Description
A delicious and cheesy spinach bread recipe that can be made using either puff pastry or Italian/French bread. This appetizer or side dish features sautéed spinach mixed with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes, baked until golden and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Main
- 1 sheet puff pastry OR 1 loaf Italian or French bread, sliced open lengthwise
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing if using puff pastry)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add roughly chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Cheeses and Spinach: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to create a creamy filling.
- Using Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly down the center of the pastry. Fold or roll the pastry into a log shape and seal the edges. Brush the top with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
- Bake the Puff Pastry: Place the prepared pastry log on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Using Italian or French Bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the bread lengthwise and hollow out some of the inside to make space for the filling. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the hollowed half, then top with the other half of the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Wrap the stuffed bread loaf in foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Then unwrap and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the top crust is crisp. Slice and serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts to the filling for extra flavor.
- This dish works well as an appetizer or side dish, especially paired with soups and salads.
- If using puff pastry, ensure the pastry is cold before working with it for the best puff and flakiness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.
