Spinach In A Bread Basket
A savory spinach dip served in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl, combining smooth mayonnaise, chopped spinach, water chestnuts, and leek soup mix for a creamy, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow flavors to blend.
- Prior to serving, cut the top off a round loaf of sourdough bread.
- Hollow out the inside of the bread loaf.
- Fill the hollowed-out bread with the spinach mixture just before serving.
- Serve with cubes of sourdough bread.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding grated cheese or a dash of hot sauce to the spinach mixture. If you're short on time, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just sauté it briefly to reduce moisture. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. This dish is perfect for entertaining, as it can be prepared ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
This dish works wonderfully as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. Serve it with a fresh salad or vegetable platter for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Fruit Fluff for a delightful contrast. Consider using the bread scraps for dipping into the mixture, making it a fun and interactive dish for guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the bread starts to get soggy, you can serve the mixture with fresh bread cubes instead. Reheat the mixture gently in a microwave if desired, but it is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach In A Bread Basket contains roughly 754 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 571mg per serving (25% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made up to a day in advance. Just prepare the spinach mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Hollow out the bread and fill it just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
What can I use instead of sourdough bread?
Any crusty bread can work well in this recipe. Consider using a round rye or pumpernickel loaf for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you could serve the spinach mixture with crackers or pita chips if you prefer.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make this dish more substantial, you could add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced grilled chicken to the spinach mixture. Also, serving it alongside a hearty soup or salad can make for a complete meal.
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).