Artichoke and Spinach Bread Bowl

This Artichoke and Spinach Bread Bowl is a creamy, cheesy, and savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy gatherings. Served in a crusty bread bowl, this warm dip is rich with chopped artichokes, spinach, and melted cheeses. Tear off pieces of bread to scoop up the delicious filling and enjoy!

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Yield

Serves 6-8

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Ingredients

For the Bread Bowl:

• 1 large round loaf of sourdough or crusty Italian bread (about 8 inches in diameter)

For the Artichoke and Spinach Dip:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Topping:

• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Bread Bowl

1. Cut off the top of the bread loaf (about 1 inch down) and set the top aside.
2. Hollow out the bread by pulling out the soft interior, leaving a 1-inch thick shell. Save the bread pieces for dipping.

Make the Dip

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the thawed and squeezed-dry spinach and the chopped artichoke hearts. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and the cream cheese is fully melted.
5. Add the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy.

Fill and Bake

1. Spoon the artichoke and spinach dip into the hollowed-out bread bowl.
2. Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Place the filled bread bowl on the prepared baking sheet along with the reserved bread pieces.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.

Serve

1. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
2. Serve warm with the bread pieces, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories,320,Carbohydrates (g),22,Fat (g),21,Protein (g),8,Fiber (g),3,Sodium (mg),570

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The Texture of This Dip

• Creamy and Cheesy: A rich, smooth dip made from cream cheese, sour cream, and melted mozzarella.
• Chunky Veggies: Chopped artichokes and spinach provide texture and balance to the creamy dip.
• Crusty Bread Bowl: The bread bowl stays crispy on the outside while soaking up some of the creamy dip on the inside.

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10 Kitchen Tips and Ideas

1. Bread Choice: Use a dense, crusty loaf like sourdough to avoid sogginess.
2. Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
3. Fresh Spinach: Substitute with 4 cups of fresh spinach. Sauté it first and squeeze out excess moisture.
4. Make Ahead: Prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate. Fill the bread bowl and bake when ready to serve.
5. Extra Dippers: Serve with crackers, pita chips, or veggie sticks like carrots and bell peppers.
6. Freeze Leftovers: Freeze leftover dip for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
7. Garlic Boost: Add an extra clove of garlic for more intense flavor.
8. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
9. Gift Idea: Assemble an unbaked bread bowl with a note and baking instructions for a thoughtful gift.
10. Save the Bread: Toast the hollowed-out bread pieces for crunchy dippers or croutons.

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Best Choice: Sourdough Bread

Sourdough is the ideal bread for this recipe due to its sturdy structure and slightly tangy flavor. It holds up well to the creamy filling and provides a delicious contrast to the rich dip.

This Artichoke and Spinach Bread Bowl is the ultimate appetizer for any occasion — rich, cheesy, and utterly delicious!