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
Scale
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.
