Spinach Dip Stuffed French Bread

By á-5531

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained/patted dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons prepared pesto (I use Basil pesto)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I use reduced-fat)
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened (I use 1/3 less fat)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Details

Servings 12
Preparation time 8mins
Cooking time 43mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Slice about 2 inches deep through the top of the bread, and continue to cut a large rectangle. Remove top of bread and hollow out 2 inches deep to create a shallow rectangular bread bowl. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat. Add onions and sauté for approximately 5 minutes or until soft. Add red bell pepper and garlic and sauté for one minute.
Stir in spinach, pesto, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper and mayonnaise until well combined and spinach is warmed through. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted. Stir in sour cream, Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese until combined.
Spoon spinach dip into prepared French bread and top with ½ cup mozzarella cheese. Bake on a baking tray at 350 F degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Let bread sit approximately 5 minutes to cool (just so you don't burn yourself) then slice. Best served warm