and enjoy without the need for extra crackers.


Ingredients

Dip Ingredients

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

Bread Bowl

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


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s fully heated for baking the dip and bread bowl.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the thawed and chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a creamy mixture.
  3. Prep Bread Bowl: With a sharp bread knife, carefully cut off the top of the bread round. Scoop out the soft interior bread, leaving a sturdy shell for the dip. Set aside the scooped-out bread for serving later as dippers.
  4. Assemble & Bake: Fill the hollowed-out bread bowl with the prepared spinach and artichoke dip. Place it on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
  5. Finish & Serve: While the dip is baking, cut the reserved bread interior into smaller pieces. Once baked, serve the bread bowl hot with the bread chunks surrounding it, perfect for dipping and enjoying immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick, easy appetizer.
  • Use the scooped-out bread as dippers to avoid needing additional crackers.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dip.
  • Make sure to drain the spinach and artichokes well to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
  • Serve immediately for best taste and texture, as the bread bowl may become soggy over time.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 296 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 628 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 42 mg

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