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Cheesy Spinach Cob Loaf Dip in a Bread Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cheesy Spinach Cob Loaf is a delightful and indulgent dip served right in a hollowed-out round loaf of bread. Packed with wilted spinach, a creamy blend of cheeses including cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, and cheddar, and enhanced with garlic, chili flakes, and lemon zest, it offers a perfect balance of flavors. The bread bowl gets toasted to a golden, crunchy finish, making it perfect for scooping up the warm, gooey dip. Ideal for parties or cozy gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing appetizer in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Bowl and Toppings

  • 1 large round loaf of bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes, divided
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sweet chili jam

Spinach Dip

  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 350g (12oz) spinach leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • ½ cup mozzarella, grated, divided
  • ½ cup cheddar, grated
  • 1 lemon, zested (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your bread bowl: Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan. Slice off the top of your round loaf and carve out the inside to create a hollow cavity. Keep the removed bread pieces for later use.
  2. Prepare the bread scraps: Slice the top and the hollowed out bread into chunks, place them on a lined oven tray, and drizzle with some olive oil to crisp up during baking.
  3. Wilt the spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a pan. Add crushed garlic, salt, and 1 teaspoon chili flakes. After stirring for a minute, add the chopped spinach in batches if necessary. Stir the spinach as it wilts and releases water. Cover with a lid if available to speed wilting. Continue stirring the wilted spinach for a few minutes until most of the water evaporates to avoid a watery dip.
  4. Add the cheeses and seasoning: Mix cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and sour cream (if using) through the wilted spinach. Stir in three-quarters of the grated mozzarella and all the cheddar, allowing them to melt into the mixture. Finish with lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Fill the bread bowl: Transfer the spinach and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaf cavity. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and chili flakes over the top.
  6. Bake the dip: Place the filled bread bowl and bread scraps on the oven tray and bake for 20 minutes, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle sweet chili jam over the hot dip. Arrange crispy bread chunks around the bowl and serve immediately with extra crackers and crudités for dipping.

Notes

  • If sour cream is unavailable, you can omit it without compromising the creamy texture too much.
  • For a spicier dip, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies.
  • Using a fan-forced oven ensures even crisping of the bread bowl and toppings.
  • Make sure to thoroughly wilt and evaporate excess moisture from the spinach to prevent a watery dip.
  • Leftover bread scraps are perfect for serving as dippers or can be toasted further and stored for snacks.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/cheesy-spinach-cob-loaf-dip-in-a-bread-bowl-recipe/