Hearty spinach bread will become a fast family favorite when it's served hot from the oven. With swirls of spinach and cheese baked right in, it's a pretty (and tasty) addition to dinner.
Spinach Bread
Updated on Oct. 23, 2024
This gorgeous golden loaf may look like basic bread, but slice it open and the swirls of tasty greens will give new meaning to “appetizer.” The bread dough is frozen, making it easy to throw together this spinach bread in little more than 30 minutes. The recipe itself is uncomplicated, but the result is a tasty accompaniment to classic family meals that can only be improved with an appetizer everyone will want a piece of.
Ingredients for Spinach Bread
- Frozen bread dough: If you’ve never used frozen bread dough, it’s quite simple. You’ll let the dough thaw, then let it rise.
- Onion and garlic: Chopped yellow onion is best here. As for the garlic, the recipe calls for one or two minced cloves, but the more the merrier, especially if you love a hearty garlic flavor.
- Olive oil: Use an aromatic but more mild EVOO for this recipe.
- Spinach: This recipe calls for frozen chopped spinach as opposed to fresh, leafy greens. You’ll want to thaw it and squeeze it dry before adding it to the bread dough.
- Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar or part-skim mozzarella for the best flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Thaw the dough
Thaw the bread dough according to the package directions. Next, let it rise until it doubles.
Step 2: Cook the onion, garlic and spinach
Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Gently stir in the spinach.
Step 3: Prepare the dough, and assemble
Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Spread the spinach mixture to within 1/2 inch of the edges, then sprinkle it with the cheese.
Step 4: Roll up the dough
Roll the dough jelly-roll style, starting with a long side, then pinch the seam to seal it. Place the roll seam side down on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Tuck the ends under, keeping the roll uniform and sealed.
Step 5: Bake the bread
Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. Remove the bread from the pan to a wire rack to cool. Let it stand for about 10 minutes before slicing, and serve it while still warm.
Spinach Bread Variations
- Swap the spinach: Options for other greens include cooked and wilted beet greens, baby kale or a mix of all three.
- Add tomatoes: Thinly slice tomatoes and lay them on top of the bread to bake into the dough.
How to Store Spinach Bread
Once the bread has cooled, store any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil in the fridge. Rewarm the bread in a microwave or oven, on low heat.
Can you make spinach bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this spinach-stuffed bread ahead of time. If it’s prepared in advance and properly stored in the fridge prior to serving, it can be enjoyed for up to one day after you’ve made it.
Spinach Bread Tips
Can you make spinach bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can make spinach bread in a bread machine. Just follow the instructions according to your specific machine.
How can I tell if the bread is done?
There are a couple of ways to tell if your spinach loaf is done. When the crust is golden brown, and the loaf itself appears firm to the touch (but not too crusty), it’s likely done. Another tip is to gently tap on the top or side—if it sounds hollow, it’s done.
Can I turn a spinach loaf into a main meal?
This bread is a wonderful app, but you can make it a heartier meal by adding hard-boiled eggs, flaky cooked fish or a mix of cheeses, tomatoes and onions cooked and coiled on the top.
Spinach-Stuffed Bread
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Yield
6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar or part-skim mozzarella
Directions
- Thaw bread dough according to package directions; let rise until doubled. Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in spinach.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 14x10-in. rectangle. Spread the spinach mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges; sprinkle with cheese. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam side down on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; tuck ends under.
- Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack; let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
2 slices: 340 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 687mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
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Appetizers are the highlight of parties at our home. Slices of this golden loaf swirled with spinach and cheese disappear in a hurry. They're a tasty accompaniment to most any meal, too.
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