Introduction
Welcome to Love With Recipes, your premier source for culinary inspiration and detailed, expert-approved recipes. Today, we delve into the art of bread-making with a flavorful twist—Spinach & Feta Bread crafted effortlessly using your bread machine. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of fresh spinach with the tangy richness of feta cheese, resulting in a savory loaf that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side for your dinner table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to produce a bakery-quality bread with minimal effort, thanks to the convenience of your bread machine. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and adaptable, accommodating various dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions.
Imagine slicing into a warm loaf, the aroma of baked spinach and feta filling your kitchen, the texture soft yet slightly chewy, with bits of cheese and greens adding bursts of flavor in every bite. It pairs wonderfully with a spread of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even as a savory sandwich bread. Plus, this bread makes a nutritious addition to any meal, packed with vitamins from spinach and protein from feta, making it a balanced choice for health-conscious eaters. Now, let’s explore the detailed process of creating this delicious spinach and feta bread using your bread machine, ensuring perfect results each time.
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Bread machine (with a standard white bread setting)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Kitchen towel or dish towel
- Fine grater or crisper for squeezing excess liquid from spinach
- Silicone spatula or spoon for mixing
- Cooling rack (optional but recommended)
- Knife for slicing
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel for covering bread during cooling
Tags
Yeast Bread, Bread Machine, Savory Bread, Spinach, Feta, Quick Bread, Easy Baking, Healthy Bread, Vegetarian Option, Breakfast Bread, Snack, Family Favorite
Serving Size
Each serving yields approximately 1 slice, with the entire loaf providing about 24 slices. This makes it ideal for feeding large families, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Adjust serving sizes based on your needs, but be mindful of portion control if watching calorie intake.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate—While the process is simplified by using a bread machine, attention to ingredient preparation, such as squeezing excess water from spinach and ensuring ingredients are at room temperature, enhances the final product. Familiarity with bread machine functions and basic baking principles will help you achieve the best results.
Allergen Information
| Allergen | Contains | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten | Yes | From bread flour |
| Dairy | Yes | Feta cheese |
| Eggs | Yes | Used in the dough |
| Tree Nuts / Peanuts | No | Not included in ingredients |
Dietary Preference
Vegetarian, Nut-Free (unless feta contains trace nuts), Suitable for those avoiding animal meat but not dairy or eggs. Can be adapted for vegan diets by substituting feta with plant-based cheese and eggs with suitable replacements.
Course
Breakfast, Snack, Side Dish, Appetizer, Brunch
Cuisine
European, Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients
Ingredient Quantities and Details
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4 cup | Fresh Spinach | Fresh or frozen; if frozen, defrosted and thoroughly drained |
| 2 1/4 cups | Bread Flour | All-purpose or bread flour; for best results, use bread flour for structure |
| 3 tbsp | Splenda Sugar Substitute | Optional, can substitute with granulated sugar if preferred |
| 1/3 tsp | Salt | Enhances flavor |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Nutmeg | Freshly grated for optimal flavor |
| 1/2 tsp | Black Pepper | Freshly ground, to taste |
| 1/2 cup | Unsweetened Applesauce | Provides moisture and subtle sweetness |
| 1/2 cup | Water | Filtered or tap water, at room temperature |
| 3 large | Eggs | Beaten lightly before adding |
| 2/3 cup | Feta Cheese | Crumbled, preferably Greek feta for authentic flavor |
| 1/3 cup | Olive Oil | Extra virgin preferred for flavor |
| 1/2 packet (2 1/4 tsp) | Active Dry Yeast | Use fresh or instant yeast, check expiration date |
Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
Prior to starting the bread-making process, prepare your ingredients meticulously to ensure optimal results. Begin with the spinach: if you’re using fresh spinach, thoroughly rinse it under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once washed, dry the spinach using a salad spinner or pat it dry with paper towels. For frozen spinach, allow it to defrost completely in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on a low setting, ensuring it doesn’t cook or become mushy. After defrosting, wrap the spinach in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth and firmly squeeze to extract all excess moisture. This step is crucial because excess water can interfere with the dough’s consistency, making it too wet or sticky, which can hinder proper rising and texture.
Simultaneously, gather all other ingredients, allowing them to reach room temperature—particularly the eggs, water, and feta—to promote better yeast activity and dough development. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces to distribute evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each slice of bread contains flavorful bits of cheese and spinach.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Adding Ingredients to the Bread Machine: Begin by measuring all ingredients precisely. In the order recommended by your bread machine’s manufacturer—usually liquids first, followed by dry ingredients, and yeast last—pour the ingredients into the bread pan. Typically, this involves adding water, eggs, applesauce, olive oil, salt, sugar substitute, nutmeg, black pepper, and spinach. Then, top with the bread flour and make a small well in the center of the flour mound to add the yeast. The yeast should not contact the liquid directly to prevent premature activation.
- Setting Up the Bread Machine: Close the lid securely. Select the “white bread” setting on your machine, which typically includes basic mixing, kneading, rising, and baking cycles. Set the crust preference—light, medium, or dark—according to your taste. For a softer crust, select light; for a more pronounced crust, opt for dark.
- Starting the Process: Press start to initiate the cycle. During the initial mixing and kneading phase, listen for the sound of the machine working; if you notice the dough is too dry or too wet during kneading, you can open the lid briefly to add small amounts of water or flour as needed, ensuring the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball.
- Incorporating Feta: Since some bread machines add ingredients at specific times, check your model’s manual. If your machine offers a ‘pause’ feature near the end of kneading, open the lid and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese along with the spinach if the machine’s cycle doesn’t already include a dedicated addition step for mix-ins. Otherwise, the feta will incorporate during baking, which is acceptable for this recipe.
- Baking and Cooling: Once the cycle completes, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack to prevent condensation from making the crust soggy. Let the bread cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the internal structure to set properly. Cutting into hot bread can result in a gummy texture and misshapen slices.
Preparation Tips
- Adjusting Liquids: In humid weather, reduce water by about 1/8 cup to prevent overly moist dough.
- Spinach Handling: Ensuring spinach is well drained is vital to prevent sogginess. The squeezing process removes excess water that can compromise dough consistency.
- Ensuring Proper Yeast Activation: Use fresh yeast, and verify the expiration date. For rapid rising, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Incorporating Add-ins: If your bread machine allows, add feta cheese and spinach during the kneading cycle to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 63.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 151.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugar | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
Tips and Tricks
- Enhance Flavor: Add minced garlic or herbs like dill or oregano for a more aromatic loaf.
- Texture Variations: Incorporate sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Vegan Version: Substitute feta with plant-based cheese and eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread making, but note that baking times and textures will differ.
- Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
Add-ons and Customizations
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives
- Olives or capers for a Mediterranean flavor
- Cheddar or mozzarella as alternative cheeses
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Side Dishes
- Fresh mixed greens salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes
- Tomato basil soup or minestrone
- Hummus and veggie platter for a Mediterranean-inspired snack
- Stuffed grape leaves or dolmas for an authentic touch
Improvements and Variations
- Sweet Version: Swap feta and spinach for dried fruits like cranberries and chopped nuts, adding a touch of cinnamon for a sweet bread alternative.
- Whole Wheat: Replace half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Seeded: Mix in flaxseeds, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds into the dough for added nutrition and texture.
Save and Store
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days. To extend freshness, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly until warm. Proper storage ensures the bread retains its flavor, texture, and nutritional value over time.
FAQ
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
This recipe relies on wheat-based bread flour for structure and rise. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a high-quality gluten-free bread flour blend, but be aware that the texture and rise may differ. Additional binders like xanthan gum can improve the outcome.
Can I omit the feta cheese?
Yes, you can omit feta for a vegan or dairy-free version. Replace feta with plant-based cheese or simply leave it out for a lighter, purely spinach-flavored bread.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread machine cycle will typically indicate when baking is complete. For confirmation, remove the loaf and tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. Alternatively, use a food thermometer—internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or shredded zucchini can be incorporated for more color, moisture, and nutrition.
Conclusion
This Spinach & Feta Bread from Love With Recipes exemplifies how simple ingredients, when combined with a reliable bread machine, can produce a gourmet-quality, savory loaf that’s both nutritious and delightful. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, and its flavor profile complements numerous dishes. By following the detailed instructions and tips provided, you’ll achieve bakery-quality results consistently. Experiment with add-ins and flavor enhancements to tailor the bread to your personal taste and dietary preferences. Baking this bread is not just about making food but creating a homemade experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and the joy of crafting something wholesome and delicious from scratch.
References
- “Bread Machine Baking” by Linda Collister
- “The Art of Making Bread” by Jeffrey Hamelman