Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread

why make this recipe

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to please anyone who takes a bite. This recipe is perfect for families, gatherings, or casual get-togethers with friends. The soft, warm bread surrounding a creamy, cheesy filling packed with nutritious spinach creates comfort food at its finest.

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a light meal, a snack, or an appetizer. The best part? It is simple to make and the ingredients are easily accessible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, you will find that this stuffed bread is fun to make and rewarding to eat. Plus, the aroma wafting from the oven while it bakes is enough to get anyone’s mouth watering.

how to make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread

Creating your own Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread at home is a straightforward process. With just a few ingredients and some hands-on steps, you’ll have a delicious and impressive dish that rivals anything you might find at a bakery. Below, we break down the steps so you can easily follow along.

Ingredients

To make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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

Directions

Follow these easy steps for making your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. This is where you will wake up the yeast; let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This froth is a good sign that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic in your dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once the yeast is frothy, add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together until a dough forms. At this point, don’t worry too much about getting it to a perfect consistency; it will come together when you knead it.

Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Kneading is an important step because it develops the gluten in the flour, giving your bread a nice structure and chewiness.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot. The dough should double in size, which typically takes about 1 hour. Be patient, as this will give the bread its light and airy texture.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella, ricotta, chopped spinach, fresh basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This cheesy filling is the heart of the dish and will add so much flavor!

Step 6: Form the Bread Bites
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a circle, making sure it’s about ¼ inch thick.

Step 7: Add the Filling
Take a generous scoop of the cheese and spinach mixture and place it right in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal it. You want to make sure that none of the delicious filling escapes during baking!

Step 8: Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your stuffed breads on it. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make it hard to resist waiting!

Step 9: Serve Warm
For the best taste, serve the Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread warm, right out of the oven. Cut them open to reveal the gooey cheese and warm, savory filling inside. Enjoy each bite as it melts in your mouth!

how to serve Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread can be served in a variety of ways to suit your occasion and taste buds. Here are some suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Slice the stuffed breads into bite-sized pieces and serve with marinara sauce for dipping. This makes a great starter for parties or family gatherings.

• With a Salad: Pair the stuffed bread with a fresh salad for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the cheesy filling perfectly.

• On a Picnic: These bread pockets make for an excellent portable food option. Wrap them up and take them along to picnics or outdoor gatherings.

• With Soups: Enjoy these delicious bread bites alongside your favorite soup for a comforting meal. Tomato soup and Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread are a classic combination!

how to store Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread

If you find yourself with leftovers (if that’s possible!), you can store Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread for later enjoyment. Follow these simple steps:

• Refrigeration: Allow the stuffed bread to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Wrap each stuffed bread in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• If refrigerated, you can microwave the stuffed breads for about 30-60 seconds until warmed through. For a crispier exterior, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

• If frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can microwave or bake them directly from the freezer, but baking will take longer.

tips to make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses make a significant difference in flavor. You can substitute frozen spinach, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the filling.

2. Experiment with Shapes: Don’t hesitate to change the shape of your stuffed breads! You could form them into knots, twists, or even braid them for a different presentation.

3. Add Extra Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasonings in the filling to suit your taste. Adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or incorporating sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor can elevate your dish.

4. Let Your Dough Rise Longer: If you have time, letting your dough rise longer than an hour can develop more flavor. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent drying out.

5. Brush with Egg Wash: For a shiny, golden crust, brush the tops of your stuffed breads with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a little water) before baking.

variation

While the base recipe for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is delectable on its own, there are numerous variations you can try to mix things up.

• Meat Lovers’ Version: Add cooked and crumbled sausage, bacon, or ham to the cheese mixture for a hearty twist.

• Veggie Delight: You can swap out the spinach for other veggies like chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichokes. Just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture content.

• Herbed Cheese: Substitute different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a sharper flavor. Mixed herbs can also be added for extra tastiness.

• Mini Versions: Make smaller versions for appetizers by using less dough and filling. They’ll bake faster and make great finger food for parties.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! After kneading, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then proceed with the filling and baking steps.

What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese. Just remember to blend cottage cheese a bit to get a smoother texture.

Can I bake these on a grill?

Absolutely! If you’re using a grill, you can wrap each stuffed bread in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. Just make sure the grill is preheated and maintain a medium heat to allow them to cook thoroughly.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is a delicious vegetarian option. It’s an excellent way to incorporate some greens into your diet while enjoying cheesy goodness.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it is golden brown on top. You can also knock on the bottom — if it sounds hollow, that’s a good sign it’s fully baked.

Print