1. Prepare the Spinach Filling

Start by preparing the spinach. Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly before chopping it into smaller pieces. If you’re using pre-washed spinach, this step will be quick. Sauté the spinach in a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the spinach from the pan and set it aside to cool.

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them in the leftover olive oil for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Once the onions and garlic are cooked, remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly.

Once the spinach has cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. This step is crucial to ensure the bread stays light and crisp after baking.

2. Mix the Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, cooked onions and garlic, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheese. Add the dried oregano and basil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. The cheeses will help hold the spinach mixture together while adding rich flavor to the filling.

At this point, you can also customize the filling. For example, you can add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist, or incorporate cooked bacon or sausage for extra savory flavor. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

3. Prepare the Bread Dough

If you’re using store-bought bread dough, follow the package instructions for thawing and preparing it. If you’re making your own dough, ensure it has been kneaded and allowed to rise properly according to your recipe.

Once the dough is ready, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a rectangular shape. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch (0.6 cm), ensuring it’s large enough to accommodate the filling and allow for some folding at the edges.

4. Stuff the Bread

Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the bread. Be generous with the filling, but avoid overstuffing, as this can cause the dough to tear or spill out during baking.

Once the filling is spread, carefully roll the dough up into a log shape, starting from one of the longer edges. Try to roll it tightly but not too tightly, as the dough will expand during baking. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the bread, making sure the filling stays inside.

5. Bake the Stuffed Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Transfer the stuffed bread onto the prepared baking sheet, placing the seam side down.

For a golden, shiny finish, you can brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg wash. This will give the bread a beautiful, glossy finish as it bakes. If you like, you can also brush the bread with melted butter after baking for extra flavor and a shiny crust.

Bake the stuffed bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The crust should be crispy, and the cheese inside should be melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure whether the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean, and the bread should feel firm to the touch.

6. Cool and Slice

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time will make it easier to slice without losing too much filling. Slice the stuffed bread into individual portions, either into thick slices or smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing, for added flavor.