Description
This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread recipe features soft, homemade bread filled with a delicious mixture of mozzarella, ricotta, fresh spinach, and herbs. Baked to golden perfection, these individual stuffed breads make a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal that combines comforting flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, mix shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, fresh basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Divide and Shape Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide it into 6 equal portions. Form each portion into a ball, then flatten into a circle.
- Stuff Breads: 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 tightly to seal the stuffing inside.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each stuffed bread seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the breads turn golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your cheesy spinach stuffed bread!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, bake directly on a preheated baking stone if available.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
- Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese inside the filling can enhance flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use olive oil only.
- Store leftover breads in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
