This Artichoke Dip Stuffed Bread is a warm, gooey delight. It combines creamy artichoke dip, cheese, and soft bread for an amazing snack that’s hard to resist!
When I pull this out of the oven, everyone gathers around like it’s a treasure. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night at home with friends. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Italian or French bread works best for this recipe. They’re both sturdy enough to hold the filling. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole grain or sourdough bread.
Artichokes: Canned artichoke hearts are convenient, but if fresh ones are available, they can be used! Just make sure to cook and chop them beforehand. Frozen artichokes can also work well.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip a smooth texture. If you’re aiming for lower-fat options, consider Neufchâtel cheese or a cream cheese alternative made from cashews.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang. You could substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier choice, which also adds a protein boost.
Cheeses: Mozzarella provides pull and creaminess, while Parmesan adds depth. If you’re in a pinch, use any melty cheese, like cheddar, and any hard cheese instead of Parmesan.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a lovely flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work, but use less—about 1/4 teaspoon should suffice.
How Do I Hollow Out Bread Without Making a Mess?
Hollowing out the bread might seem tricky, but with a bit of technique, it’s simple! First, use a serrated knife to cut along the edges inside. Aim to leave at least 1/2 inch of bread all around. This keeps the outer crust sturdy.
- Slice the bread gently lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the soft interior with your hands or a spoon.
- Keep the scooped-out bread for later! It makes a tasty addition to a bread salad or as a dipping companion.
How to Make Artichoke Dip Stuffed Bread?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Bread:
- 1 large loaf of Italian or French bread
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Artichoke Dip Stuffed Bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 35–40 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy and tasty appetizer you’ll love to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your bread is ready to bake, helping it to become golden and bubbly.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Next, take your loaf of bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out the inside of both halves, leaving enough crust around the edges to hold all that yummy filling. You can save the bread you remove for another use, like croutons!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped artichokes, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes, if you like a bit of spice. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy. This is the tasty dip that will fill your bread!
4. Fill the Bread:
Spoon the creamy artichoke dip mixture evenly into the hollowed-out halves of the bread. Make sure to pack it in a little so you get plenty of that delicious filling in every bite!
5. Bake the Stuffed Bread:
Place the filled bread halves onto a baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden and bubbly, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are out of the oven, let the stuffed bread cool for a few minutes. Before serving, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top to make it look fresh and colorful!
7. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the stuffed bread into pieces and serve warm. Everyone will love this tasty appetizer, so get ready for compliments! Enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Artichokes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh artichokes, you’ll need about 2-3 medium-sized ones. Trim and cook them in boiling water for about 20 minutes until tender. Let them cool, then chop them up before mixing into the dip. This will give your dip a fresher flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as a substitute. Both options will provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to sour cream. Just blend the cottage cheese until smooth if using it!
How to Store Leftover Stuffed Bread?
Store any leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat it, wrap it in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Hollow out the bread and fill it just before baking to ensure it stays fresh. This way, you have an easy and quick appetizer ready to go when you need it!
