Rustic Italian Oval Spinach Dip

Creamy, warm, and incredibly inviting

This Bread Bowl Spinach Dip with ACE® Rustic Italian Oval makes the perfect party centerpiece. The rustic loaf becomes a golden, toasted bowl for melty spinach dip, with crisp bread pieces ready for dipping.

For the Bread Bowl

• 1 ACE® Rustic Italian Oval Bread
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Pinch of salt

For the Dip

• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  (OR 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed + squeezed dry)
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
• ½ tsp salt (more to taste)
• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• Optional: squeeze of lemon for brightness

Instructions

1. Prep the bread bowl: Slice off the top of the ACE® Rustic Italian Oval and hollow out the center, leaving about a 1-inch wall. Tear the removed bread into bite-sized pieces, these will become dip scoops.
2. Make the dip: In a skillet, warm a splash of olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (skip this if using prepared frozen spinach). Add salt and pepper, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and cheddar. Stir until melty, smooth, and dreamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. 
3. Toast the bowl & pieces: Spoon the warm dip into the bread bowl. Scatter extra mozzarella/cheddar on top. Brush the torn bread pieces lightly with olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crisp and lightly golden and bubbly on top.
4. Serve. Dip. Repeat. Place warm bread pieces around the bowl. Tear off more as you go!