Spinach Dip In French Bread
A creamy spinach dip with garlic, lemon, and green onion, served in a hollowed French bread loaf. Perfect for parties and gatherings, offering fresh, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) light cream cheese (Neufchatel), cut up ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. milk ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) round loaf French bread ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, cream cheese, milk, minced garlic, shredded lemon peel, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
- Stir in the sliced green onion. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some grated Parmesan cheese into the spinach mixture. If you prefer a creamier dip, swap the light cream cheese for regular cream cheese or sour cream. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add some diced jalapeños. This dip can also be served with tortilla chips for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach dip directly in the hollowed-out French bread for a rustic presentation. Pair it with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for added crunch. This dip is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Caramel Apple Nut Cake for dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, scoop the dip into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. Avoid overheating as it may change the texture. Serve it again with fresh French bread or crackers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Dip In French Bread contains roughly 510 calories, with 7g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 678mg per serving (29% 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 for this dip?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach for frozen. Use about 1 pound of fresh spinach, cooked and thoroughly drained. Make sure to chop it finely before mixing it into the dip to ensure even distribution and texture.
How can I make this dip ahead of time?
You can prepare the spinach dip a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving to ensure the ingredients are well combined again.
What can I do if my dip is too thick?
If your spinach dip turns out too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk, sour cream, or even plain yogurt. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired creaminess without compromising the flavor.
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).