Easy Appetizer- Spinach Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl!

This sourdough bread bowl served with spinach dip is not only delicious but simple to make. As a mom with two littles running around, my time is limited. So finding a recipe that is easy, homemade and healthier-is a win win for me! This spinach dip recipe has been a staple in my family since I was a child, and now it’s my go to appetizer to bring anywhere. So if you are like me, looking for something simple and delicious- look no further. This homemade sourdough bread bowl with yummy spinach dip inside will be sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

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Easy and Delicious Spinach Dip

This spinach dip is apart of many childhood memories for me. My mom made this spinach dip for many occasions like: a weekend get away, vacation, holiday or just simple gathering with friends. It has always been a crowd pleaser. Not only is this recipe delicious, it is super simple to make. You can even make it up to 24 hrs ahead of time! I am sure there are many family recipes that hold a special place in your heart, this spinach dip is no exception for me. Now that I have a little family of my own we enjoy this spinach dip anytime we need an easy and yummy appetizer!

Why you should serve spinach dip in a sourdough bread bowl

Now that I’ve sold you on how easy this spinach dip appetizer is, let’s get you serving it in a homemade sourdough bread bowl! About four years ago, I made my own sourdough starter and began making sourdough bread and let me tell you- our family has never looked back! If you haven’t jumped on the sourdough train yet, what are you waiting for?! Homemade bread is so comforting, hot out of the oven–there just isn’t anything better.

Yes it’s true, you could run down to your local market and grab a loaf of bread. That would absolutely elevate the dip and in a pinch it’s a great way to serve it. However, if you want to try you hand at making your own sourdough loaf from scratch I have an insanely easy no knead sourdough bread recipe just for you! Not only are homemade sourdough bread bowls delicious, but there many health benefits including: many vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, sourdough acts as a prebiotic and it has a lower glycemic index just to name a few.

Things You Will Need to make the Spinach Dip

• 10oz Frozen spinach (can be chopped or whole leaf)
• 16oz of sour cream
• 1 cup mayo (We prefer Duke’s Mayo)
• 1 package (2oz) of dried vegetable soup mix
• Large Mixing bowl with lid
• 1/4 tsp Paprika (optional)
• Pretzels, crackers, carrots sticks, cucumber slices or other vegetables of choice for dipping

Things you will need to make the Sourdough Bread Bowl

• Active bubbly sourdough starter
• Bread flour unbleached
• Room temperature filtered water
• Quality salt ( I prefer Pink Himalayan salt)
• Dutch Oven
• Unbleached parchment paper
• Baking scale
• Cooking Spray
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Tea towel
• Silicon Spatula for mixing

How to make homemade sourdough bread bowl

You will want to start this process 24 hours before you want to serve this appetizer. You will need active bubbly sourdough starter to mix the bread. Follow my insanely easy no knead sourdough bread recipe here!

How to make the Spinach Dip

In a large bowl combine: thawed, drained & chopped spinach, mayonnaise, dried vegetable soup mix, sour cream and paprika (optional). Stir everything together really well with a large spoon or silicon spatula. Cover with lid and place in fridge for 2 hours. You can even make this dip 24 hours ahead of time. It really is that easy!

** Please note: To drain spinach simply squeeze excess water from spinach with hand over the sink. If you purchased whole leaf spinach you will need to chop this up before adding it to the bowl.

Timeline for making Spinach Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl

You will want to start this process 24 hours before you want to serve this appetizer. You will need active bubbly sourdough starter to mix the bread. Follow my insanely easy no knead sourdough bread recipe here!

The night before: Feed sourdough starter equal parts unbleached all purpose flour and room temperature filtered water. Cover and leave at room temperature overnight or 6-8 hours. Place spinach in fridge to thaw overnight.

8am: Mix bread dough, allow to rest for 30 mins and the complete the stretch and fold. Cover with tea towel and leave at room temperature for 8 hours. For more detailed instructions on how to make this bread follow my insanely easy no knead sourdough bread recipe here!

3pm: Remove spinach from fridge, squeeze spinach with hand to drain water, place in large mixing bowl. Add mayo, sour cream, dried vegetable soup mix, paprika (optional). Mix together well with large silicon spatula or spoon. Cover with lid and place in fridge to chill for 2 hours.

4pm: Preheat oven to 425° F. Remove dough from bowl, do envelope fold and place in greased dutch oven with the lid on. Bake for 45 mins covered at 425° F. Remove lid, bake for an additional 15 mins uncovered until browned on top. Remove from oven, place on bakers rack to cool.

6pm: Once bread has cooled slightly, cut a large circle into the top of the bread bowl, removing as much in one piece as possible. Cut this removed section into 3/4in cubes to use for dipping. Place sourdough bread bowl on a large platter with cubed pieces, veggies and crackers of choice. Remove spinach dip from fridge, stir well and spoon the dip into the hole of the sourdough bread bowl. Serve and enjoy!

A few notes:

• I like to serve the spinach dip in a “just cooled” sourdough bread bowl for maximum freshness! Ideally I would serve it within a hour of pulling the bread out of the oven. Oftentimes our schedule, timing etc does not allow for this ideal time frame so you can adjust the timeline above to meet your needs.
• If your time is limited like mine- I like to prepare as much as I can ahead of time. So I tend to make my spinach dip 24 hours ahead of time at the same time I also feed my sourdough starter. That way my spinach dip is ready to go as soon as I cut my sourdough bread bowl.
• Feel the freedom to bake your sourdough bread whenever it is most convenient for your schedule- even if that means the day before.
• I do think the bread bowl is at its peak “same day” of baking.

Other things to try in your homemade sourdough bread bowl:

• Pimento Cheese
• Taco Dip
• Spinach and Artichoke dip
• French onion soup
• Potato soup
• Minestrone soup
• Chili
• Broccoli and Cheddar soup

Common Questions about spinach dip in a sourdough bread bowl

I don’t have a good bread recipe

Look no further! I have an insanely easy overnight sourdough bread recipe that you can easily follow to make your bread bowl. This no knead recipe is so simple you will be making healthy, delicious sourdough bread in no time!

Why do I need to serve this in a sourdough bread bowl?

You can easily make this easy spinach dip and serve it in a bowl with crackers, pretzels or veggies of your choice. However, if you want to really raise the bar I definitely recommend serving this simple yet delicious appetizer in a homemade sourdough bread bowl. Yes of course you can just hop over to your local store and purchase a loaf of bread, even sourdough– But serving this in your own sourdough bread bowl is just too good- trust me! For years, pre sourdough making, I would always serve this in a store bought bread bowl, and yes it was yummy. However, now that I make my own bread, it’s just too delicious to ever go back! Not to mention the health benefits from consuming homemade sourdough bread.

What are some other yummy recipes you have tried in a bread bowl? Add them in the comments below!