Last weekend, Bob's bosses and co-workers came over for dinner, and I had to get into top notch hostess mode. We served slow roasted pork belly, sous vide duck breast, grilled brussel sprouts, homemade cheesy tater tots, and my favorite frozen key lime pie. However, I was at a loss for finger foods. After a call out on Twitter, a ton of great suggestions came to my rescue, and I decided to make these Mini Spinach Dip Bread Bowls by Picky Palate.
They were super easy and super tasty…here's how:
You'll need:
13.3 oz roll of refrigerated french bread loaf, like Simply Pillsbury {I ended up using Whole Foods pizza dough because one of our guests is allergic to corn which is found in many canned doughs}
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1 clove fresh garlic, minced {I used 2 cloves}
3 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup light sour cream {I used regular sour cream as I prefer most things as full fat}
2 Tablespoons fresh shredded parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon Chile Pepper or Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/8 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Here's how:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 10 muffin cups with non stick cooking spray. Unroll package of french bread loaf and slice into 10 equal size slices, about 1 inch thick. Press each slice into about a 3 inch round, I did this by pressing in between my hands. Press into the bottom and up sides of the muffin cup. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir spinach until wilted, about 3 minutes then add garlic, cook and stir for another minute then turn heat off.
3. Place cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach and garlic, Parmesan Cheese, Chili Powder, garlic salt, salt and pepper into a medium bowl. Mix until well combined. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop dip into each of the centers of bread bowls. Top evenly with shredded cheese and bake for 15-17 minutes until just turning brown on edges. {Since I used pizza dough, cooking time took closer to 20-22 minutes} Remove and let cool for 3-5 minutes before removing from oven.
The final cups are tasty, savory, warm, and delightful. Since they are muffin sized, they're definitely not bite-sized and can get messy. As an alternative, I made mini muffin sized versions for our party which were nice two-bite versions. But for having at home or for more casual guests, the full sized muffin tin is just perfect! — Joy
{photos by Oh Joy, recipe by the Picky Palate}
Oh my goodness! That looks delicious! It went straight to my recipe bookmarks. 🙂
Yum! What a tasty menu!
YUM! Making these very soon!!
xo-kelly
oh my, these bowls look amazing. a great take on the traditional spinach dip. thanks for sharing! i hope i can execute this as well as you did. 🙂
It looks delicious! I’ll try to make some!
Hi Angie,
You totally can! Super easy!
Joy
YUM! Thanks for sharing! I would love to learn the recipe for the pork belly…I have been wanting to make it home. Keep the recipe posts coming!
OMG, Yum! I can’t wait to make these.
Hi Sara,
We used this recipe for the Pork Belly:
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pork-recipes/pork-belly-roast-1
Best!
Joy
That looks so delish! My mouth is watering.
-lola
http://trixieandlola.wordpress.com/
Holy cow! I could probably make a whole meal of just these. I’ve seen a similar recipe with pie dough to make sort of mini-savory-pies. Thanks!
oh, they look awesome, and so delicious. Great idea for a spring party!
i love this idea, these are a perfect appetizer for ME:)
so party perfect – thanks for sharing, joy!
how cute. I am a sucker for small finger foods! Looks like you did an awesome job with being the hostess with the mostest!
julie
This looks so freaking amazing. I’m not very good in the kitchen, but this makes me want to get cooking RIGHT NOW.
http://lefthandedstory.blogspot.com
These look delicious! I’m definitely going to make these for our game night next week. YUM!
These look really good, thanks for the recipe!
YUM YUM YUM!! Thank you for the recipes, they will definitely come in handy.
oh my word. these look so nom! will have to try this some time! thanks for sharing, joy!
Yummy! I’m hosting a bridal shower later this month and I think the bread bowls will be a perfect appetizer!:) Thanks for sharing!
yummy, yummy, yummy, i might have to make these for friday’s shindig!
Yum! Why is it that everything mini seems so much more fun and delicious? I attempted some mini apple pies a few weeks ago, I think they turned out pretty good!
see them here…
http://strawberry-chic.blogspot.com/2011/03/little-something-sweet-apple-pie-crisp.html
Andrea,
Those look SO good!!
Joy
I’ve had those bookmarked since Picky Palate posted them a few months ago! Good to know they were as tasty as they seem!
goodness, these look so cute and perfect for a get together with friends! thanks for sharing.
yum yum! These looks decadent, can’t wait to try-thanks for sharing!!
Yummy!~ looks perfect for my afternoon cravings!!
That looks too good to be true! I must try to make that sometime soon!
OH my god. I’m suddenly hungry. THANKS. haha….
Yummy!!! A must try over the next month. Can taste these already Joy! Thank you!
yum! Going to try a gluten free version. thanks!
Yum they look delectable they remind me of mini quice I’m trying to make a Turkey sauage spiniach pizza.
Oh my goodness my mouth is watering! That looks so, so yummy!
The Cheeky Cafe
oh gosh, YUM.
Delish! I’m so making these!
ohhh thank you for the shout out! cheesy tater tots rock don’t they? xoxoxo!
I am wondering how these are once they cool. Often spinach dip is eaten cold as well, so do they taste OK once they have lost the warmth?
Hi Laura!
Yep, theyre great once cool although I wouldnt eat them cold 😉
Joy
these look so amazing!! i wanna make some but i dont think they would turn out as pretty. much love!xx
Hi,
I just started following your blog and I saw this post. I had to try it. So easy and I have gotten so many compliments. Everyone wants the recipe!! Thanks for posting it.
Ok Joy – I think I need the recipe set for this entire event. Sounds delish!
Hi Kim,
So glad you liked it! 😉
Joy
Joy-
I ended up making these for an Easter appetizer and they were a huge hit; they were first appetizer to go!
Thanks again 🙂
Alexis,
Yay! So glad to hear!
Joy
Fantastic! So good that I posted all about them and linked back to you. Thanks!
Oh my gosh! These look so fun and absolutely delicious!
thank you very much for the link love!!
xoxo!