Spinach Artichoke Bread - freshly baked bread

Spinach Artichoke Bread

Garlic Bread & Stuffed Bread

Soft bread bowl filled with a creamy spinach and artichoke mixture and baked until golden. The appetizer that doubles as dinner.

Prep Time

20 min

Proof Time

1h 15m

Bake Time

25 min

Servings

10

Calories

260

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or broiler.

  2. 2

    Make Garlic Butter

    Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt.

  3. 3

    Assemble

    Slice bread and spread garlic butter generously. Add cheese or stuffing if applicable.

  4. 4

    Bake

    Wrap in foil or place open-faced. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Baker's Notes

Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for the best flavour. Mince it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the butter.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something quietly brilliant about the spinach artichoke bread bowl: it takes the restaurant favourite we all know and loves, then wraps it inside a crusty loaf like a warm hug. The garlic butter seeps into every crevice of the bread while the creamy spinach-artichoke filling turns golden and bubbly under the broiler. It's the kind of dish that looks impressive enough for a dinner party but comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Canadian home cooks gravitate toward this one because it's basically comfort food with a personality upgrade. The contrast between the crisp, garlic-kissed crust and the rich, cheesy centre hits that sweet spot between appetizer and actual meal. Plus, nobody's going to complain when you serve a whole loaf of bread stuffed with everything delicious.

Tips for the Best Spinach Artichoke Bread

Égouttez bien vos épinards décongelés : l'excès d'humidité rendra votre garniture aqueuse et fera ramollir le pain avant qu'il ne puisse bien croustiller. Si vous utilisez des coeurs d'artichaut en conserve, rincez-les et essuyez-les rapidement. Une couche généreuse de fromage sous les épinards crée une barrière protectrice contre la croûte, maintenant ce centre luxueusement tendre pendant que les bords deviennent bien dorés.

What to Serve With It

This shines as a main course alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or as the star of a charcuterie board with cured meats and pickled vegetables. I love pairing it with a light white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a crisp Canadian Niagara Riesling. For game night, slice it into thick portions and serve with a small bowl of marinara on the side for dipping.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container, though the bread will inevitably soften overnight. Reheat at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes to restore some of that crusty exterior, or pop individual slices under the broiler for two minutes if you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispness. Don't microwave it unless you're prepared for a chewy, rubbery experience.

Nutrition Facts

260

cal

4g

Protein

15g

Fat

43g

Carbs

2g

Fiber

202mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a baguette instead of a French or Italian loaf?+

Absolutely. A baguette works beautifully—just slice it lengthwise and leave the ends intact so the filling stays contained. You may need slightly less filling since baguettes are narrower.

Is it better to bake this wrapped in foil or left uncovered?+

It depends on your preference. Foil-wrapped gives you a softer, more tender result similar to the classic spinach artichoke dip. Leaving it uncovered creates a crisper, more golden crust with better texture contrast.

Can I assemble this ahead of time and bake later?+

Yes, you can prepare the bread with garlic butter and fillings up to a day ahead, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking for even cooking.

What cheese works best in this recipe?+

A blend of mozzarella for meltability and Parmesan for flavour is ideal. Gruyère adds wonderful depth if you want something more sophisticated. Avoid pre-shredded cheese since the anti-caking agents prevent smooth melting.

How do I keep the bread from getting too greasy?+

The key is squeezing your spinach well and using softened—not melted—butter. If your bread seems oily after baking, blot it gently with paper towels and let it rest for a minute before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for the best flavour.
  • Wrapping in foil keeps the bread soft; leaving uncovered makes it crispy.
  • Serve immediately — garlic bread is best straight from the oven.

Reviews (4)

Chantal D.★★★★★

Easy to prepare and so delicious! Even my picky kids went for seconds. This bread has become a staple in our home.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellent recipe. I followed the instructions to the letter and the result was perfect. My wife loved it. The best homemade bread I've made.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last weekend and my family loved it! The bread came out perfectly golden with a beautiful crust. Will definitely be making this again.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.