A Classic, Simple, Crowd-pleasing Party Dip ~ Pumpernickel Bread and Spinach Dip (Monkey’s Brains?)
by Robin
I love this dip! I love to make it. I love to look at it. I love to eat it. And, man, do I love to name it: Monkey’s Brains! (It sounds so inappropriate to serve to company, and inappropriate humour is my favourite and my best.)
I suppose one could call it by its more boring alias: Classic Pumpernickel Bread and Spinach Dip. But why would one do that when it has a super fun name that calls to mind Indiana Jones. (Hey, we named the dog Indiana – so we’re super fans. Also, in that statement is a joke only other super fans will know and geek out to too.)
Seriously though, does anyone else call this dip Monkey’s Brains? I have this idea it was an off-hand joke played on little girl Robin that altered the course of my life.
Besides the goofy name, why I love this recipe:
- Um, hello?! It’s in a bowl made of bread! That you eat! Cool.
- It has some veggies in it – spinach and water chestnuts specifically.
- I can use lower fat sour cream and save some fat and calories. (It’s got great flavour and no one will notice this healthier swap.)
- It’s super-duper easy – but still looks like you tried a bit.
- It tastes great!
Pumpernickel Bread and Spinach Dip (Monkey’s Brains)
Ingredients:
- 1 package (300 g) frozen, chopped spinach – thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 container (500 mL) Sour Cream
- 1 package Vegetable Dry Soup Mix
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 large round pumpernickel bread loaf
Pumpernickel Bread and Spinach Dip Steps:
1) Thaw and drain the frozen, chopped spinach.
2) Combine the first 4 ingredients in a bowl. Mix. (If you have time: cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours for the flavours to blend. If not, it will still be delish!)
3) Make the pumpernickel bread bowl. With a bread knife hollow out the middle of the bread. Add the chilled dip into the centre of the loaf.
4) Slice the bread from the middle into cubes. Serve alongside the dip with cut-up veggies or chips.
A Classic, Simple, Crowd-pleasing Party Dip: Pumpernickel Bread and Spinach Dip (Monkey's Brains?)
Ingredients
- 1 package (300 g) frozen, chopped spinach – thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 container (500 mL) Sour Cream
- 1 package Vegetable Dry Soup Mix
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 large round pumpernickel bread loaf
Instructions
- Thaw and drain the frozen, chopped spinach. (I like to put it in a colander and push the water out with a fork.)
- Combine the first 4 ingredients in a bowl. Mix. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours for the flavours to blend.
- Make the pumpernickel bread bowl. With a bread knife hollow out the middle of the bread. Add the chilled dip into the centre of the loaf.
- Slice the bread from the middle into cubes. Serve alongside the dip with cut up veggies or chips.
This isn’t our only monkey themed part food! Check our our easy recipe for Caramel Pull Apart Monkey Bread – an awesome sweet party treat.
And more great Party Recipes!
- The Easy Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread Your Guests Will Find Irresistible
- Crescent Roll Tacos in a Ring, a Great App or a Really Fun Meal Idea!
- Easy & Healthy 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
- Hummus with Roasted Red Pepper Recipe ~ a High-Protein & Delicious Vegan Dip
- Caramel Pull Apart Monkey Bread Recipe (made simple with No Knead Refrigerator Bread Dough)
- 20+ Must Make Bacon Recipes your guests will LOVE!
- The No Bake Easy Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe that kids can make and love!
Robin and Ed are a DIY-loving couple with over 25 years of design and build experience. Also, Robin is a Nutritionist and former Registered Dietitian and Ed is an award-winning Business Educator. We share strategies for living a rich life on a DIY budget: creative money-savvy ideas for a stylish home, healthy meals and family fun. Our work has been published in the pages of Do It Yourself, Farmhouse Style and Better Homes & Gardens magazines.
Look delicious. Creative idea. Very healthy for you. That's great recipe.
This looks wonderful! I particularly like the amazing photos. They make me want to try it immediately. So delicious and healthy!
Thank for sharing this recipe! I can't wait to try it at home.
I usually serve tortilla pinwheels–lots of different filling choices, and all tasty! Cheese and crackers, fruit skewers, tortilla chips and layered dip, tarts, squares, and shortbread are some other favourites.
Wow! I want to go to a party at your place, Kathy! 😉
I'm all about the finger food!! How about chicken wings? and tons of nacho's
Ed's favourites!
Our normal thing to serve is meatballs in tangy sauce.
A classic!
My favourite thing to serve is spinach dip in a bread bowl with chips.
Sounds great, Nic!
I love serving sausage bites and nacho salsa dip
Mmmmm…nacho salsa dip…:)
I always serve a variety of cupcakes at parties. What's a party without cake?!
I'm with you, Jonnie!
I love to serve dips and pepperoni and cheese trays.
My favorite food to serve is Nachos and my homemade salsa
A Classic, Christy! Yum!
I love serving our homemade lasagna..it's always a hit with the family
Yeah! Love that too, Ginette!
I love to serve devil eggs
I think my guests have been disappointed for years, Lauren – I've never once made them! On my list now!
Fav food to serve is spinach dip in pumpernickel bread with tons of veggies as well, both go well with guests.
Thanks for the delicious chance ♥
I couldn't agree more, Heidi! 😉
You can never go wrong with veggies and dip. Lately I like to serve mini sweet peppers stuffed with feta cheese slightly broiled and served warm!
Oh, yum – the peppers sound amazing, Rhonda!
My favourite food to serve at a party is chicken wings.
A crowd pleaser, Diane!
My favourite food to serve at a party is a cheese and veggie platter with a selection of dips.
Do you make the dips yourself, Valerie?
My favorite thing to serve at a party is nachos and a cheesy dip.
Florence C
I think that's 4 votes so far for nachos, Flo – I've got to start serving these more! 🙂
my favorite thing to serve is a veggie platter with homemade dip
Tasty with a side of healthy, Belinda!
I love serving cookies or squares at parties 🙂
Can't go wrong there, Heather! 🙂
My favourite thing to serve is tortilla chips and layered nacho dip
So yummy, Brenda!
I love to serve wings,nachos and a fruit and veggie tray
All the Party Food Groups, Karla! 😉
My favourite food to serve at a party is taco dip with tortilla chips.
Mmmm…taco dip…:)
I love serving and EATING mini quiches and mini cheesecakes! 🙂
Mini foods are so much fun! Thanks for sharing, Jenn. 🙂
I like serving mini quiches.
I love these too! 🙂
I like serving deviled eggs. They are pretty easy and look nice.
billiondollarprincesss @hotmail.com
Yours is the second mention for Deviled Eggs – I think I need to try making these. 🙂
My husband makes amazing Devilled Eggs… everyone loves them so we enjoy doing those
I've never made Deviled Eggs – does he have a secret ingredient, Darlene?
My favourite thing to serve at a party is lil homemade peanut butter cups
Willing to share the recipe, Joni? Sounds like a winner! 🙂
my favorite thing to serve is a pizza dip!
Yum! I think I need that recipe, Ivy!
I love serving A cheese dip with salsa on top for Tositos chips.
Can't go wrong with that combo, Tara!
I love this dip but never heard it called Monkey brains before will have to tell the grandkids that.
Hehe – makes my kids giggle every time – or look at me like I'm nuts, Juliee! 🙂
My favourite food to serve is cream cheese with sweet red pepper jelly – my folks make THE BEST version of this! (Suzi)
Sounds delish, Suzi! What do you serve it on?
A party isn't really a party unless there is cake! I like serving chocolate cake.
Ed is totally on your side on this one, Josh!
I like to serve Miniature Cream Puffs at a party
I've never made those, sounds lovely, Jasen!
I love to serve baked brie with amaretto, walnuts and cranberries. Always a crowd pleaser.
RC name Lushka Smith
Oh my – that sounds amazing, Lushka!
I like to serve a cold platter of cold cuts, crackers, cheeses and dips
Classics! Always crowd pleasers aren't they, Wendy?
my fave things to serve is vegetarian pizza
That's a great one. We often do a make your own pizza bar for kids, too.
One of my favourites too! Dry Ranch dressing is a yummy switch up!
I know, right?!