Nell'S Spinach Dip In Bread Shell
A creamy spinach dip with water chestnuts, served in a hollowed-out bread loaf with bread pieces for dipping, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together: frozen chopped spinach, chopped water chestnuts, vegetable soup mix, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Hollow out a round bread loaf to create a cavity for the dip.
- Pour the mixed dip into the hollowed-out bread loaf.
- Arrange bread pieces around the edge of the loaf for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or garlic powder. If you can't find frozen chopped spinach, fresh spinach can be used instead; just cook and chop it beforehand. For a lighter dip, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. Serve the dip with a variety of bread types or even fresh vegetables for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spinach dip with a variety of dippers like toasted bread pieces, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful platter. It pairs beautifully with other appetizers, making it perfect for parties. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing salad like the Low-Fat One Cup Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dip in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. The bread shell can be kept separate and toasted slightly before serving, ensuring it stays crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nell'S Spinach Dip In Bread Shell contains roughly 449 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 545mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach for frozen. You'll need to cook about 1 pound of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop it before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will provide a fresher flavor and texture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make the dip healthier, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream or substituting Greek yogurt for both. You can also add in chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to increase the nutritional value.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the dip ingredients together a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just hollow out the bread and fill it just before serving to keep the bread fresh and avoid sogginess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).