Imagine a party appetizer so irresistible that your guests can't stop talking about it - welcome to the world of the Creamy Spinach Cob Loaf! This Australian culinary sensation transforms a simple bread loaf into a decadent, cheesy masterpiece that's guaranteed to make mouths water and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or when you simply want to elevate your snacking experience, this recipe combines the rich, velvety goodness of spinach, cream cheese, and grated cheese, all nestled inside a golden, crispy bread bowl.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Australian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large cob loaf
- 300g fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that your cob loaf bakes evenly and gets a nice golden color.
- Prepare the cob loaf by using a sharp knife to cut a circle around the top of the loaf, about
- 5 cm (1 inch) from the edge. Carefully remove the top and set it aside. Use your hands to gently pull out the soft bread from the inside, creating a hollow bowl. Be careful not to tear the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, grated cheese, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Once the filling is well mixed, spoon it into the hollowed-out cob loaf. Make sure to pack it in evenly and fill it to the top.
- Place the filled cob loaf on a baking tray. If you like, you can place the top of the loaf back on or leave it off for a more rustic look.
- Bake the cob loaf in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Once done, remove the cob loaf from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
- Serve the creamy spinach cob loaf warm. You can use the pieces of bread you pulled out earlier for dipping into the creamy filling, or serve it with assorted crackers and vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, high-quality cob loaf with a sturdy crust to ensure your bread bowl holds up during baking.
- When hollowing out the loaf, leave a consistent thickness of bread around the edges to maintain structural integrity.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some red pepper flakes to your spinach mixture.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream for smoother, easier mixing.
- Don't overmix the filling to keep a light, creamy texture.
- For a golden, crispy exterior, brush the bread's edges with melted butter before baking.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
