helpful hints
Use the bread pieces you hollowed out, torn into bite-sized bits.  You will probably also need crispy crackers, warm pita bread, French bread, thick potato chips or vegetable crudités to serve with the dip as well. 

make ahead tips
Make spinach dip up to 2 days in advance.  Store in tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.  Make and fill bowl just before serving

An classic appetizer for your next cocktail party menu

All Appetizers Recipe Index

Spinach Dip in Bread Bowl
Makes about 4 cups, will serve 8-12

1 large garlic clove

1/2 cup chopped green onions, with tops

1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup to 1 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Dash hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Paprika

1 round loaf crusty bread (country white, sourdough, Italian etc.)

In a blender or food processor, finely mince garlic and green onions.  Add remaining ingredients except bread and paprika.  Blend until smooth.  Adjust seasonings as needed.

Just before serving, make the bread bowl.  Cut 1-inch off the top of the round bread loaf and save it for lid.  Remove bread from the loaf center, hollowing out the bread.  Stir spinach dip and spoon into the bread bowl.  Sprinkle lightly with paprika.  Serve with bread chunks and/or crackers