Feta Spinach Stuffed French Bread Recipe

This Feta Spinach Stuffed French Bread recipe takes your average loaf of French bread and transforms it into a savory, cheesy, and flavorful dish perfect for any meal or as an appetizer. The rich combination of spinach and feta, packed into a crispy yet soft French bread shell, creates a delightful bite that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it alongside a fresh salad or making it the star of the meal, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, yet the results are impressive and satisfying.

French bread is a classic, versatile loaf, known for its soft interior and crispy crust. When combined with a rich, creamy spinach and feta stuffing, it transforms into a decadent treat that works well for a variety of occasions. The spinach provides a fresh, earthy base, while the feta adds a tangy, creamy richness that melts beautifully into the bread. This stuffed French bread recipe can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course for a light meal.

Stuffed breads are a wonderful way to create a filling, hearty dish without needing to make an elaborate dinner. The warm bread, mixed with flavorful ingredients like spinach, feta cheese, garlic, and herbs, makes this recipe a guaranteed hit at any gathering. The golden, crispy outer crust is perfect for dipping or scooping, making each bite something special.

Preparation Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, fresh spinach has a better texture and flavor for this recipe. If using fresh spinach, be sure to chop it finely before cooking to avoid large, tough pieces in the stuffing.
2. Let the Cream Cheese Soften: Cream cheese blends much more easily with the other ingredients when softened. Allow it to sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing with the spinach and feta.
3. Season to Taste: Spinach and feta are both flavorful ingredients on their own, but the addition of garlic, herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes elevates the dish. Adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preferences, adding more or less of each.
4. Toast the Bread: Toasting the French bread before stuffing helps it maintain its structure and adds an extra layer of crispiness to the final dish. This step prevents the bread from becoming soggy as it absorbs the moisture from the filling.
5. Bake Until Golden: Make sure to bake the stuffed French bread long enough for the cheese to melt and the top to become golden and slightly crispy. If the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, creating two long halves. Using a spoon or your fingers, gently hollow out the inside of the bread, leaving about 1-inch of bread around the edges. Brush both halves lightly with olive oil and set them aside.
2. Cook the Spinach
   In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Remove from heat and allow the spinach to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
   In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Add the cooked spinach to the mixture and stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Stuff the Bread
   Carefully spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out French bread, packing it in as evenly as possible. Press down gently to ensure the stuffing is compact and covers the entire surface of the bread.
5. Bake the Bread
   Place the stuffed French bread halves on a baking sheet and sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing it into individual pieces. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Feta Spinach Stuffed French Bread can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference:

• As an Appetizer: Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve as a party appetizer or a starter for a meal.
• With Soup: Pair it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a light vegetable soup for a hearty lunch or dinner.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite roasted meats, pasta dishes, or salads for a flavorful side.
• As a Main Dish: Stuffed French bread is filling on its own, so it can also be served as a light meal with a side salad.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Protein: For added protein, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage to the spinach and feta mixture.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes into the stuffing.
• Vegan Option: Replace the cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Herb Substitution: You can use other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Cheese Swap: Try substituting goat cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta for a different creamy, tangy taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach and feta mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the bread and bake it just before serving.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Frozen spinach can be used, but be sure to thaw it and squeeze out all the excess moisture before adding it to the filling mixture.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore some of the crispy texture.

Can I use a different type of bread?
While French bread works best for this recipe, you can also use baguette-style bread or even a soft loaf of Italian bread as an alternative.

Conclusion

This Feta Spinach Stuffed French Bread recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh spinach, all encased in a crispy, soft loaf of French bread. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light main course, it’s a flavorful, versatile option that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, you can make this dish any time you’re craving a delicious, homemade treat.

Yield: 6-8

Feta Spinach Stuffed French Bread Recipe

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This Feta Spinach Stuffed French Bread recipe takes your average loaf of French bread and transforms it into a savory, cheesy, and flavorful dish perfect for any meal or as an appetizer. The rich combination of spinach and feta, packed into a crispy yet soft French bread shell, creates a delightful bite that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it alongside a fresh salad or making it the star of the meal, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, yet the results are impressive and satisfying.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large French bread loaf
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Prepare the Bread:
   Slice the top of the French bread loaf lengthwise and hollow out the inside, creating a trench. Set the bread aside.
   
3. Cook the Spinach:
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and garlic, cooking until the spinach wilts and the garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
   
4. Make the Filling:
   In a medium bowl, mix the feta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and mozzarella cheese until combined. Add the spinach mixture, season with salt and pepper, and stir until well-mixed.
   
5. Stuff the Bread:
   Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out bread, filling it evenly.
   
6. Bake:
   Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
   
7. Serve:
   Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and slice into pieces. Serve warm.

Notes

• Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped black olives to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This stuffed bread pairs well with a side salad or as a tasty appetizer.