Spinach and Cheese Twist Bread

This Spinach and Cheese Twist Bread is a show-stopping, flavorful bread that’s perfect for sharing. Filled with creamy cheese and savory spinach, the twisted shape creates a beautiful presentation and ensures every bite is full of flavor. It’s ideal for brunch, snacks, or as a side dish.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rest Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 8–10

Ingredients
For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375 g)
• Instant Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Warm Milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
• Egg: 1 large

For the Filling:

• Spinach: 2 cups (120 g), fresh or frozen (thawed and drained)
• Ricotta Cheese: ½ cup (125 g)
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (100 g), shredded
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (25 g), grated
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Nutmeg: A pinch (optional)

For Brushing:

• Egg Wash: 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk
• Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds: 1 tablespoon (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling:
   • If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a dry skillet until wilted. Let it cool, then chop.
   • In a bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well and set aside.
3. Assemble the Twist Bread:
   • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
   • Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
   • Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
4. Shape the Twist:
   • Use a sharp knife to slice the log in half lengthwise.
   • With the cut sides facing up, twist the two pieces together, pinching the ends to seal.
   • Carefully transfer the twisted loaf to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a circle or leave it as a straight twist.
5. Bake the Bread:
   • Brush the loaf with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if desired.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.