Easy Spinach Dip in French Bread Recipe

While I have discussed this before, Hot Spinach dip is a long-standing party tradition at my house. Years ago, my Mom would buy a round (boulle) loaf of pumpernickel bread, scoop out the insides and make a bread bowl. She served the pieces of bread she scooped out along with other things like vegetable sticks and pretzels to use for the dip.

What I noticed was the pumpernickel bread was largely wasted and often thrown away after the dip was devoured. I had also noted people don't usually rip the bread bowl to eat with the dip often leaving it intact until there's no dip left. As a result, a majrotiy of the bread bowl was thrown away and I found that to be wasteful.

That problem is solved with this Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread because we slice the whole loaf into 12 servings and the entire bread bowl is thereby eaten. Since the entire bread bowl is eaten, it yields no waste making it the perfect compination of dip and bread bowl. Hot and melty, ooey and gooey, Spinach Dip stuffed French Bread is the perfect party appetizer!

Preparing a bread boat bowl is quick and easy. However, if you prefer the more traditional pumpernickel bread, you can make a special request at the bakery for a long loaf rather than the round (boulle) loaf. I used a French bread loaf readily available in the bakery.

We also often make a buffet of just appetizers for one of our Holiday get-togethers. Our guests always enjoy picking and choosing what they will eat along the buffet.

For the rectangular portion I removed to create the hollowed out center – I added olive oil, garlic salt, and some cheese for an impromptu piece of garlic bread. My husband was very pleased with this little snack when it came out of the oven. :) Nothing wasted here!

Finally, once it's out of the oven, let it cool a few minutes before slicing and serving. This keeps the Spinach Dip topping in place and keeps guests from burning themselves with the hot cheese.

Need some other quick appetizers? Check these out:

• Air Fryer Ravioli
• Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
• Baked Parmesan Cheese Fries
• Barbecue Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings

Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread

Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread is hot and melty, ooey and gooey, carb-y and delicious. Spinach Dip stuffed French Bread is the perfect party appetizer!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 302 kcal

• 1 loaf French bread

For the Dip:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion , diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper , diced [See Note 1], about 1/2 of a bell pepper, any color
• 2 garlic cloves , minced, about 2 teaspoons
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained (squoze dry)
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika [See Note 2]
• 1/2 teaspoon salt , more or less to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper , more or less to taste
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise [See Note 3]
• 4 oz cream cheese , softened [See Note 4]
• 1/2 cup sour cream [See Note 5]
• 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + 1/4 cup more for optional topping [See Step 7].

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

• Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a silicon liner (optional - for easy clean up) and set aside.

• For the french bread, cut a large rectangle about 2 inches deep along the entire legnth of the loaf. Remove the rectangle you cut and, if necessary, continue to hollow out the loaf to create a bread bowl. Set loaf onto the prepared baking sheet and set aside.

• Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for until softened; about 5 minutes. Then reduce the heat to medium and add the bell pepper and garlic. Cook for another minute or two being careful not to burn the garlic.

• Next, stir in the spinach leaves, tomatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise until combined.

• Finally, reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, sour cream, and all of the shredded cheeses ( minus the extra Parmesan for topping), and stir until fully melted.

• Spoon the spinach dip into prepared French bread and top with reserved Parmesan cheese. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are just slightly golden brown.

• Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the topping in place and ensure your guests don't burn themselves on the hot cheese.

1. I use mini sweet bell peppers - a whole bag costs less than 1 bell pepper in my area. I use mult colors.
2. Sweet paprika or plain paprika may be substituted for the smoked paprika. For an extra kick, spicy paprika may be used as well.
3. Low fat varieties may be substituted, if desired.
4. Low fat varieties may be substituted, if desired.
5. Low fat varieties may be substituted, if desired.

Serving: 1 slice Calories: 302 kcal Carbohydrates: 23 g Protein: 11 g Fat: 19 g Saturated Fat: 7 g Cholesterol: 34 mg Sodium: 588 mg Potassium: 253 mg Fiber: 2 g Sugar: 3 g Vitamin A: 3360 IU Vitamin C: 13.1 mg Calcium: 208 mg Iron: 2.2 mg

Let us know how it was!

Recipe adapted from betty crocker.com

collinshapat1960.blogspot.com

Source: https://kitchendreaming.com/spinach-dip-stuffed-french-bread/

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