Snowball Dip
A savory seafood dip served inside a hollowed loaf of bread, featuring clam flavors and creamy textures, perfect for parties and gatherings with fresh vegetables and bread cubes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the top from the bread loaf with a sharp knife and set aside.
- Hollow out the loaf, leaving a 1 1/2 to 2-inch thick shell.
- Cut the removed bread into cubes and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the drained chopped clams, reserved clam liquid, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, and salt until well blended.
- On a baking sheet, make a cross with two sheets of aluminum foil, each long enough to cover the loaf.
- Pour the clam mixture into the bread shell.
- Cover with the top of the bread loaf.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 3 hours and then wrap in foil.
- Serve with cut-up vegetables for dipping and bread cubes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream cheese instead of regular. You can also substitute fresh clams if you prefer, but ensure they are properly cleaned and cooked before adding. If you want to add a twist, incorporate some chopped herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the flavor. This dip pairs beautifully with cut-up vegetables for dipping and the leftover bread cubes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Snowball Dip warm with the hollowed-out bread cubes and an assortment of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers for dipping. This dish also works well alongside crackers or toasted baguette slices. For a complete appetizer spread, consider offering it with Jane's Shrimp Dip and other seafood recipes to delight your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture of the cream cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snowball Dip contains roughly 382 calories, with 13g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make Snowball Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the clam mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just hollow out the bread and assemble it before baking. This allows the flavors to meld nicely, making the dip even more delicious.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
While traditional Snowball Dip is seafood-based, you can create a vegetarian version by using artichoke hearts or spinach in place of clams. Mix in some cream cheese, chopped bell peppers, and seasonings for a tasty alternative that still delivers a creamy dip experience.
What can I serve with Snowball Dip?
In addition to fresh vegetables and bread cubes, consider serving it with a variety of crackers, toasted pita chips, or even tortilla chips. This versatile dip can also be paired with fruit slices for a unique flavor contrast. It’s perfect for gatherings and parties.
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).