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Lightened-Up Spider Web Spinach Dip Bread Bowl Recipe

lightened-up spider web spinach dip bread bowl - featured image
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A creamy, cheesy spinach dip served in a sourdough bread bowl with a festive spider web design on top. This lightened-up version uses Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese to cut calories without sacrificing flavor, making it the perfect party appetizer for Halloween or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed completely dry
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat preferred)
  • 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (part-skim recommended)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) dry vegetable soup mix (e.g., Knorr)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reserved for spider web)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (for spider web)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
  • 1 large round sourdough bread loaf (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thaw frozen spinach according to package directions, then squeeze completely dry in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add dry vegetable soup mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir again.
  3. Fold in squeezed spinach, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and all of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Using a serrated knife, cut a 4-inch circle out of the top of the bread loaf. Set top aside. Hollow out the inside, leaving a 1-inch thick wall. Save bread pieces for dipping.
  5. Brush inside of bread bowl with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Spoon dip mixture into hollowed bread bowl, packing gently. Smooth top with a spatula.
  6. Place filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbling around edges.
  7. While dip bakes, make spider web topping: In a small bowl, mix reserved 1/4 cup mozzarella, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon milk. Microwave 15-20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  8. After 20 minutes, remove bread bowl from oven. Snip corner off bag and pipe a small circle in center of dip. Pipe concentric circles around it, spaced about 1 inch apart. Using a toothpick, drag lines from center outward through all circles to create spider web pattern.
  9. Return to oven and bake 5-10 more minutes, until web is melted and slightly golden. Serve immediately with reserved bread pieces and additional dippers.

Notes

Squeeze spinach completely dry to avoid watery dip. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth texture. If bread bowl browns too quickly, tent with foil. For gluten-free option, bake dip in a casserole dish and serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach dip, bread bowl, Halloween appetizer, lightened-up dip, spider web dip, party dip, sourdough bread bowl, Greek yogurt dip

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/lightened-up-spider-web-spinach-dip-bread-bowl-recipe/