Classic Knorr Spinach Dip Bread Bowl Appetizer
This Knorr spinach dip bread bowl is a classic party dip you stir up in one bowl and call it done. Frozen spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, and the Knorr vegetable recipe mix make it cold and creamy, with just enough crunch from water chestnuts and a little bite from green onions. Serving it in a bread bowl keeps everything neat and gives everyone an easy way to scoop with bread, veggies, or crackers.
As a kid, I can still picture my mom setting this dip out and, honestly, the best part was that Hawaiian bread loaf she tucked it into. I thought it was the coolest thing, pulling off soft pieces of bread and scooping up that creamy dip right from the middle.
When I started having kids, and we needed a go-to appetizer to take somewhere, I kept coming back to it. It always felt a little “nice,” but it’s still so easy to throw together, and it’s a great one for kids to help with when they’re learning their way around the kitchen.
It’s a great choice for holidays, game days, potlucks, and church gatherings when you need an appetizer that can be made ahead, feeds a lot of people, and does not require reheating. For more crowd-pleasing options, try this Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese and Easy Homemade French Onion Dip Recipe, which are great for sharing at parties and gatherings, too.
Key Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Spinach: Use frozen chopped spinach, not fresh. It needs to be fully cooked, cooled, and squeezed very dry so the dip stays thick and not watery. You can also use it to make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip (Creamy, Easy, Crowd-Favorite) for a warm dip option.
- Sour cream: Full-fat gives the most classic texture and flavor, especially for a party dip.
- Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise keeps the dip smooth and rich without tasting heavy.
- Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix: This packet is the seasoning that defines the classic flavor, so do not skip or substitute it.
- Water chestnuts: Canned water chestnuts add crunch and contrast to the creamy base and should be well-drained and chopped.
- Green onions: Mild onion flavor that blends in without overpowering the dip.
- Round bread loaf: A sturdy round loaf, like King’s Hawaiian Sweet Round Bread, works well for holding the dip.
Smart Substitutions
You can swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use light mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter version. If you love that fresh, lighter dip feel, Creamy 2-Minute Yogurt Dill Dip Recipe is another easy one to keep in your back pocket.
How To Make Knorr Spinach Dip Bread Bowl
This comes together easily and is mostly about mixing and chilling. Give yourself time for the dip to rest in the refrigerator so the flavors fully come together before serving.
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Press the cooked spinach between layers of paper towel until very dry, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Tip: Use a potato masher or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the spinach, so you can remove more moisture without tearing the paper towels or making a mess.
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Variations and Recipe Tips
Use a round sourdough loaf if you prefer a thicker crust with less sweetness.
Chill the dip overnight for an even stronger flavor if you are making it ahead.
Serve the dip in a bowl and keep the bread hollowed but unfilled if transporting to an event.
Add extra green onions on top just before serving for a fresh look.
If you do not care for water chestnuts, you can leave them out, but the dip will be softer without the crunch.
Keep the dip cold during long parties by setting the bowl on a tray of ice. If you ever need the same familiar flavor in the classic bowl version, Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip Recipe is a good one to keep handy.
Movie Night with Knorr Spinach Dip Bread Bowl
You don’t need a spotless house or a “real” dinner plan to have people over. A movie night counts, and it can be wonderfully low-key. This Knorr spinach dip bread bowl works so well for friends because it’s prepped ahead and ready the second everyone shows up. No hovering in the kitchen while the opening credits roll.
Set the bread bowl out as the “main snack,” then keep the rest simple with a big bowl of sweet popcorn or spicy popcorn. Everyone can grab a little, get comfy, and you can actually relax and watch the movie together.
If you need one appetizer that disappears fast, this Knorr spinach dip bread bowl is the one people circle back to all night. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help! You can also snap a photo and tag @intentionalhospitality on Instagram.💛 I love seeing your creations!
Knorr Spinach Dip Bread Bowl (Easy Prep-Ahead Party Appetizer)
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, steamer bag, cooked, cooled and squeezed dry s
- 8 ounce water chestnuts, canned, drained and chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package Knorr® Vegetable Recipe Mix
- 1 loaf King's Hawaiian Sweet Round Bread
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables
- Microwave the steamer bag of spinach according to the package directions. Let it cool slightly.10 ounces frozen chopped spinach
- Place the cooked spinach on a few layers of paper towel. Fold the towel over and press firmly with your hands or a potato masher to remove excess moisture. Repeat with a fresh paper towel if needed. Transfer spinach to the large mixing bowl.
- Drain and rough chop water chestnuts8 ounce water chestnuts
- Slice the green onion into small rings.3 green onions
Prepare the Dip
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl.16 ounces sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 package Knorr® Vegetable Recipe Mix
- Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend.
Prep the Bread Bowl
- Slice off the top of the round loaf and hollow out the center to form a bowl.1 loaf King's Hawaiian Sweet Round Bread
- Cut the removed bread into bite-size pieces for dipping.
- Fill the bread bowl right before serving. Place on a large platter with bread prices, veggie sticks or crackers for dipping.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Store the spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do not store the dip inside the bread bowl, as the bread will become soggy.
- If making ahead for a party, keep the dip chilled and fill the bread bowl just before serving.
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I’ve made this for years! If it’s not there for holidays, I get asked where is it! My favorite part is when dip is about gone and we can start ripping into the bread bowl still covered with lots of dip. I also add shredded cheese to mine.
Susan, I agree! Growing up this bread bowl appetizer was expected at holiday parties. I like the idea of adding shredded cheese. I will have to try that next time.