There’s something undeniably comforting about pulling apart a loaf of warm, cheesy bread—especially when it’s stuffed with something as wholesome as spinach. I first fell in love with this recipe on a chilly Sunday afternoon, when the rain tapped gently against the kitchen window and all I wanted was something cozy to share with my family. This Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread quickly became our go-to for lazy weekends, game nights, and even impromptu gatherings with friends. It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to make you feel like a kitchen superstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but every component plays a key role in creating that perfect bite.
- 1 large loaf of French or Italian bread – Sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness without getting soggy.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped – You can also use frozen spinach (just thaw and squeeze out excess water).
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The meltiest, stretchiest choice, but feel free to mix in some cheddar or provolone.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened – Adds a luscious creaminess that binds everything together.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that extra savory depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted – Brushed on top for a golden, buttery crust.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A little herbaceous magic.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip seasoning the spinach mixture!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s bring this cheesy masterpiece to life. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gooey, golden loaf ready in no time.
- Prep the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a serrated knife, carefully hollow out the center of the loaf, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges and bottom. Save the bread you remove—it makes great croutons or breadcrumbs!
- Sauté the spinach: In a small pan over medium heat, wilt the spinach with a splash of water or olive oil until just softened (about 2 minutes). Drain any excess liquid and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the wilted spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is your chance to make it perfect!
- Stuff and bake: Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bread, packing it gently. Brush the top with melted butter for extra crispiness, then wrap the loaf loosely in foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.
- Serve warm: Let it cool for a minute (if you can resist!), then slice and watch that cheese pull with every piece.
Tip: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. And for an extra garlicky kick, mix a teaspoon of garlic powder into the melted butter before brushing it on.
There’s something so comforting about pulling apart warm, cheesy stuffed bread straight from the oven. This easy spinach stuffed bread recipe delivers that perfect combination of crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling every time. Let’s dive into some expert tips to make it even better!
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bread
- Dough matters: Let your dough rise until doubled in size for the lightest, fluffiest texture
- Squeeze it dry: Wring out your thawed frozen spinach thoroughly to prevent a soggy bread
- Cheese choices: Mix mozzarella for stretchiness with parmesan for bold flavor
- Egg wash magic: Brush the top with beaten egg for that gorgeous golden crust
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand:
- Meat lovers: Add cooked crumbled sausage or diced ham
- Veggie-packed: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers
- Spicy kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes
- Cheese swap: Try provolone, fontina, or gouda instead of mozzarella
What to Serve With Your Stuffed Bread
This cheesy masterpiece pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
- Warm tomato soup for dipping
- Roasted vegetable medley
- Charcuterie board for a party appetizer spread
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temp: Keeps well wrapped for 1-2 days
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Slice before freezing for easy portions (up to 3 months)
- Reheating: 350°F oven for 10 minutes restores crispiness (or microwave for 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just wilt about 10 ounces of fresh spinach in a pan first, then squeeze out excess moisture.
What if I don’t have bread dough?
Pizza dough works great in a pinch, or try crescent roll dough for a flakier version.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
How do I know when it’s done?
The bread should sound hollow when tapped and the cheese should be bubbling (about 25-30 minutes at 375°F).
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to share this warm, cheesy creation with loved ones. Whether it’s game day, family dinner, or just because, this spinach stuffed bread is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. The melty cheese, savory spinach, and soft bread create pure comfort in every bite. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for something deliciously shareable!
PrintCheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread
A deliciously cheesy and savory stuffed bread filled with spinach and melted cheese, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 loaf French bread
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and hollow out the center slightly to create a cavity.
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the cheese and spinach mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread halves. Press the two halves back together and brush the outside with melted butter.
- Wrap the stuffed bread in aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Unwrap and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.