How to Make Delectable Spinach Dip Bread Boats – SO easy!

Spinach dip bread boats: Hollowed bread halves filled with creamy spinach dip. A tasty, shareable appetizer for any occasion!

Spinach dip bread boats are a delightful appetizer. Hollowed bread halves serve as vessels for a creamy blend of spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings. Baked to perfection, these boats offer a delectable combination of crispy bread and savory dip. Ideal for sharing at gatherings, the convenient individual servings make for a crowd-pleasing treat. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying crunch of these spinach dip bread boats that elevate any party or snack time.

Ingredients for Spinach Dip Bread Boats

Each ingredient contributes to the rich flavor and texture of the spinach dip:

1. Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté onions, enhancing overall flavor.
2. Onion and Bell Pepper: Provide savory and sweet notes, adding depth to the dip.
3. Garlic: Infuses a robust aroma and taste, complementing the other ingredients.
4. Spinach: Brings a nutritious element, and when thoroughly drained, ensures a non-watery dip.
5. Diced Tomatoes: Contribute a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of other components.
6. Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
7. Salt and Pepper: Seasonings that elevate and balance the taste of the dip.
8. Mayonnaise, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Create a creamy and luscious texture.
9. Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a cheesy richness, making the dip indulgent.

How to Make Spinach Dip Bread Boats

Create a flavorful spinach dip by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Mix with creamy cheeses, spinach, and tomatoes for a delectable appetizer. Bake and serve in hollowed bread for an irresistible spinach dip bread boats experience!

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Cut a rectangle from French bread, and hollow it out. Save the removed piece.
• Sauté onions, pepper, and garlic in olive oil.
• Mix spinach, tomatoes, seasonings, and mayonnaise. Add cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese; stir until combined. Fill the bread, and top with Parmesan.
• Bake for 25-30 mins until cheese melts. Cool for 5 mins before slicing.

Why this recipe for Spinach dip bread boatsworks

1. Flavor Harmony: The combination of sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a blend of cheeses creates a harmonious mix of savory and creamy flavors in the spinach dip.
2. Textural Appeal: Hollowing out the French bread and filling it with the creamy spinach dip provides a satisfying contrast between the crispy bread exterior and the luscious, gooey interior.
3. Easy Preparation: With clear steps and simple techniques, like sautéing and mixing, the recipe is accessible for home cooks. The use of a bread bowl simplifies serving and enhances the overall presentation.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

1. Thoroughly Drain Spinach: Ensure the frozen chopped spinach is completely drained and squeezed dry. This prevents excess moisture in the dip, maintaining a creamy consistency.
2. Reserved Parmesan for Topping: Save a portion of the Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top before baking. This adds a golden and flavorful crust to the dip, enhancing both texture and taste.
3. Cool Before Slicing: Allow the baked bread bowl to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps set the topping and prevents hot cheese burns, ensuring a safe and enjoyable serving experience.

Recipe Variations

1. Artichoke and Spinach Dip: Incorporate chopped artichoke hearts for a tangy twist. The artichokes add a unique flavor and complement the spinach beautifully.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Dip: Introduce sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and savory kick. The tomatoes bring a burst of rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dip.
3. Bacon and Jalapeño Spinach Dip: Add crispy bacon bits and diced jalapeños for a spicy and smoky variation. This combination adds heat and a savory crunch to the creamy dip.

Serving Suggestions

1. Charcuterie Board: Arrange the spinach dip alongside cured meats, cheeses, olives, and nuts on a charcuterie board for a diverse and sophisticated appetizer spread.
2. Grazing Board: Create a grazing board featuring the spinach dip as the centerpiece. Surround it with an assortment of crackers, fresh fruits, nuts, and small bites for a visually appealing and shareable presentation.
3. Appetizer spread: Create a game day appetizer spread filled with bite-sized appetizers and handhelds.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing: Store any leftover Spinach dip bread boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.

Freezing: While the Spinach dip bread boats can be frozen, keep in mind that dairy-based dips may experience a change in texture after freezing. If freezing, do so without the bread. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For refrigerated Spinach dip bread boats, reheat in a microwave-safe dish in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator first, then reheat. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated to your liking. Serve with fresh bread or crackers for a delicious and convenient treat.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Drink Pairings

Kid-Friendly:

1. Fruit Punch: A vibrant and fruity punch, either homemade or store-bought, pairs well with the kid-friendly spinach dip. The sweetness complements the savory flavors.
2. Lemonade: Classic lemonade, whether regular or strawberry-flavored, offers a refreshing and tart contrast to the creamy dip. It’s a favorite among kids.
3. Sparkling Apple Juice: The effervescence of sparkling apple juice adds a fun element to the meal. Its crisp and sweet taste makes it a delightful choice for young taste buds.

Family-Friendly:

1. Iced Tea: A classic and versatile choice, iced tea (sweetened or unsweetened) complements the richness of the spinach dip while providing a refreshing beverage for the whole family.
2. Sparkling Water with Citrus Slices: Infuse sparkling water with slices of lemon, lime, or orange for a fizzy and citrusy drink that enhances the overall dining experience.
3. Fruit Smoothies: Blend up a batch of family-friendly fruit smoothies using a mix of favorite fruits, yogurt, and a touch of honey. The smoothies add a fruity and nutritious element to the meal.

Adult Beverages:

Wine Pairings:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy spinach dip, creating a delightful contrast.
2. Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay with oak undertones pairs well, enhancing the richness of the dip.
3. Pinot Noir: The light-bodied and fruity characteristics of Pinot Noir provide a nice balance to the savory flavors in the spinach dip.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. Margarita: The zesty and tangy notes of a classic margarita cut through the creaminess, offering a refreshing pairing.
2. Bloody Mary: The savory and spicy profile of a Bloody Mary complements the richness of the dip, creating a flavorful combination.
3. Gin and Tonic: The botanicals in gin, combined with the effervescence of tonic water, provide a crisp and refreshing contrast.

Beer Pairings:

1. Wheat Beer: A light and refreshing wheat beer complements the dip without overpowering its flavors.
2. IPA (India Pale Ale): The hoppy bitterness of an IPA can stand up to the richness of the dip, providing a bold pairing.
3. Amber Ale: The malty sweetness and balanced flavors of an amber ale work well with the savory notes of the spinach dip.

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Spinach Dip Bread Boats

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming

Spinach dip bread boats: Hollowed bread halves filled with creamy spinach dip. A tasty, shareable appetizer for any occasion!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 302 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 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].

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Prepare a rimmed baking sheet [paid link] with aluminum foil, parchment paper [paid link], 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 [paid link] 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.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 302kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 11gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 588mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3360IUVitamin C: 13.1mgCalcium: 208mgIron: 2.2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Recipe adapted from betty crocker.com