Smoked Spinach & Artichoke Dip in a Bread Bowl – Creamy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing 🧄🧀🥖
Looking for an appetizer that’ll wow your guests and disappear in minutes? This Smoked Spinach & Artichoke Dip in a Bread Bowl is your answer. Creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and baked inside a crusty sourdough loaf, this dip delivers serious comfort and party cred in every scoop. The addition of smoked paprika takes it to a whole new level—like your favorite classic spinach-artichoke dip got a bold, smoky upgrade.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of dips, but this one’s my go-to for gatherings and game days. It’s rustic, rich, and totally satisfying. The bread bowl is both functional and edible, and the dip itself is layered with cheese, garlic, spinach, and just the right hint of smoky depth. Bonus: it’s easy to prep ahead and bake just before guests arrive.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (canned or frozen)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Bread Bowl:
- 1 round sourdough loaf (or similar sturdy bread)
- Bread cubes (from the hollowed loaf) for dipping
Swaps and Notes
- No bread bowl? Serve the dip in a baking dish with crackers, chips, or crostini.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Mix up the cheeses: Gouda or smoked cheddar bring even more smoky flavor.
- Fresh greens? Sub fresh spinach—just cook it down and squeeze out the moisture first.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prep the Bread Bowl
- Slice off the top of the sourdough loaf and hollow out the inside.
- Cut removed bread into cubes for dipping and set aside.
- Place the bread bowl on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Make the Dip
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone (if using), lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the sautéed garlic, spinach, and artichokes until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Spoon the mixture into the bread bowl and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 minutes more, until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve
- Serve hot with the bread cubes or additional chips, crostini, or veggies for dipping.
- Enjoy the contrast of crispy edges, creamy center, and warm, cheesy goodness.
Tips for Success
- Squeeze out spinach well: Extra moisture can water down the dip.
- Use room-temp cream cheese: It blends better and makes the dip ultra creamy.
- Bake uncovered last: This step gives you that irresistible golden top.
- Toast your bread cubes: For extra crunch, toast the bread chunks while the dip bakes.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Round out your spread with other crave-worthy appetizers:
- 🧄 Pair with Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders for a gooey, garlicky combo.
- 🧀 Double down on cheese with Beer Cheese Dip.
- 🥪 Dip and dunk with Cheesy Hot Sandwich Dip.
- 🌮 Hosting a crowd? Add Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
- 🧂 Keep things bold with Dorito Casserole.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store any leftover dip (remove from bread) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a small baking dish at 325°F until bubbly.
- Freezer: Not recommended—the creamy base doesn’t freeze well.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love melty cheese and crowd-pleasing comfort foods, try these next:
- Beer Cheese Dip – cheesy, bold, and addictive.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – easy and perfect for entertaining.
- Cheesy Chicken Sliders – bite-sized bliss.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Spinach & Artichoke Dip in a Bread Bowl is everything an appetizer should be—creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and meant for sharing. The smoky paprika gives it just enough flair to stand out, while the bread bowl adds that rustic wow factor. Bring this to your next party and just watch it vanish.
Tried it? Tag me and let me know how it went! And don’t forget to follow for more irresistibly cheesy, party-ready recipes. 🧄🧀✨
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