Nothing beats the warm, melty, and satisfying charm of a homemade cheesy bread that’s packed with fresh, vibrant spinach and herbs. This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe brings together soft, golden bread hugging a luscious, cheesy spinach filling that will make every bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal, this recipe is so comforting and flavorful, it’s bound to become one of your all-time favorites. Let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible treat right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe. Each plays a key role, from the tender, elastic dough to the creamy, herby filling that oozes with every bite.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread’s soft, chewy texture.
- 1 cup warm water: Activates the yeast and helps the dough come together smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast for that beautiful rise and slight sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
- 1 packet active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and become fluffy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the dough tender.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty cheese that pulls apart deliciously.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the filling.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Brings freshness, color, and a lovely earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Infuses the filling with herby brightness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and elevates all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough, giving it that perfect rise and airy texture.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Next, add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together. This simple blend creates the base that will hold all your delicious filling—the olive oil not only adds flavor but keeps the dough soft and easy to work with.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth and elastic, which means it’s developing the perfect gluten structure to hold its shape and texture through baking.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Find a warm spot and let it rise until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour. This rise time is crucial to achieving a light and airy bread that’s not dense or tough.
Step 5: Prepare the Oven and Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, mix together your mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This blend of cheeses and herbs is where the cheesy, flavorful heart of your stuffed bread lies.
Step 6: Shape and Stuff the Bread
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten each one into a circle. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture into the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the edges over the filling, pinching them together to create a neat seal. This step ensures no cheesy goodness leaks out during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your stuffed breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. When they come out, the cheese inside will be melted and bubbly—pure bliss!
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the warm bread adds a lovely finishing touch. You can also dust a little Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy flair that will make your presentation shine.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, tomato basil soup, or a zesty marinara dipping sauce. The combination of warm bread and cool or tangy sides makes for a perfectly balanced meal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the stuffed breads into halves or quarters and serve them as appetizer bites at your next party. Or arrange them on a wooden board with an assortment of olives, roasted red peppers, and cured meats for a delightful sharing platter that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe cools, wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the stuffed breads before baking by wrapping them individually in plastic and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating
To bring these breads back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain the crisp crust and melty cheesy filling just like fresh from the oven. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach before mixing it into the cheese filling to prevent soggy dough.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a slightly different texture, but ricotta lends the best creamy consistency that complements the mozzarella nicely.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to experiment! Cheddar or fontina cheese work well for a different flavor profile, but mozzarella and ricotta remain the best combo for melt and creaminess.
How long does it take to prepare the dough?
Between mixing, kneading, and rising, expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes before assembling the breads. The resting time is critical for great texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting dairy cheeses with vegan cheese options and using a plant-based milk or water alternative, you can enjoy a vegan version of this tasty stuffed bread.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food with a fresh, vibrant twist, this Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe is a must-try. It’s a cozy, cheesy delight that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. I can’t wait for you to bake it and make it a new go-to in your recipe collection!
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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is a delightful homemade bread filled with a flavorful mixture of mozzarella, ricotta, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. This recipe yields soft, golden-brown stuffed breads perfect for a snack, appetizer, or alongside a main meal. With a tender dough and gooey cheesy filling, it’s a satisfying treat that combines comfort food with the freshness of spinach and herbs.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add olive oil, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms that begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for a good bread texture.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size, making it light and airy.
- Preheat oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the stuffed breads.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a well-seasoned, creamy filling.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten each into a circular shape on a floured surface.
- Stuff the bread: Place a generous spoonful of the cheese and spinach filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and securely pinch the edges to seal the stuffing inside.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the stuffed dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring enough space between each for expansion.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the breads are golden brown and cooked through with a bubbly filling.
- Serve: Let the stuffed breads cool slightly, then serve warm to enjoy the melty, cheesy spinach filling at its best.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained.
- For a crispier crust, brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter before baking.
- If desired, add red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- These breads can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen before baking for meal prep convenience.
