Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread is the ultimate appetizer that combines two beloved classics: creamy spinach artichoke dip and crispy garlic bread. This indulgent dish features a warm, crusty loaf of French bread loaded with a rich, savory topping of cheeses, spinach, and artichoke hearts, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, this cheesy bread is incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. Every slice is a perfect bite of creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread
Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread is the ultimate comfort food creation. It takes two of the best appetizers and combines them into one delicious, easy-to-make dish. The creamy, savory dip baked onto a warm, crusty bread is a match made in heaven.
It’s perfect for sharing, incredibly satisfying, and requires minimal effort for a huge flavor payoff. This recipe is destined to become a go-to for any occasion that calls for something cheesy, warm, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 8 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 Crostini or French bread loaf
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the oven and bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on a large baking sheet.
Step 2: Make the spinach artichoke mixture
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the spinach and artichokes
Ensure the thawed spinach is thoroughly drained. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent the dip from becoming soggy. Add the drained spinach and the chopped artichoke hearts to the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the bread
Spread the spinach artichoke mixture evenly over the two halves of the French bread, covering the entire surface from edge to edge.
Step 5: Top with cheese and bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the spinach artichoke layer.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy. For an extra golden top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into individual portions and serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey.
Expert Tips for Success
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Drain everything well: The key to a perfect texture is to squeeze all the moisture out of the thawed spinach and drain the artichoke hearts thoroughly.
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Use softened cream cheese: This ensures your dip base is smooth and easy to mix without any lumps.
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Freshly grated cheese is best: Grate your own Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melting quality and flavor.
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Choose the right bread: A sturdy loaf of French bread or a crusty Italian loaf holds up well to the creamy topping.
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Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the bread to ensure it gets crispy but doesn’t burn.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Add some spice: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat.
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Make it meaty: Stir in some crispy, crumbled turkey bacon or shredded cooked chicken for a heartier version.
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Different cheeses: Swap mozzarella for a blend of provolone, fontina, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
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Add more veggies: Finely chopped red onion or sun-dried tomatoes can add extra flavor and color.
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Lighter version: Use light cream cheese, light sour cream, and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Serving Ideas
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Party appetizer: Slice it into small, shareable pieces for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
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Comfort food dinner: Serve larger slices alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a fresh green salad.
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Game day favorite: It’s the perfect cheesy, dippable bread to enjoy while watching the game.
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As a side dish: Serve it with grilled chicken or steak instead of traditional garlic bread.
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Quick lunch: A single slice makes for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the spinach artichoke dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just spread it on the bread and bake.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes. You’ll need to cook down about 1 pound of fresh spinach, let it cool, and then squeeze out all the excess moisture before using.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best results, reheat the bread in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, until it’s warm and the crust is crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Can I use canned artichoke hearts?
Yes, canned artichoke hearts work perfectly. Just be sure to drain them well and chop them before adding to the mixture.
Print
Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The ultimate shareable appetizer combining creamy spinach artichoke dip with crispy garlic bread. A rich blend of cheeses, spinach, and artichoke hearts baked on a crusty loaf until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or crostini
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
- 8 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice bread in half lengthwise and place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Squeeze all excess water from the spinach. Stir drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts into the cheese mixture.
- Spread the mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and bread is golden brown. For extra crispness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
Squeeze spinach completely dry to avoid a soggy topping.
Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free dip base.
Freshly grated cheese provides better melt and flavor.
A sturdy loaf of French or Italian bread is ideal for this recipe.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 loaf
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cheesy spinach artichoke bread, garlic bread dip, party appetizer, baked spinach dip, easy cheese bread recipe
