If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, this homemade spinach dip with golden skillet bread is the answer. Warm, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, it’s the perfect appetiser for family gatherings, game nights, or whenever you feel like spoiling yourself with something delicious. The best part? You make both the bread and the dip from scratch — and it all comes together in one skillet!
Why this is a classic
Spinach might not always get the spotlight it deserves, but when baked into a creamy, cheesy dip, it becomes the star of the table. It adds a lovely earthy flavour, while the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella makes the dip irresistibly smooth and gooey. Pair it with soft, pull-apart bread rolls baked right in the skillet, and you’ve got comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
For the bread
- 3 cups plain flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (plus more if needed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the fresh spinach dip
- 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (about 120–150 g)
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yoghurt
- ½ cup grated mozzarella (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Method
Make the bread dough
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth (5–7 minutes).
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Prepare the fresh spinach
- Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the spinach and sauté for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
- Remove from heat, let cool, and squeeze out any excess liquid. Roughly chop.
Make the dip
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the wilted spinach until well combined.
Assemble in the skillet
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a large ovenproof skillet.
- Punch down dough, divide into 12–13 small balls, and arrange them around the edge of the skillet.
- Place the dip in the centre, smoothing the top. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
Bake
- Brush bread rolls with olive oil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bread is golden and the dip is bubbling.
Serve
Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Tear off warm bread and scoop straight into the cheesy spinach dip.
Final thoughts
This skillet dip with bread is the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the table. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavour, proving that spinach is so much more than just a salad ingredient. Whether you serve it at a party or make it for a cosy night in, this dish is guaranteed to disappear quickly — so don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
Eating spinach may benefit eye health, reduce oxidative stress, help prevent cancer, and reduce blood pressure levels. Find out more
Ready to grow your own spinach? View our range to get your garden started!
