Ranch Spinach Dip (Bread Bowl)

Name: Ranch Spinach Dip Bread Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces sour cream; 8 ounces water chestnuts; 10 ounces chopped spinach; 1 ounce ranch seasoning; 1 French bread round loaf (top cut off and hollowed out); tomatoes (small snack size); celery (trimmed and cut into sticks); carrots (snack size); broccoli (trimmed and cut into bite-sizes florets); bread pieces (cut into bite-sized pieces); cucumbers (sliced); green onions (trimmed)

Easy, creamy, and delicious spinach dip in a bread bowl is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. 5 minutes and 5 ingredients are all you need to make it and an edible serving dish too!

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

When I start planning a party, I start by thinking about what to serve. Usually before I even decide why I’m having a party, or who I am going to invite.

I might even go as far as plan a get together where I only invite two people: myself and a bowl of spinach dip! Does this make me weird?

Nope, not after you try this spinach dip! You too might be having a quiet night in with just you and this handsome bread bowl of yumminess. Like I have had with this beer cheese dip bread bowl, LOL

Even better is that this recipe only uses 4 ingredients! 5 if count the bread bowl, but who’s counting, right?!?!

Like this easy appetizer? Check out my spinach artichoke dip, this Mississippi Sin dip, and my broccoli dip. Warm and cheesy!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclosure policy.

ingredients for this spinach dip with text overlay labeling them

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.

Ingredient Notes

Bread – Use any kind of bread in a decent sized loaf. I love this in sourdough, but pumpernickel, rye, or a brown bread is great too. Something with a nice crust so it holds up to the creamy dip.
Spinach – The original dip uses frozen spinach and that’s perfectly fine. If you have fresh, you can use it. You can even leave it raw, as it will wilt a little in the sour cream. You can also saute it with garlic. Just be sure to drain it well.
Seasonings – Ranch seasoning is the best option here but if not you can substitute a vegetable dip seasoning packet.
Water chestnuts – These are for crunch and totally optional. They are in the original recipe but you can break the rules and leave them out if you like. Use jicama or radishes if you prefer.

For more insider tips, tricks, and a behind the scenes look, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & X.

How To Make Spinach Dip In A Bread Bowl

spinach and sour cream in a bowl with spices and water chestnuts

In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, spinach, water chestnuts, and seasoning. Stir to combine.

spinach dip being mixed in a clear bowl with a spatula

Place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the bread bowl.

bread loaf with the top removed and the inside hollowed out a little

Using a serrated knife, carefully cut around the top, leaving a roughly 1 inch lip. Cut it out and remove part of the inside bread, to make room for the dip. Save the lid and extra bread.

Fill the bread bowl with the chilled dip, cut the lid into bite size pieces, and spread around the bowl to serve.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

spinach dip bread bowl with a celery stick in the dip

Serving Suggestions

This dip is so delicious I can eat it all by itself with a spoon. But, if other people are coming over, I need to share it. So I serve it with

Bread pieces from the loaf
Cherry tomatoes
Sliced cucumbers
Celery sticks
Carrot sticks
Bell peppers
Broccoli florets
Crackers
Chips (thick potato chips, tortilla chips, pita chips)
Crostini

Storage

This dip can be made up to two days in advance as long as you store it in and airtight container in the fridge. Store the dip separately from the bread and add it right before serving to keep the brea from getting soggy.

Because of the dairy in the dip, I wouldn’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. I don’t think you will have to worry about it being around for that long anyway!

bell pepper being dipped into spinach dip

Can you freeze spinach dip?

Technically, you can. Just give it a stir to remix when it’s thawed out. If it gets a little watery, you can place it in a colander lined with paper towels until it’s nice and thick again. Personally, I never freeze mine. It’s so easy to make there is no need to freeze it.

Can you use fresh spinach?

Frozen and chopped is easier but if you want to use fresh spinach, just cook it and drain really well.

What is a substitute for water chestnuts?

If you don’t feel like using water chestnuts, feel free to add celery, onions, artichoke hearts, or even pecans!

bowl of spinach dip with bread piece in it

Hot vs Cold

This dip is traditionally served cold. But you can make it hot if you like. Check out this spinach artichoke bread bowl dip that is a baked dip.

You can also place all the ingredients in a small slow cooker or mini crock pot and turn on low for 1 hour, stirring often.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

Frozen chopped spinach is the easiest to use but fresh also tastes great cooked with garlic.
Add 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for a more intense flavor.
Serve this in a regular serving dish with crostini or crackers and forget the bread bowl.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!

Pinterest pin image for spinach dip bread bowl

This Ranch Spinach Dip Recipe in a Bread Bowl will quickly become your new favorite appetizer, if it isn’t already!