Mediterranean Stuffed Bread: A Flavorful, Savory Delight
The Mediterranean Stuffed Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors wrapped in a comforting, golden crust. This dish is easy to make yet impressive enough to serve at special occasions. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine or simply enjoys a unique and satisfying meal.
Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or a centerpiece at a gathering, this stuffed bread combines the rustic charm of homemade bread with the bold, savory flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Stuffed Bread
🌿 Packed with Mediterranean Flavors
The filling is a perfect balance of salty feta, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, earthy spinach, and briny olives.
🥖 Golden and Crispy Crust
The bread bakes to perfection, with a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, flavorful filling.
🍅 Versatile Dish
Serve it as an appetizer, a party snack, or even a light meal—it’s perfect for any occasion.
🕒 Simple Yet Impressive
This recipe is easy to follow, but the result is so stunning that it looks like it came straight from a gourmet bakery.
Instructions for Mediterranean Stuffed Bread
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well.
3️⃣ Assemble the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the Mediterranean filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
- Place the rolled bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down.
4️⃣ Add the Topping
- Brush the top of the bread with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or Italian herbs over the top for added texture and flavor.
5️⃣ Bake the Bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the bread into thick pieces and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with tzatziki sauce, marinara, or a fresh side salad.
Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Stuffed Bread
🌟 Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh spinach, high-quality olives, and creamy feta will enhance the flavors of the filling.
🥖 Seal the Dough Properly
To prevent the filling from spilling out during baking, make sure to tightly seal the edges of the rolled dough.
🍋 Add a Citrus Twist
Squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the filling for an extra zesty kick.
Variations to Try
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free feta and mozzarella, and skip the egg wash for a plant-based version.
- Add Protein: Incorporate shredded chicken or crumbled sausage into the filling for a heartier dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or chopped jalapeños for some heat.
Mediterranean Stuffed Bread
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- For the Topping:
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or Italian herbs optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a bowl, combine cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
- Place the rolled bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down.
- Brush the top of the bread with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or Italian herbs over the top if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Slice into thick pieces and serve warm. Pair with tzatziki, marinara sauce, or a fresh salad for a delicious meal.
