Irresistibly Cheesy Spinach Bread: A Delightful Side Dish
Spinach bread is a wonderfully easy and satisfying side dish that not only complements a variety of main courses but also proves to be a hit at gatherings and casual cookouts with friends. With its delightful combination of creamy cheese and nutritious spinach enveloped in warm bread, this recipe is sure to disappear quickly from the table. Whether served alongside beef, pork, or chicken, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Category | Breads |
| Keywords | < 30 Mins, Oven |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) based on 3 reviews |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 351.3 |
| Total Fat | 14.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 35.1 mg |
| Sodium | 667.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugars | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 12.9 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen chopped spinach | 1 package |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Margarine | ½ cup |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup (shredded) |
| French or Italian bread (whole) | 1 loaf |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spinach: Begin by cooking the frozen chopped spinach according to the package directions. Once cooked, be sure to drain it well to remove any excess moisture, which could make the bread soggy.
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Sauté the Onion: In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion, sautéing it until it becomes tender and translucent, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: After the onion is sautéed to perfection, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the well-drained spinach. Ensure the spinach and onion are thoroughly mixed together.
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Add the Cheese: Chop the mozzarella cheese into fairly small pieces and add it to the spinach mixture. Stir until the cheese begins to melt into the warm spinach and onion mixture. While it may not completely melt, the goal is to create a creamy, ‘soupy’ consistency rather than large chunks of cheese. If the mixture has cooled significantly, return it to low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously to encourage melting.
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Hollow Out the Bread: Take your whole loaf of bread and carefully cut a large section out of the center, ensuring you leave about a one-inch shell around the bottom and sides. This hollow space will hold your delicious spinach mixture.
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Fill the Bread: Spoon the creamy spinach and cheese mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread. Top generously with additional shredded mozzarella cheese for that extra cheesy goodness.
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Bake the Spinach Bread: Wrap the filled loaf in aluminum foil, making sure to create a ‘tent’ over the cheese so it doesn’t stick to the foil during baking. Place the wrapped loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the spinach mixture is thoroughly heated.
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Serve Immediately: While you can prepare the spinach mixture ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the bread just before baking to maintain the bread’s integrity and prevent sogginess. Once out of the oven, unwrap the foil and slice the bread into hearty pieces, serving it warm as a delightful side that will leave your guests raving.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Bread recipe is not only simple but also highly versatile, allowing you to use any type of bread you prefer, such as French, Italian, or even small hoagie rolls for individual servings. Its cheesy, savory flavor makes it an excellent companion to a wide variety of dishes, enhancing your meals with a touch of comfort and warmth. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy every bite!
