Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, gooey dip nestled within crusty bread, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was for a gathering with friends who were all too eager to dive into a delicious appetizer. The moment I pulled it from the oven, the aroma of melted cheese and sautéed vegetables wafted through the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen. As we gathered around the table, laughter filled the room, and I realized that this simple recipe had a way of bringing people together. Whether for a game night, a family dinner, or just a cozy evening at home, this Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with joy, flavor, and memories.

Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread Ingredients

When it comes to the ingredients for this Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread, each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. The key players in this dish, such as spinach, cream cheese, and a variety of cheeses, work together harmoniously to form a creamy filling that’s simply irresistible. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• 1 loaf French bread
• 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained/patted dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons prepared pesto (I use Basil pesto from Costco)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I use reduced-fat)
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened (I use ⅓ less fat)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (I use reduced-fat)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Cooking Method for Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread

Making this Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread is like going on a culinary adventure. The process is straightforward, yet each step adds layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial as a hot oven will ensure your bread gets perfectly crisp while the filling becomes hot and bubbly.
2. Slice about 2 inches deep through the top of the French bread, and continue to cut a large rectangle. Remove the top of the bread and hollow out 2 inches deep to create a shallow rectangular bread bowl. Set aside. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you want a sturdy base to hold the filling.
3. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft. You want them to become translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the red bell pepper and garlic to the pan, sautéing for one more minute. The aroma should be delightful at this point, filling your kitchen with savory goodness.
5. Stir in the spinach, pesto, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise until well combined. Make sure to cook the mixture just long enough to warm through the spinach, giving it a chance to absorb all those flavors.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add cream cheese into the mix, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture. This is where the magic happens – the filling starts to become luscious.
7. Next, stir in sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese until everything is combined and creamy. You should notice the mixture thickening up beautifully.
8. Once your filling is ready, spoon the spinach dip into the hollowed-out French bread. Make sure you fill it generously, as this will be the star of the dish.
9. Top with mozzarella cheese. This will melt into a golden, gooey layer that everyone will love.
10. Place your stuffed bread onto a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
11. After baking, let the bread sit for approximately 5 minutes to cool. This will help you avoid burning yourself when slicing.
12. Slice and serve warm, and enjoy the fantastic reactions from your family and friends!

Change It Up

If you’re looking to tweak this Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread to suit your tastes or the season, here are some great ideas:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the spinach dip filling before baking. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then stuff and bake as directed.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or vegetable platter, providing a nice balance to the rich dip.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly version, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian or use a substitute.
• Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs like dill, thyme, or even a dash of hot sauce for some kick!
• Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese. Mixing in some blue cheese can add a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving the Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread, there are numerous ways to make the experience even more enjoyable:

• Share with Friends: This dish is perfect for gatherings. Place it in the center of the table and let everyone dig in.
• Accompany with Sides: Serve alongside a light salad, such as Caesar or Greek, to balance the richness of the dip.
• Perfect for Parties: Bring it to potlucks or game nights – it’s sure to be the highlight of the spread!
• Seasonal Pairings: In winter, serve with warm roasted vegetables; in summer, pair with fresh cut veggies or chips.
• Make it a Meal: Serve it with a hearty soup or hearty side dishes like stuffed mushrooms to create a satisfying meal.
• Leftover Ideas: Use any leftover filling to make pasta or as a topping for baked potatoes!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread is truly a crowd-pleaser, combining rich flavors and a creamy texture all in one delightful dish. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, offering a warm, cheesy experience that everyone will love. So why not whip it up tonight? I promise you won’t regret it, and your loved ones will be singing your praises around the table!

Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread

The ultimate comfort food, this Easy Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread combines creamy spinach and melted cheese, all encased in warm, crusty bread. It’s the ideal easy weeknight dinner or party appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf French bread
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and thoroughly drained/patted dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 unit onion diced
• 1/2 unit red bell pepper diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons prepared pesto (I use Basil pesto from Costco)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I use reduced-fat)
• 4 oz cream cheese softened (I use ⅓ less fat)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (I use reduced-fat)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Skillet
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial as a hot oven will ensure your bread gets perfectly crisp while the filling becomes hot and bubbly.
2. Slice about 2 inches deep through the top of the French bread, and continue to cut a large rectangle. Remove the top of the bread and hollow out 2 inches deep to create a shallow rectangular bread bowl. Set aside. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you want a sturdy base to hold the filling.
3. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft. You want them to become translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the red bell pepper and garlic to the pan, sautéing for one more minute. The aroma should be delightful at this point, filling your kitchen with savory goodness.
5. Stir in the spinach, pesto, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise until well combined. Make sure to cook the mixture just long enough to warm through the spinach, giving it a chance to absorb all those flavors.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add cream cheese into the mix, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture. This is where the magic happens – the filling starts to become luscious.
7. Next, stir in sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese until everything is combined and creamy. You should notice the mixture thickening up beautifully.
8. Once your filling is ready, spoon the spinach dip into the hollowed-out French bread. Make sure you fill it generously, as this will be the star of the dish.
9. Top with mozzarella cheese. This will melt into a golden, gooey layer that everyone will love.
10. Place your stuffed bread onto a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
11. After baking, let the bread sit for approximately 5 minutes to cool. This will help you avoid burning yourself when slicing.
12. Slice and serve warm, and enjoy the fantastic reactions from your family and friends!

Notes

• Tip 1: You can prepare spinach dip in advance and store in the refrigerator separate from bread. When ready to bake, heat dip in microwave until warm then spoon into French bread and bake as directed.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.