Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and always a hit at parties or family gatherings. The combination of gooey cheese, flavorful spinach, and warm bread is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I want to impress my guests with a delicious appetizer or when I’m craving a comforting snack. My family goes crazy for this because it’s cheesy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens without compromising on taste!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
– 1 loaf of crusty bread
– 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the top off the loaf of bread and hollow out the center, leaving about 1 inch of bread around the edges.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and softened cream cheese.
6. Add the cooked spinach to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaf, pressing it down gently to fill any gaps.
8. Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
I’ve found that using a crusty French bread works best for this recipe, as it holds up well to the stuffing and adds a nice crunch. However, feel free to use any type of bread you prefer!
If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle some dried herbs like oregano or basil into the spinach and cheese mixture before stuffing the bread.
Variations
One variation I’ve tried is adding cooked bacon bits to the spinach and cheese mixture. It adds a smoky and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spinach. However, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon entirely.
For a spicier kick, you can mix in some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the cheese and spinach filling.
Equipment
While not essential, a bread knife makes it easier to cut through the crusty loaf without squishing the filling. If you don’t have one, you can use a sharp serrated knife instead.
Storage
This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this bread as an appetizer at parties or alongside a bowl of soup for a comforting meal. It’s also great for game nights or movie marathons. Feel free to get creative and serve it with your favorite dips or spreads!
Pro Tips
Don’t rush the hollowing-out step! Take your time to carefully remove the bread from the center, making sure not to tear the crust.
When adding the spinach and cheese mixture, don’t be afraid to really pack it in. The more filling, the better!
If you’re a garlic lover like me, you can add some minced garlic to the cheese mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before cooking it in the skillet.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! While mozzarella and Parmesan are my go-to choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or feta for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the bread and stuffing ahead of time and assemble it just before baking. This way, you can enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness whenever you’re ready!
So there you have it, my friend! A delicious recipe for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread that will surely become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is a crowd-pleaser dish filled with gooey cheese, flavorful spinach, and warm bread. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a comforting snack. The combination of cheese and spinach is both savory and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty bread
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cut the top off the loaf of bread and hollow out the center, leaving about 1 inch of bread around the edges.
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
-
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
In a bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and softened cream cheese.
-
Add the cooked spinach to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
-
Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaf, pressing it down gently to fill any gaps.
-
Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
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Serve warm and enjoy!