Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is a warm, melty, pull-apart bread filled with creamy spinach and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a golden crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. With its irresistible cheesy filling and crisp outer shell, this stuffed bread is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the best parts of spinach dip and fresh bread into one delicious, shareable loaf. It’s quick to prepare using store-bought dough or bread, completely customizable, and bakes into a bubbling, golden showstopper. Whether you’re serving it at game day gatherings, family dinners, or holiday spreads, it’s sure to disappear fast.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread loaf (French, Italian, or sourdough, unsliced)
- Frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Cut a hollow center into the bread loaf, removing the top and some of the inside to make room for the filling.
- In a bowl, mix together spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill the hollowed bread loaf with the spinach-cheese mixture.
- Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or melted butter for a golden crust.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the bread is toasted.
- Let cool slightly, slice or tear apart, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Variations
- Add protein: Stir in cooked crumbled sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken to the filling.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
- Make it portable: Use individual dinner rolls or hollowed baguettes for personal-sized stuffed breads.
- Low-carb version: Use the spinach cheese mixture as a dip with veggies instead of bread.
- Extra cheesy: Add a layer of shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the crust may soften.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes, sauté and drain it well to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the cheese.
What type of bread works best?
A sturdy loaf like French bread, Italian bread, or sourdough works best for holding the filling without getting soggy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze stuffed bread?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it fully baked. Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Try cheddar, gouda, fontina, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as your cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Use well-drained spinach and avoid overfilling. Baking until golden also helps.
Can I make this into a dip?
Yes, the spinach-cheese mixture makes an excellent baked dip on its own.
Can I use crescent dough or puff pastry?
Yes, wrap the filling in crescent roll or puff pastry dough for a stuffed bread twist or appetizer bites.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with soups, salads, or as a party appetizer alongside marinara or ranch dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is the perfect blend of crispy, gooey, savory goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a side, snack, or appetizer, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and endlessly customizable. With creamy cheese, flavorful spinach, and warm, crusty bread, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Print
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread is a savory pull-apart style loaf packed with gooey mozzarella, creamy spinach, and garlic butter—perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf crusty bread (sourdough or Italian)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Cut the bread diagonally in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to slice all the way through the bottom.
- Stuff the spinach-cheese mixture into the cuts of the bread evenly.
- Brush the top of the bread with melted butter.
- Wrap loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is crispy.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use thawed frozen spinach to save time—just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
- Try adding shredded parmesan or a mix of cheeses for more flavor depth.
- Serve warm for the best cheesy pull-apart effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg