Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe

If you love the comforting combination of gooey cheese and fresh greens wrapped in golden, fluffy bread, you are absolutely going to adore this Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe. It’s a wonderful homemade treat that brings together creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and vibrant spinach, all hugged by a soft, warm dough. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or family and makes a lovely snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Once you try this Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe, it will surely become one of your go-to comfort foods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet delightful, each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role. From the yeast that makes the dough rise to the fresh basil that adds an aromatic hint, these ingredients balance texture, flavor, and color to create something truly special.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough that provides structure and chewiness.
• 1 cup warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast for a perfect rise and subtle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough.
• 1 packet active dry yeast: Makes the dough airy and soft by creating bubbles from fermentation.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy stretch.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Brings creaminess and a delicate tang to the filling.
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Offers freshness, color, and a healthy touch.
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Infuses a fragrant herbaceous note.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces warm, savory depth without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Perfectly seasons the filling for balanced flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Letting this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy is crucial—this is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Add olive oil, all-purpose flour, and salt to your bubbly yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a rough dough forms. This initial combination sets the foundation for a soft and elastic bread crust.

Step 3: Knead for Texture

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. This step develops gluten which gives your bread the perfect chew and stretchiness you’re dreaming of.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place. Waiting about an hour will allow the dough to double in size, ensuring a light and airy final bread texture.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your bread is ready to bake. This temperature ensures a golden crust without over-drying the inside.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together mozzarella, ricotta, chopped spinach, fresh basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a rich, flavorful filling that perfectly complements the bread.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and gently flatten into a circle—this helps form a neat pocket for your delicious filling.

Step 8: Stuff and Seal

Place a generous scoop of your cheese and spinach mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and firmly pinch the edges to seal tightly, making sure none of that cheesy goodness leaks out while baking.

Step 9: Arrange for Baking

Place your stuffed breads on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them room to expand slightly without sticking together.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake the breads for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown. The smell will be irresistible, filling your kitchen with warm, savory aromas.

Step 11: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Pull these warm pockets out of the oven and enjoy them right away for gooey, melty cheese and perfectly tender bread. There’s nothing quite like fresh homemade comfort food!

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a light dusting of Parmesan on top before serving for an extra herbaceous punch and a touch of salty richness. A drizzle of olive oil or a side of marinara sauce can also elevate your presentation and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup. The freshness of salad greens cuts through the richness, while the soup offers a cozy complement to each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the stuffed bread into small, shareable pieces for parties or serving alongside a charcuterie board with olives and cured meats. Wrapping each piece in a colorful napkin or serving on a rustic wooden board adds a charming, inviting touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping the bread sealed tight maintains softness, so it’s just as delightful when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! Simply wrap each stuffed bread individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the breads and warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps restore crispness to the crust and melty goodness inside, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy filling. Frozen spinach works well and still delivers great flavor.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Feel free to swap mozzarella or ricotta with similar melty or creamy cheeses like provolone or cream cheese. However, the classic combo in this Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe is pretty hard to beat!

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat products, just cheese and fresh veggies wrapped in bread.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. You can perform a simple poke test: poke it gently with your finger, and if the indentation stays, it’s ready to move on to the next step.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of chili flakes to add a personal twist to your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe a try because it’s one of those recipes that brings comfort, warmth, and a touch of gourmet right into your kitchen. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to share with loved ones, and every bite bursts with flavor. Honestly, once you make it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy every cheesy, spinach-filled bite!

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