These Spinach Dip Mini Bread Bowls make the best appetizer and party food for your family and friends! These mini bread bowls are filled with creamy cheesy warm spinach dip. They’re bite size and delicious!
Spinach Dip Recipe
Does it get any better than spinach dip? In little bread bowls? Party food and Game Day food is some of my favorite foods to prepare. These little appetizers are perfect for any party where you are having guests over. They’re a huge hit packed with hot cheesy spinach dip in little bread bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bite Size. These spinach dip bowls are bite size and delicious!
- Great Party Food. Spinach dip makes the perfect party food, especially in little bread bowls that are bite size.
- Easy. They’re not only delicious, but they are so simple to make.
Try my Easy Homemade Veggie Dip too! Be sure to follow Picky Palate on Instagram for daily recipe inspiration!
What You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this spinach dip recipe at home. See the recipe card located at the bottom of the post for full details.
- refrigerated french bread loaf– Look for the bread in the refrigerated section of the grocery store near the refrigerated biscuits.
- extra virgin olive oil– Olive oil is used to saute the spinach leaves and garlic.
- bag spinach leaves- Check the produce section of the grocery store near the bagged salad mixes for spinach leaves.
- fresh garlic– Mince your own garlic or use the minced garlic that is found in the jars near the produce section of many grocery stores.
- cream cheese– Use a full fat cream cheese for best results.
- sour cream– I used a light sour cream here, but I prefer full fat sour cream.
- parmesan cheese– Fresh grated Parmesan is preferred. The nicer cheese section of the grocery store often times has packages of fresh grated or shredded Parmesan.
- smoked paprika– The paprika adds just a touch of smoky spice.
- garlic salt– Lawry’s is a good garlic salt if you can find it.
- kosher salt- Kosher salt is a coarse salt commonly used in cooking and baking.
- black pepper– For best tasting results use freshly cracked black pepper.
- shredded mozzarella cheese– Shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top before baking.
Can I Use Other Bread Options?
You sure can! Pizza dough, biscuit dough and crescent dough will work for this recipe.
How To Make Spinach Dip Bread Bowls
Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees F.
Press Bread Dough Into Muffin Cups. Spray 10 regular muffin cups with non stick cooking spray. Unroll package of french bread loaf and slice into 10 equal size slices, about 1 inch thick. Press each slice into about a 3 inch round, I did this by pressing in between my hands. Press into the bottom and up sides of the muffin cup. Set aside.
Cook Spinach and Garlic. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir spinach until wilted, about 3 minutes then add garlic, cook and stir for another minute then turn heat off.
Mix Cream Cheese, Spinach and Seasonings. Place cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach and garlic, smoked paprika, garlic salt, salt and pepper into a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
Scoop Dip Into Bread Cups. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop dip into each of the centers of bread bowls. Top evenly with shredded cheese.
Bake. Bake for 15-17 minutes until just turning brown on edges. Remove and let cool for 3-5 minutes before removing from oven.
What Kind of Muffin Tin Should I Use?
I prefer my non-stick traditional size muffin tin for this recipe. The bread bowls come right out after slightly cooled. Check your local Target or Walmart in the baking pan section. Amazon also has a big selection. If you are not using a non-stick muffin tin, lightly spray with cooking spray.
Recipe Variations
- Make Just The Dip. Instead of baking the spinach dip mixture in the mini bread bowls, you can double the spinach dip portion of the recipe and bake the dip in a 8×8 inch baking dish at 350 degrees F. for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Use cubed bread, crackers and vegetables for dipping.
- Place Dip Into Sourdough Round. You can also use the spinach dip chilled and place it inside a hollowed out sourdough loaf. Double the spinach dip portion of the recipe.
How To Serve Spinach Dip Recipe
Serve little Spinach Dip Bites for any occasion where appetizers are needed. Perfect for game day parties, Holidays, and even weekend entertaining. Serve warm.
How To Store Leftovers
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the spinach dip cups, I recommend reheating in an air fryer. 350 degrees for 5 mintues. Note, these are best enjoyed the day of baking them.
Recipe Tips For Success
- Refrigerated French Loaf handles easier when it comes to room temperature slightly.
- Use pizza dough for an easy substitution for the French Loaf.
- Fresh spinach wilts quickly in hot skillet. Stir and cook until wilted then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before adding to cream cheese mixture.
- The spinach dip is great on its own. You can double the recipe and place it in the center of a sourdough loaf that’s been hollowed out. An easy variation.
- You can also bake the spinach dip in a small baking dish until bubbly and hot. Use chips, bread cubes and vegetables for dipping.
Try More Easy Dip Recipes
Spinach Dip Mini Bread Bowls
Equipment
- Oven
- 12 count muffin tin
- baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- mixing spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 13.3 oz roll of refrigerated french bread loaf I used Pillsbury
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Cups baby spinach coarsely chopped
- 1 clove fresh garlic minced
- 3 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 Cup light sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 10 regular muffin cups with non stick cooking spray. Unroll package of french bread loaf and slice into 10 equal size slices, about 1 inch thick. Press each slice into about a 3 inch round, I did this by pressing in between my hands. Press into the bottom and up sides of the muffin cup. Set aside.
- Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir spinach until wilted, about 3 minutes then add garlic, cook and stir for another minute then turn heat off.
- Place cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach and garlic, smoked paprika, garlic salt, salt and pepper into a medium bowl. Mix until well combined. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop dip into each of the centers of bread bowls. Top evenly with shredded cheese and bake for 15-17 minutes until just turning brown on edges. Remove and let cool for 3-5 minutes before removing from oven.
Notes
- Refrigerated French Loaf handles easier when it comes to room temperature slightly.
- Use pizza dough for an easy substitution for the French Loaf.
- Fresh spinach wilts quickly in hot skillet. Stir and cook until wilted then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before adding to cream cheese mixture.
- The spinach dip is great on its own. You can double the recipe and place it in the center of a sourdough loaf that’s been hollowed out. An easy variation.
- You can also bake the spinach dip in a small baking dish until bubbly and hot. Use chips, bread cubes and vegetables for dipping.
Thanks for sharing the recipe. You do a great job of explaining the steps. Do you serve these warm, or can they be served cold too?
These were delicious. I had to bake them longer to get the crispy brown edges but they were a hit. Thanks 🙂
Awesome! I’m collecting recipe ideas for a graduation party & this is so perfect. Thanks! (I found this via Pinterest…)
Has anyone made these ahead of time..prepped until the baking part and then put in the freezer? What about one day ahead and reheated day of??
Thanks 🙂
I dont know if you are still answering q’s for this but… I am making these for a shower tomorrow and want to try to make ahead of time, do you usually serve hot or cooled? and after they are cooked should they be refrigerated?
These were delicious! The filling was so good and creamy and I loved the bread. Great recipe!
I made these last weekend and they were a hit! Thank you!
These look amazing! I was wondering if they would be any good made a day ahead, refrigerated, then reheated in the oven?
Thanks!
These will be great for football games! I’m always looking for a great appetizer and I really love ones that are individual servings.
No Ancho Pepper spice in the McCormick Gourmet rack at the local Walmart in Copperas Cove, Texas. I was sad. Going to try it anyway, with a little Cayenne instead.
Darn! I bet the cayenne works just fine 🙂 Let me know how it turns out for you!
Cayenne worked fine, though I was a little heavy handed with it. We like things spicy, but my “little extra” was a little too much! They were delicious and gave me a slew of great ideas to use the french bread dough for though. I’m thinking mini pizzas and tuna melts. I’m not sure which to try first!
The options are endless Jackie, have fun experimenting!! I tend to go heavy on the spices too 🙂
Love that there is simply products – have only seen the cookies. Anxiously awaiting the biscuits and cinnamon rolls in central Iowa!
I’m a little sad I’m not hungry right now reading this recipe because my brain wants to eat these NOW, but alas my tummy is full, so I’ll have to wait. They look amazing! You’re so creative…can’t wait to try these!!
I found your website about 2 weeks ago and I love it! I am the only cook in a gorup of 12 friends so I often “cater” our parties. Made the spinach dip bread bowls as a veggie option in my spread and EVERYONE (including my picky bf) gobbled them up.
Not only that, but they were quick and easy to make! Thanks for this recipe and keep them coming!
So great to hear it Anna, lad you are enjoying 🙂
I am having a big party tomorrow and want to try these, is it ok to make the spinach dip today (one day ahead)?
Saw this today and decided to make it, VERY glad I did! Yum! My husband and I loved these! I goofed and mixed the mozzarella in and it still turned out tastey!
I made these last night for my church’s small group night and they were so delicious! Gone very quickly too! Can’t wait to make a batch just for myself next time 🙂
These are insanely cute!!! I didn’t know about that new line of Pillsbury dough – good to know! Can’t wait to try these out!
Hi Jenny, I am making these for my sons Birthday party so I have a few (silly) questions. Can I prepare these in advance and if so, how long? Is one bag of baby spinach about 2 cups?
Thanks!
Jenny, do you think I could use some of my pillsbury biscuit dough instead? Does it matter that it’s the French loaf?
Oh my gosh, what a cute idea.
I made these tonight and they were delicious! thanks for the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed them Crystal!!
These were so good! I impressed all my friends (since I am usually not a cooker at all) and everyone loved them! Can’t wait to make them again!
OMG Jenny you are soooooo brilliant! You never cease to amaze and inspire me! These are so stinkin’ cute and look perfect! Great job thank you for sharing your awesome-ness with us! 😉
Making these for the game today! Maybe some of them will actually make it to kick-off time 🙂
These were great! I made them in mini-muffin tins, and just divided the dough into 24 sections. I found they took a little longer to cook at my house (like 18-20 min). Definately serve warm – they’re not as good when they cool (still good, but better warm). Also, I subbed lower fat cream cheese, sour cream and part skim mozzarella and they came out to be 1 “points plus” point each for Weight Watchers. YUM! Thank you!!
I would totally eat these. yum!
Genius. All things wonderful in an itty bitty package. Seriously thinking about making this for the weekend.
Thanks for the inspiration! I mentioned the recipe on my blog today.
LOVE IT! Your dip and bread all in one handheld bite!
LOVE spinach dip and this is so completely deeevine sounding and looking too;)
These are dangerous! I would eat 20 in one sitting.
delicious! I love spinach dip.
I can’t wait to try these. I’m searching now for other fillings I can use also!
I absolutely love this idea. I can almost taste them!
This looks so great!! 🙂 I love all your recipes!! Thank you!
What a fun idea, Jenny! I would love to try these with puff pastry, too.
Wow…these look so good. I was searching for ideas for a Superbowl party this Sunday and now I have my first menu item. Thanks so much for the wonderful recipe. : )