Spinach Artichoke Football Bread: Amazing Game Day Dip

Spinach artichoke football bread has become my absolute go-to for any gathering, especially game day! I still remember the first time I made it for my friends during a nail-biting playoff game. The aroma of warm, cheesy goodness filled my kitchen, and as soon as that football-shaped bread bowl came out of the oven, golden and bubbly, everyone was hooked. It’s so much more than just a dip; it’s a centerpiece that brings people together. This easy football bread recipe transforms a classic favorite into a fun, edible work of art, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any football party recipe. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Artichoke Football Bread

• The flavor is unbelievably rich and satisfying, a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and tangy.
• It’s a surprisingly easy football bread recipe, taking minimal effort for maximum impact.
• You get a good dose of veggies from the spinach and artichokes, making it a slightly healthier appetizer option.
• Using a store-bought loaf and common pantry staples makes this a budget-friendly choice for feeding a crowd.
• Kids and adults alike adore the fun football shape and the interactive dipping experience.
• This is hands-down the best spinach artichoke bread for any party, guaranteed to disappear fast!
• The creamy spinach artichoke bread is perfect for game days, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
• It’s a showstopper that’s almost too pretty to eat, but incredibly delicious.

Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Football Bread

Crafting this delicious spinach artichoke football bread is simple with these key ingredients. The foundation is 1 large round loaf crusty bread (sourdough or country-style), which holds up beautifully to the filling. For that signature creamy texture in our creamy spinach artichoke bread, we use 8 oz cream cheese, softened, mixed with ½ cup sour cream and ½ cup mayonnaise. The stars of the show are 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained (make sure to squeeze out all the water!) and 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped. To get that irresistible cheesy pull, we add 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, flavor boosters include 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. For a little kick, you can add an optional pinch of red pepper flakes.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Football Bread

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is the first step in learning how to make football bread.
2. Step 2: Take your large round loaf of crusty bread. Carefully slice off the top third, like removing a lid. Then, gently scoop out the soft interior, leaving a sturdy 1-inch thick wall. This creates your edible bread bowl.
3. Step 3: Now, let’s shape this into a football! Gently mold the bread loaf into an oval shape. Once you’re happy with the football form, use a knife to score the laces on the top crust. This adds a fun, authentic touch.
4. Step 4: Set the bread bowl aside for a moment. Take the scooped-out bread pieces and arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. These will be perfect for dipping later.
5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the well-drained chopped spinach and the drained and chopped artichoke hearts. The mixture will start looking like that classic, beloved dip.
7. Step 7: Stir in most of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Reserve a small handful of the cheese mixture to sprinkle on top later for an extra golden crust.
8. Step 8: Spoon this glorious, creamy spinach artichoke filling generously into your prepared bread bowl. Make sure to fill it right to the edges. Sprinkle the reserved cheese mixture evenly over the top. This step ensures your spinach artichoke appetizer bread is perfectly cheesy.
9. Step 9: Place the filled bread bowl onto the baking sheet alongside the bread chunks you set aside earlier.
10. Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the dip to be hot and bubbly, and the top of the bread to be a beautiful golden brown. If the crust starts browning too quickly, don’t worry! You can loosely tent the bread with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
11. Step 11: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the spinach artichoke football bread rest for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
12. Step 12: Serve this amazing spinach artichoke appetizer bread hot, right from the bowl, with the toasted bread cubes, fresh veggie sticks, or your favorite chips for dipping.

Pro Tips for the Best Spinach Artichoke Football Bread

Want to make your football bread truly unforgettable? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that elevate this dish from great to spectacular. These tips ensure your spinach artichoke football bread is a guaranteed hit at any party.

• Always use a sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough or a good country loaf. It holds up best to the creamy filling and prevents sogginess.
• Don’t skimp on draining the spinach! Squeeze out as much liquid as humanly possible. This is crucial for the perfect dip consistency.
• If you’re short on time, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, but grating your own cheese melts better and tastes fresher.

What’s the secret to perfect Spinach Artichoke Football Bread?

The real secret to a truly perfect spinach artichoke cheesy bread is the balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, plus ensuring your spinach is squeezed completely dry. A good quality crusty bread also makes a huge difference in texture. For more information on achieving the best flavor profiles in cooking, check out these tips.

Can I make Spinach Artichoke Football Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble this homemade spinach artichoke bread up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. If baking from cold, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to save time on busy days, similar to how one might prepare for special occasions.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spinach Artichoke Football Bread?

The most common pitfall is a watery dip, so make sure you wash and drain spinach thoroughly. Also, don’t scoop out too much bread, or your bowl might collapse. Finally, watch the baking time; tent with foil if the crust browns too fast. Learning from common cooking errors can lead to better results.

Best Ways to Serve Spinach Artichoke Football Bread

This amazing spinach artichoke bread for parties is a showstopper on its own, but serving it with the right accompaniments takes it to the next level! The toasted bread cubes that come with the loaf are the obvious first choice for dipping into that warm, gooey filling. I also love pairing it with crisp raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery slices, and bell pepper strips for a fresh contrast.

For heartier appetites or more substantial gatherings, consider adding tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, or even some pita bread wedges to the spread. This ensures everyone has their favorite way to scoop up every last bit of this delicious spinach artichoke bread bowl. It’s the ultimate appetizer that keeps guests coming back for more! For more ideas on party planning, consider these entertaining tips.

Nutrition Facts for Spinach Artichoke Football Bread

Per serving (this recipe makes about 8-10 servings):

• Calories: 295
• Fat: 19g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 13g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of bread and cheese. For general information on nutritional guidelines, you can refer to resources like the USDA MyPlate.

How to Store and Reheat Spinach Artichoke Football Bread

Once your delicious spinach artichoke football bread has cooled slightly, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to maintain its wonderful texture and flavor. Allow the bread bowl to cool completely at room temperature before storing. For short-term storage, wrap the entire spinach artichoke bread bowl tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

If you need to store this appetizer for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled bread bowl securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. This homemade spinach artichoke bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the bread may be slightly softer. Proper food storage is key to enjoying leftovers, much like preserving memories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Artichoke Football Bread

What is spinach artichoke football bread?

Spinach artichoke football bread is a fun, edible appetizer where a hollowed-out loaf of crusty bread, shaped like a football, is filled with a warm, creamy, and cheesy spinach artichoke dip. It’s a showstopper, especially for game day parties, and often served with the scooped-out bread pieces for dipping.

Can I make spinach artichoke stuffed bread variations?

Absolutely! While the football shape is classic for game day, you can easily adapt this recipe. Try making individual spinach artichoke stuffed bread rolls by filling small slider buns, or create a layered bread version in a casserole dish. You can also add ingredients like bacon or different cheeses to customize your stuffed bread.

How do I keep the dip creamy and not watery?

The key to a creamy, non-watery dip is to thoroughly drain your spinach and artichoke hearts. Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach before adding it to the mixture. Rinsing and draining the artichoke hearts also helps remove excess liquid.

What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?

A sturdy, crusty bread works best for this spinach artichoke football bread. Sourdough or a good country-style loaf holds its shape well and provides a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy filling. Avoid soft, airy breads that might become soggy.

Variations of Spinach Artichoke Football Bread You Can Try

While the classic spinach artichoke football bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. For a fun, shareable option, try making a spinach artichoke pull apart bread by cutting the bread into cubes and tossing them with the dip before baking in a bundt pan.

If you prefer a simpler presentation, an artichoke spinach bread loaf baked in a standard loaf pan offers a similar delicious flavor profile with less shaping fuss. For a lighter take, consider using a whole wheat bread bowl or even individual whole wheat rolls. You can also experiment with adding extras like cooked bacon crumbles, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a flavor twist on your spinach artichoke appetizer bread.

Spinach Artichoke Football Bread: Amazing Game Day Dip

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A football-shaped bread bowl filled with creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip, perfect for game day parties.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large round loaf crusty bread (sourdough or country-style)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
• 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the top third off the bread loaf. Scoop out the soft interior, leaving a 1-inch thick wall. Gently shape the loaf into a football. Score laces on the top crust. Save scooped-out bread pieces for dipping.
3. In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Fold in the well-drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts.
5. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Reserve a small amount of cheese for topping.
6. Spoon the spinach artichoke filling into the prepared bread bowl. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese.
7. Arrange the bread chunks for dipping on the baking sheet around the bread bowl.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown. If the bread browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
9. Let the football bread bowl rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
10. Serve hot, surrounded by the toasted bread cubes, veggie sticks, and chips.

Notes

• Squeeze spinach thoroughly dry to prevent a watery dip.
• Rinse marinated artichoke hearts before using for added flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• The bread bowl can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
• If the bread crust darkens too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8th of the recipe)
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: N/A
• Sodium: N/A
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: N/A
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: N/A
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: N/A
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: N/A

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