Spinach and Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed French Bread Recipe
If you are craving a dish that combines creamy, smoky, and spicy flavors with the comforting crunch of fresh bread, then the Spinach and Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed French Bread Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe brings together vibrant spinach, luscious smoked jalapeño cheese, and gooey mozzarella stuffed inside crusty French bread for an irresistible appetizer or snack that will wow your taste buds and impress guests every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet flavorful ingredients is the first step toward creating this mouthwatering stuffed French bread. Each element plays an important role, from the smoky cheese adding depth to the tender spinach giving a fresh pop of green goodness.
- Frozen chopped spinach (10-ounce package): Make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water to avoid soggy bread.
- Salted butter (1/2 cup): Enhances richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a subtle aromatic base to the cheese mixture.
- Alouette smoked jalapeño cheese (6.5-ounce container): The star ingredient that brings a smoky and spicy kick.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Provides a savory depth and umami boost.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild but essential garlicky flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Important for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- French bread (1 loaf): The perfect vehicle for all the delicious filling – crusty on the outside, soft inside.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts to golden perfection and adds beautifully gooey texture on top.
How to Make Spinach and Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly and the foil helps with an easy clean-up afterwards.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Melt the salted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. This gentle cooking process brings out the onion’s natural sweetness which complements the smoky cheese beautifully.
Step 3: Add Cheese Mixture
Stir in the Alouette smoked jalapeño cheese along with Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Mix everything until the cheese melts smoothly into the onions. Then fold in the thawed and well-drained spinach. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is the heart of your Spinach and Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed French Bread Recipe.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two wide “boats.” Place the halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, ready to be generously filled with the flavorful mixture.
Step 5: Spread the Mixture
Evenly distribute the spinach and cheese filling across each bread half. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top – this not only adds a delicious cheesy layer but also helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish in the oven.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the prepared bread halves into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 12 minutes. Watch closely for when the bread edges turn golden brown and the cheese melts into bubbly perfection. This is when you’ll know your Spinach and Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed French Bread Recipe is ready!
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Take the delicious bread out of the oven, slice into manageable pieces, and serve while warm. The combination of creamy, smoky filling and crispy bread is guaranteed to delight every bite.
How to Serve Spinach and Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. It adds a burst of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich cheese blend. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of lime juice works wonders.
Side Dishes
This stuffed French bread pairs perfectly with crisp salads, such as a tangy arugula salad or a fresh tomato cucumber mix. It also makes a great companion to hearty soups, especially creamy tomato basil or classic chicken noodle.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this recipe into a fun party appetizer by slicing it into small bite-sized squares and arranging them on a platter with toothpicks. Or serve it alongside a vibrant charcuterie board for a fantastic mix of flavors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the bread from drying out. Consuming within 2 to 3 days ensures the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Wrap the stuffed bread tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked crispness, reheat the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, cook it down in a skillet until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it in, to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
What’s the best cheese substitute if I can’t find smoked jalapeño Alouette?
You can use cream cheese mixed with finely diced smoked jalapeño peppers or a smoky pepper jack cheese to mimic that unique smoky spice.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle kick thanks to the smoked jalapeño cheese, but it’s not overwhelming. You can adjust heat levels by choosing milder or hotter cheese varieties.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it back to room temperature and stir well before spreading on the bread.
What if I don’t have French bread?
A sturdy Italian or sourdough loaf works well as an alternative. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold the filling and has a nice crust for toasting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Spinach and Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed French Bread Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. Its blend of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors wrapped in crispy bread is simply unbeatable. Give it a try and I promise it will become a fast favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Spinach and Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed French Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Bread recipe is a savory and cheesy appetizer featuring a creamy spinach and smoked jalapeno-flavored cheese mixture spread over French bread, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for parties or a flavorful snack, it combines tender cooked onions, rich cheeses, and garlic for a deliciously comforting treat.
Ingredients
Spinach Mixture
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (6.5-ounce) container Alouette cheese (smoked jalapeno flavor recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread and Topping
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to prepare for baking the bread.
- Cook the Onion: In a nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese Mixture: Stir in the Alouette cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder into the skillet, mixing until the cheese melts completely. Then, stir in the thawed and drained spinach. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the French bread in half lengthwise, laying the halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy spinach and cheese mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes until the edges of the bread turn golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, slice it into serving pieces, and enjoy warm as a flavorful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Be sure to thoroughly squeeze out water from the thawed spinach to prevent soggy bread.
- You can substitute the smoked jalapeno Alouette cheese with any soft cheese of your choice for different flavor profiles.
- For extra crispy edges, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This recipe serves 8 and can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
