Super Bowl Spinach Dip

The first Super Bowl party I ever hosted, someone arrived three hours early and I panicked. I threw together whatever was in the fridge, and this spinach dip saved me. Now it is the one thing everyone actually asks about before the game even starts.

Last year I forgot to buy extra bread for dipping and everyone fought over the crispy lid pieces. Now I always save every single crumb from hollowing out the loaf. Those buttery, salty cubes disappear faster than the actual dip.

Ingredients

• 1 large round sourdough loaf: The sturdy crust holds up to baking and the tangy flavor cuts through all that rich cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use this to sauté the onions until they are sweet and translucent, not browned
• 1 small yellow onion: Finely chopped so they melt into the dip instead of staying chunky
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives you that aromatic kick that powder cannot replicate
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach: Thaw completely and squeeze out every drop of water or your dip will be watery
• 8 oz cream cheese: Soften this at room temperature so it blends smoothly into the other ingredients
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds that tangy creaminess that balances the heavy cheeses
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This sounds strange but it makes the dip velvety and rich
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates those beautiful cheese pulls everyone loves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth to the whole mix
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust this depending on how salty your cheeses are
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly cracked gives you the best aroma
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but such a nice background warmth

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get it to 350°F so it is ready when you are

Prepare the bread bowl:

Cut off the top and hollow out the center, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell all around

Sauté the aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onion and cook 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic for 1 minute more

Add the spinach:

Stir in the squeezed spinach and cook for 2 minutes to remove any remaining moisture

Mix the creamy base:

Combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth

Combine everything:

Fold the spinach mixture into the cheese mixture until fully incorporated

Fill and bake:

Spoon the dip into your bread bowl, place on a baking sheet, and bake 25 minutes until bubbly and the bread is golden

Serve it up:

Bring it to the table immediately with those reserved bread cubes and whatever crackers or veggies you grabbed

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My sister in law still talks about the time I accidentally used a sweet bread bowl instead of sourdough. It was weirdly good but now I double check every loaf at the store.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble everything in the bread bowl, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Just add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if it is cold from the refrigerator.

Serving Ideas

Beyond the obvious bread cubes, I like putting out thick carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, and sturdy potato chips. The salty crunch against the warm dip is honestly perfect.

Easy Variations

Sometimes I throw in a handful of chopped artichoke hearts or add a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone. A little cooked bacon never hurt anyone either.

• Try adding a cup of chopped cooked crab for a special occasion version
• Swap half the mozzarella for gruyère if you want something fancier
• Mix in some roasted red peppers for color and sweetness

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Hope this dip becomes the star of your next gathering. There is something so satisfying about scraping the last bits of cheesy bread from the bowl.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of bread works best?

A large round sourdough loaf is ideal for its sturdy crust that crisps during baking while holding the dip well.

→ Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dip in the bread bowl, cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking.

→ How do I ensure the spinach isn’t watery?

Thaw frozen spinach fully and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.

→ Can I add other flavors to the dip?

For extra depth, consider including smoked paprika or chopped artichoke hearts before baking.

→ What can I serve with the dip?

Reserved toasted bread cubes, raw vegetables like carrots and celery, crackers, or chips all work well for dipping.