This Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread is a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the filling of spinach and cheese creates a rich, savory combination. This recipe incorporates fresh spinach, which adds both nutrition and flavor, and cheese that melts beautifully inside the dough, making each bite incredibly delicious. The dough is made from scratch, using simple ingredients like dry yeast, flour, and vegetable oil, and then rolled into a stuffed loaf that’s baked until golden and crispy on the outside. This recipe is versatile, and you can experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to create your perfect stuffing.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes dough resting and rising)
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 400 ml warm water (approximately 40-45°C/104-113°F)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 450-500 g all-purpose flour
- 100 ml vegetable oil (sunflower, canola, or light olive oil)
- 50 g melted butter
For the Filling:
- 300 g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 200 g cheese (mozzarella, feta, or a mixture of both)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of nutmeg or chili flakes for added flavor
Directions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine 400 ml warm water, 1 teaspoon dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to dissolve the yeast and salt. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 450-500 g all-purpose flour. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, then add 100 ml vegetable oil and 50 g melted butter. Stir to combine, then knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
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Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the spinach filling. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan and sauté until it wilts down, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the spinach is wilted, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- After the spinach mixture cools, stir in the cheese (mozzarella, feta, or a combination) until evenly distributed. If desired, add a pinch of nutmeg or chili flakes for extra flavor.
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Assemble the Stuffed Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
- Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough up tightly from one end to form a log or cylinder, ensuring that the filling stays inside.
- Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, shaping it into a spiral or placing it in a loaf pan, depending on your preference.
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Bake:
- Brush the top of the dough with a little melted butter or olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
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Serve:
- Slice the stuffed bread and serve it warm. The bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, soups, or as a snack on its own.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Main Dish: Serve with a side of tomato soup, a light green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- For Appetizers: Slice into smaller pieces and serve as part of a bread platter with other savory dips and spreads.
- Snack: Enjoy a warm slice with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips:
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes easy to handle. If it’s too dry, add a bit of water.
- Spinach Moisture: After cooking the spinach, ensure you drain any excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the bread.
- Cheese Substitutes: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, or goat cheese, for a unique twist on flavor.
- Topping Ideas: Brush the dough with herb-infused butter or sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and provides a healthy dose of fiber for digestive health.
- Cheese offers calcium for strong bones, and the protein in cheese supports muscle growth and repair.
- Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and help reduce inflammation.
- Whole wheat flour (if used instead of all-purpose flour) provides more fiber and nutrients than refined flour.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians. If you use dairy cheese, it will be vegetarian-friendly, and you can make it vegan by using plant-based cheese options.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese and plant-based butter.
Variations to Try:
- Herb-Infused Dough: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough to give it more flavor.
- Meat Option: Add cooked ground beef, chicken, or sausage to the filling for a non-vegetarian version.
- Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms with the garlic and spinach for a deeper, earthy flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add some red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the spinach filling for a bit of heat.
Conclusion:
This Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread recipe is both simple and versatile, perfect for anyone who loves homemade baked goods. With the rich, savory filling and soft, fluffy dough, this bread will become a family favorite. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits of fresh vegetables and cheese in one delicious dish. Whether you serve it as a side, snack, or light meal, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. The recipe is also flexible, allowing you to get creative with different flavors and fillings, making it a fun and rewarding bread to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. The dough may need extra time to rise if refrigerated. -
Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, you can freeze the baked bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. -
What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
You can substitute frozen spinach, just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the filling.
Enjoy your Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread!