Express Holiday Spinach Dip

Featured in: Cozy Comfort Bakes

This dish features a creamy spinach mixture combined with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheeses, all baked inside a hollowed sourdough bread bowl. The warmth and texture of the bread complement the rich, garlicky dip, enhanced with nutmeg and pepper for subtle spice. Garnished with diced red bell pepper for color, it's perfect for gatherings. Prepare the dip in advance to save time, then bake until bubbly and serve with reserved bread chunks or crackers for dipping.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:41:00 GMT
Warm, bubbling Express Holiday Spinach Dip inside a golden-brown sourdough bread bowl, ready to serve. Save
Warm, bubbling Express Holiday Spinach Dip inside a golden-brown sourdough bread bowl, ready to serve. | tastlis.com

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

This dip has been a family favorite for holiday parties, loved by kids and adults alike.

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.
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Everyone in the family gathers around to enjoy dipping into this bread bowl during festive evenings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with assorted fresh vegetables like carrots and celery or crunchy crackers to add texture variety.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat carefully in the oven for best texture.

Variations

Add chopped artichoke hearts or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor and spice.

A visually appealing overhead shot of the baked Express Holiday Spinach Dip with colorful red pepper garnish. Save
A visually appealing overhead shot of the baked Express Holiday Spinach Dip with colorful red pepper garnish. | tastlis.com

This spinach dip bread bowl makes a welcoming centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for the bread bowl?

A large sourdough loaf is ideal due to its crusty exterior and sturdy crumb that holds the dip well.

Can fresh spinach be used instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach can be steamed and thoroughly drained before mixing to maintain the dip's texture.

How can I add more flavor to the dip?

Incorporate chopped artichoke hearts or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a flavor boost.

What is the best way to serve the dip?

Serve warm with the reserved bread pieces or assorted crackers and fresh vegetables for dipping.

Can the dip be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the spinach mixture up to a day ahead and bake just before serving for convenience.

Express Holiday Spinach Dip

Creamy spinach blend baked in a hollowed sourdough loaf for festive sharing.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
35 min
Author Lena Foster


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Vegetarian

What You'll Need

Bread

01 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1.1 lb)

Spinach Dip

01 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
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 tsp ground nutmeg
09 ½ tsp salt
10 ¼ tsp black pepper

Garnish & Dippers

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

Directions

Instruction 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Instruction 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 form a bowl. Reserve the removed bread for dipping.

Instruction 03

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

Instruction 04

Fill bread bowl: Spoon the spinach mixture into the prepared bread bowl. Optionally, sprinkle diced red bell pepper on top for color.

Instruction 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 crisp.

Instruction 06

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notes

Review each component for possible allergens. If you aren't sure, ask a health pro.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan), and possibly egg (mayonnaise). Verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutrition data is just for your information—always check with a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 10 g