Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, crispy bread loaded with melted cheese and vibrant spinach that oozes flavor in every single bite! This Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Spinach and Feta isn't just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary loaf into an extraordinary crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a show-stopping appetizer, or simply craving something indulgently delicious, this Greek-inspired creation promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (French or Italian)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Using a sharp bread knife, carefully slice the loaf of bread diagonally into a diamond pattern, making sure not to cut through the bottom of the bread. Create cuts about 1-inch apart in both directions, creating a crosshatch pattern.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to create an even distribution of ingredients.
- Drizzle olive oil over the bread, ensuring it seeps into the cuts. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly across the surface and into the bread's crevices.
- Gently stuff the cheese and spinach mixture into each cut of the bread, pressing carefully to ensure the filling reaches deep into the bread's crevices.
- Wrap the stuffed bread loosely in aluminum foil, leaving some space at the top for steam to escape. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. For the last 3-5 minutes, unwrap the foil to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice and serve warm as an appetizer or side dish. Garnish with additional fresh chopped spinach if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right bread: Use a fresh, sturdy French or Italian loaf that can hold the cheese mixture without falling apart.
- Cut with precision: When creating the crosshatch pattern, be careful not to slice through the bottom of the bread. Gentle, even cuts ensure the bread stays intact.
- Cheese distribution matters: Mix the feta and mozzarella thoroughly to ensure every bite has a balanced cheese flavor.
- Don't skip the olive oil: Drizzling olive oil helps the bread become crispy and adds extra flavor.
- Foil technique: Wrapping the bread loosely in foil helps it cook evenly while preventing excessive browning.
- Final crisp tip: Unwrapping the foil in the last few minutes creates that irresistible golden, crunchy top.
- Resting is crucial: Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.Pro Serving Suggestion: Pair this stuffed bread with a light Greek salad or serve as a stunning side dish to complement grilled meats or as a standalone appetizer!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
