🧄 Baked Spinach Dip Bites in Mini Bread Bowls (Easy Appetizer)
These Baked Spinach Dip Bites in Mini Bread Bowls are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness tucked into crispy golden bread. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, make-ahead finger food, or a fun twist on classic spinach dip—you’re in the right place. 🧄🧀
Each bite-sized cup is loaded with a rich spinach and cream cheese filling, then baked until melty and bubbly. They’re ideal for game day, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a fast, fuss-free individual appetizer. No double-dipping here—just grab-and-go spinach dip bread bowl bites that deliver BIG flavor.
Better yet, you can prep these mini spinach dip cups ahead of time and pop them in the oven right before guests arrive. Easy to make, even easier to devour!
If you love cheesy spinach dip and crave easy party appetizers in under 30 minutes, these baked spinach dip bread bites are a game-day favorite!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Quick & easy – less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- ✔️ No dipping mess – built-in bread bowls are totally portable
- ✔️ Freezer-friendly & make-ahead approved
- ✔️ Customizable – add artichokes, bacon, or jalapeños
🛒 Ingredient Notes
- French Bread Loaf (refrigerated): 13.3 oz Pillsbury-style works best for even slicing
- Spinach: Use fresh baby spinach; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze dry
- Cream Cheese: Softened for easier mixing
- Seasonings: Garlic salt, black pepper, chili powder or crushed red pepper for a subtle kick
- Cheeses: Parmesan + shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
👩🍳 How to Make Baked Spinach Dip Mini Bread Bowls
You’ll Need:- 13.3 oz roll of refrigerated french bread loaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 3 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/8 teaspoon Chile Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian Blend Shredded Cheese
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray or brush with olive oil.
- Slice the French bread into 12 slices, about ¾” thick. Flatten each to approx. 3” wide and press into muffin cups.
- Sauté spinach: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
- Mix the dip: Combine softened cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl. Stir in sautéed spinach mix, Parmesan, and seasonings until well blended.
- Fill bread bowls: Spoon about 1 tbsp of filling into each prepared bread cup. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
- Cool 2–4 minutes before removing from the muffin pan. Serve warm.
Want a flavor boost? Try mixing in ¼ cup chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled bacon, or a spoonful of Fiesta Ranch seasoning mix for an elevated twist!
💸 Budget101® Price Breakdown
| Ingredient | Amount Used | Package Size | Full Cost | Used Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated French Bread Dough | 13.3 oz | 1 roll (13.3 oz) | $3.79 | $3.79 |
| Olive Oil | 2 Tbsp | 17 oz | $3.98 | $0.23 |
| Baby Spinach | 2 cups (about 2 oz) | 10 oz | $1.98 | $0.40 |
| Garlic | 1 clove | 1 bulb (~12 cloves) | $0.50 | $0.04 |
| Cream Cheese | 3 oz | 8 oz | $1.48 | $0.56 |
| Sour Cream | ½ cup | 16 oz | $1.96 | $0.49 |
| Parmesan Cheese | 2 Tbsp | 6 oz | $2.22 | $0.37 |
| Seasonings (combined) | ~1 tsp | — | — | $0.15 |
| Shredded Mozzarella | ⅓ cup | 8 oz | $2.22 | $0.33 |
| 🧾 Total Recipe Cost: | $6.36 | |||
| 👨👩👧👦 Cost Per Serving (12 pieces): | $0.53 | |||
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Bake them first, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. To reheat, bake at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Yes! You can fully assemble the bread cups and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just pop them into the oven when you’re ready to serve—great for party prep!
Yep! Crescent dough, homemade French bread, or even biscuit dough can work—just adjust the bake time as needed.
Flattening the dough and pre-baking slightly (or toasting for 2–3 minutes) helps create a crispy base that resists sogginess. Also, don’t overfill the cups—about 1 tablespoon of dip is ideal!
Spinach is packed with nutrients, but traditional spinach dip contains cream cheese and sour cream, which are higher in fat. You can make it lighter with Greek yogurt or reduced-fat options if desired.
Try chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, jalapeños, bacon crumbles, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth and flair!
Yes, just use thinner slices of dough and reduce the bake time to about 10–12 minutes. They’re adorable bite-sized party snacks!
Yes—sautéing removes excess moisture, which keeps the dip from getting watery and helps the flavors bloom.
You sure can—just use your favorite gluten-free bread dough or biscuit dough substitute and follow the same instructions.
💡 Expert Tips
- Use a mini cookie scoop for even portioning
- Toast the bread cups for 3 minutes before filling for extra crunch
- Mix in ¼ tsp smoked paprika for depth
🎨 Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- 🧅 Add caramelized onions for sweet richness
- 🌶 Stir in chopped jalapeños for heat
- 🥓 Bacon makes everything better—crumbled and sprinkled on top!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Bacon Ranch Pull-Apart Bread
- Homemade Buffalo Wings
- A platter of fresh veggies or a bowl of tomato basil soup
📦 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer or toaster oven at 325°F for 5–6 minutes
Tried this recipe? Mention @Budget101com or tag #Budget101
📌 Love this Baked Spinach Dip Bites in Mini Bread Bowls Recipe? Pin it!
📝 Printable Baked Spinach Dip Mini Bread Bowls Recipe Card
Baked Spinach Dip Mini Bread Bowls (Easy Party Appetizer)
Equipment
- Muffin tin (12-count)
- Mini cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 13.3 oz refrigerated French bread loaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups baby spinach (coarsely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon chili pepper (or cayenne)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or spray a 12-count muffin tin.
- Slice the French bread loaf into 12 equal rounds (~¾ inch thick). Flatten each piece to about 3 inches wide and press into the muffin tin to form cups.13.3 oz refrigerated French bread loaf
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and spinach. Cook for 2 minutes, add garlic, and stir for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.2 tablespoons olive oil2 cups baby spinach1 clove garlic
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in cooked spinach mixture, Parmesan, chili pepper, garlic salt, and black pepper.3 oz cream cheese½ cup sour cream2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese⅛ teaspoon chili pepper¼ teaspoon garlic salt⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Scoop the spinach dip into each bread cup using a mini cookie scoop or spoon.
- Top each with shredded mozzarella.⅓ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, until edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool 2–4 minutes before removing from tin. Serve warm.
Equipment
Notes
📝 Recipe Notes & Bonus Tips:
🧊 Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving. 🧀 Flavor Boost: Add crumbled bacon or chopped artichoke hearts for a flavor twist. 🧈 Bread Swap: Crescent dough or puff pastry makes a flakier, buttery option. 🥬 Spinach Tip: If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water completely. 👌 Crispier Cups: Pre-bake bread rounds for 3 minutes before filling for a firmer base.If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.
Nutrition
🛒 Walmart Grocery List
- 1 roll refrigerated French bread dough
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
- Olive oil
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes
Spinach dip is one of the most beloved appetizers of all time—and for good reason. It’s creamy, versatile, and crowd-approved. According to Taste of Home, it’s a party staple that continues to evolve with new flavors and creative serving options like these baked mini bread bowl bites.
