Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is a warm, savory delight featuring golden, crusty bread filled with a rich mixture of creamy cheese and sautéed spinach. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a comforting snack. Easy to prepare and absolutely irresistible, this dish is great for gatherings or cozy nights in.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
french bread or italian loaf
cream cheese
mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese
fresh spinach
garlic
olive oil
salt
pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)
butter
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the bread in half lengthwise and hollow out the center slightly to make room for the filling.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, cooked spinach mixture, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Spread the cheesy spinach filling evenly into the hollowed-out bread halves.
Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and brush the edges with melted butter.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden.
Let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Add chopped artichokes for a spinach-artichoke flavor.
Use sourdough or baguette for a different texture.
Mix in cooked bacon bits for a meaty twist.
Try different cheeses like fontina or provolone for variety.
Top with extra mozzarella before baking for a cheesier crust.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Is this bread vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I add protein?
Yes, shredded chicken, sausage, or ham make great additions.
Can I freeze the stuffed bread?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking and cook from frozen, adding extra time.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add chopped jalapeños or more red pepper flakes.
What kind of bread works best?
A crusty loaf like Italian or French bread holds up well to the filling.
Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different.
Do I need to remove all the bread from the center?
No, just enough to hold the filling and keep structure.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm, but it can be eaten at room temperature.
Conclusion
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With its gooey, cheesy center and crispy edges, it’s a delicious way to elevate your bread game. Whether for parties or comfort food cravings, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
PrintCheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian‑inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory, cheesy bread loaf filled with spinach and melted cheese—ideal as a snack, appetizer, or party treat.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread (about 16 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz fresh spinach, chopped (or use frozen thawed and squeezed dry)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Slice the bread lengthwise, keeping one side intact to form a pocket, then hollow out some of the inside to make room for filling.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted; remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked spinach–garlic mixture, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well blended.
- Spoon the cheese–spinach mixture into the bread pocket, pressing gently to fill evenly.
- Wrap the stuffed bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Unwrap and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and top is lightly golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Add cooked bacon bits or sun‑dried tomatoes for flavor variations.
- For a crispier crust, unwrap during the final bake.