Sourdough Bread Bowl Dip
A creamy clam and cheese dip served in a hollowed sourdough bread bowl, perfect for sharing at parties and enjoyed with bread pieces or dippers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225°F (107°C).
- Cut off the top of the bread 1 inch from the top and hollow out the loaf with a fork to form a bowl.
- Reserve the bread pieces in an airtight bag to use as dippers.
- Mix the softened cream cheese, drained chopped clams, reserved clam juice, salt, lemon juice, minced green onions, and minced parsley to make the dip.
- Pour the mixture into the hollowed-out loaf.
- Replace the top of the loaf and wrap the entire loaf in foil.
- Bake for 3 hours.
- Serve the bread bowl with reserved bread pieces for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If clams aren't available, canned tuna or crab can be a great substitute, making it a versatile option for seafood recipes. Also, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread bowl dip warm with the reserved bread pieces for dipping, and consider adding a side of crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for extra texture. This dish pairs beautifully with Cheesy Crab Rolls for a delightful seafood-themed meal that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftover bread, store it separately to maintain its texture. To reheat the dip, place it in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sourdough Bread Bowl Dip contains roughly 109 calories, with 9g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (81% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just hollow out the bread and fill it with the dip right before baking to keep the bread fresh and crispy.
What can I use instead of clams?
If clams are not your preference, canned tuna or crab meat make excellent substitutes. Just drain them well before mixing them into the dip. This allows you to enjoy a delicious seafood dip without being limited to clams.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure that the bread is well-hollowed out, leaving only a thin layer. Wrapping it in foil during baking helps maintain moisture, but you can also serve the dip immediately after baking to keep the bread crust crispy.
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).