Spinach Bread Appetizer
A creamy spinach dip served inside a hollowed-out French bread loaf, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering savory flavors with a crispy bread accompaniment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the defrosted and squeezed spinach, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and chopped green onions.
- Scoop out the center of the French bread loaf to create a hollow space.
- Fill the hollowed-out bread with the spinach mixture.
- Arrange bread cubes around the loaf for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
Make sure to thoroughly squeeze the defrosted spinach to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy mixture. For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also use low-fat cream cheese if desired. Adding garlic powder or fresh herbs can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious spinach bread appetizer warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or can be enjoyed alongside other appetizers like the Pink Cloud Jello Dessert. For a festive touch, serve it at parties or gatherings where you can also showcase other vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, remove the spinach mixture from the bread and microwave it until warm. If you prefer a crispier bread, place the hollowed loaf back in the oven for a few minutes before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Bread Appetizer contains roughly 1071 calories, with 12g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% 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 this spinach bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just hollow out the bread and fill it right before serving to keep the bread fresh and crispy.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you want a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, consider using avocado or a mixture of Greek yogurt and olive oil. This will add creaminess while reducing the calorie count.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute the French bread loaf with a gluten-free bread option available at most grocery stores. Just ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the cream cheese and sour cream, are gluten-free.
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).