It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means – it’s time to start planning all the delicious holiday treats and appetizers you’ll be making for family and friends. When it comes to holiday entertaining, one of my go-to recipes is this absolutely incredible Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread.
I can still remember the first time I served this to my family a few years ago. My sister took one look at the gooey, cheesy, spinach-studded pull-apart bread and immediately started raving about how amazing it looked. As soon as she took her first bite, her eyes lit up and she exclaimed, “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!” Needless to say, the rest of the family devoured the entire loaf in record time.
What makes this Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread so special is the incredible flavor and texture. The classic spinach and artichoke dip gets baked right into the center of a soft, fluffy bread, creating the ultimate holiday appetizer. It’s the perfect shareable dish for all your Christmas parties and gatherings – your guests won’t be able to resist pulling off warm, cheesy piece after piece.
Why This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread
The secret to this Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is all in the dip itself. By making a rich, creamy, and ultra-cheesy spinach artichoke dip as the filling, you end up with the most indulgent, flavor-packed result. The dip is made with a heavenly combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, parmesan, artichokes, and fresh spinach, all seasoned to perfection with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
When you bake this dip right into the center of a soft, fluffy bread, the result is pure magic. As the bread bakes, the dip gets warm and melty, oozing out between the layers in the most tantalizing way. Every single bite is bursting with that iconic spinach artichoke flavor, balanced by the light and airy bread. It’s the ultimate holiday appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress your guests.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread recipe calls for a few key ingredients that are essential for nailing the perfect flavor and texture:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened – The cream cheese provides a rich, decadent base for the dip, giving it that signature creaminess.
- 1 cup mayonnaise – The mayo helps create an extra smooth and creamy texture in the dip.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor that balances the other ingredients beautifully.
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped – Artichokes are the star of the show, providing that classic spinach artichoke dip flavor.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped – Fresh spinach lends a vibrant, verdant quality to the dip.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder gives the dip a subtle, aromatic kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – These simple seasonings help bring all the flavors together.
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough – Using pre-made pizza dough makes assembling this bread a total breeze.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – The melted butter gives the bread an incredible golden-brown crust.
With all these delicious ingredients coming together, you simply can’t go wrong with this Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread recipe.
Step-by-Step Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Instructions
Preparing Your Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread
This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is super easy to make, with just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a sharp knife to get started.
1- First, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, chopped fresh spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the dip is smooth and well-combined.
2- Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 equal-sized squares.
3- Place a heaping tablespoon of the spinach artichoke dip onto the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over the dip, pinching the edges to seal it in.
4- Arrange the stuffed dough balls in a circle on a large baking sheet, making sure they’re touching each other. This will help the bread pull apart easily after baking.
5- Brush the top of the dough with the melted butter, making sure to get in between the seams.
6- Bake the Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread for 30 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and the dip is hot and bubbly. Serve the bread warm, allowing guests to easily pull off a cheesy, dip-filled piece.
Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Make sure to fully soften the cream cheese before mixing it into the dip. This will help the dip come together smoothly without any lumps.
- Be generous when filling the dough squares with the spinach artichoke dip. You want each bite to be loaded with that irresistible flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to really pack the dough balls tightly together on the baking sheet. This will help them pull apart easily after baking.
- Keep a close eye on the bread as it bakes, checking for that perfect golden-brown color. You don’t want the crust to burn, but you do want it nice and crispy.
With these simple tips, you’ll be whipping up the most amazing Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread that will have your guests raving.
Serving and Storing Your Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread
Perfect Pairings for Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread
This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer, serving 12 guests. It pairs perfectly with a variety of festive beverages, from sparkling wine or champagne to hot apple cider or eggnog.
For a classic holiday spread, serve the pull-apart bread alongside other appetizers like baked Brie, crudité with ranch dip, and an assortment of holiday-themed crackers. It also makes a fantastic addition to a Christmas brunch or cocktail party spread.
And of course, no Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is complete without a selection of dipping sauces on the side. Try offering marinara, pesto, or even more spinach artichoke dip for guests to enjoy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is that it can be made in advance, making your holiday hosting a breeze.
To store leftovers, simply place the cooled bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or pop the whole loaf back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
You can also make the spinach artichoke dip component up to 3 days in advance and store it separately in the fridge. When ready to assemble, simply fill the dough squares and bake as directed.
For longer-term storage, the fully assembled and baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread
Creative Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Variations
While the classic Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is pretty hard to beat, there are plenty of fun variations you can try:
- Swap out the pizza dough for crescent roll dough for an extra flaky texture.
- Use a combination of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese in the dip.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs to the dip for extra flavor.
- Stuff the dough with a mixture of spinach artichoke dip and sausage or bacon for a heartier appetizer.
- Make mini pull-apart bread bites using a muffin tin instead of a baking sheet.
Making Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, this Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread can easily be adapted:
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free refrigerated pizza or crescent roll dough instead of the traditional version.
- For a dairy-free option, swap the cream cheese and parmesan for plant-based alternatives, and use vegan mayonnaise in the dip.
- To cut down on carbs, serve the spinach artichoke dip on its own with low-carb veggies like celery sticks or cucumber slices instead of bread.
- For a lower-calorie version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayo in the dip, and opt for a whole-wheat pizza or crescent dough.
No matter which variations or dietary tweaks you make, this Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dip.
Q: How long does it take to assemble the Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Bread?
A: The total prep time for this recipe is just 15 minutes. The process of stuffing the dough squares and arranging them on the baking sheet goes quickly once you have the dip made.
Q: Can I make the Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Bread ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the dip up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just assemble the bread and pop it in the oven. You can also fully bake the bread, let it cool, and then reheat it when needed.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread recipe serves 12 people as an appetizer. The pull-apart bread pulls apart into 12 individual servings.
Q: What if my dough doesn’t pull apart easily?
A: Make sure you’re really packing the dough balls tightly together on the baking sheet. This helps them stick to each other so they pull apart cleanly. You can also use a serrated knife to gently saw between the seams if needed.
Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread – a festive and irresistible holiday appetizer that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Soft, buttery bread dough is layered with a creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip, then pulled apart for the perfect shareable treat.
Ingredients
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, artichoke hearts, spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
4. Place 6 dough pieces in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Top with half of the spinach artichoke dip mixture. Repeat with the remaining 6 dough pieces and remaining dip.
5. Brush the top of the dough with the melted butter.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the dip mixture. You can also use crescent roll dough in place of the pizza dough.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dips & Spreads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer that’s guaranteed to wow your guests. With its rich, creamy spinach artichoke dip baked right into the fluffy pull-apart bread, every bite is an absolute flavor explosion. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can even be prepared in advance – what more could you ask for in a holiday recipe?
I can’t wait for you to try this Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread and experience the rave reviews from your family and friends. Be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
