Description
This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread recipe features a soft, homemade yeast dough filled with a flavorful blend of mozzarella, ricotta, fresh spinach, and herbs. Baked to golden perfection, these stuffed breads make a delicious and comforting meal or snack, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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 Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: Add the olive oil, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a soft texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, which ensures a light and airy texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed breads.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, fresh basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a circle on a floured surface.
- Fill and Seal: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal completely, preventing leakage during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sealed stuffed breads onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring enough space between each for expansion.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the breads are golden brown and cooked through, indicating a perfectly baked stuffed bread.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy your cheesy spinach stuffed bread fresh out of the oven!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, brush the tops with olive oil before baking.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or parsley for extra flavor.
- These breads can be frozen after shaping and sealed, bake directly from frozen by adding extra baking time.
- Ensure the filling is well sealed inside to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
