Description
A deliciously savory Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, infused with fresh herbs and garlic butter, optionally enhanced by cooked spinach. This dish features a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful interior, perfect as a shareable appetizer or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Sourdough Bread
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses & Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the top off the sourdough bread loaf carefully and set it aside as a lid for later use.
- Hollow Bread: Hollow out the inside of the bread, leaving about 1-inch thick walls around the edge to form a sturdy bread bowl that will hold the fillings.
- Mix Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful spread.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Generously brush the garlic herb butter mixture over the hollowed-out bread interior and also on the inside of the bread lid to infuse flavor.
- Add Filling: Evenly layer the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and cooked spinach (if using) inside the hollowed bread bowl, distributing the ingredients for balanced flavor.
- Replace Lid: Place the bread top lid back onto the loaf, enclosing the filling inside.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrap the entire bread loaf tightly in aluminum foil to secure the contents and keep moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on top.
Notes
- You can omit the cooked spinach or substitute with other greens like kale or arugula.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor, but dried herbs can be used at about 1/3 the amount.
- Ensure the bread walls are thick enough to hold the filling without collapsing.
- Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.
- This recipe can be customized with additional fillings such as cooked bacon or mushrooms.
