Creamy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bake
This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Inspired by a classic recipe, this savory delight combines the richness of spiced spinach and tender artichokes with fluffy bread, all enveloped in a creamy custard. The flavors are beautifully enhanced by a hint of lemon and fresh herbs, while the gooey brie and nutty parmesan add depth and texture. Whether served as a hearty main course or a delightful side, it's sure to impress your guests. Plus, leftovers make for a wonderful lunch with a simple salad. Ideal for entertaining, this recipe doubles effortlessly for larger parties, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.
N/A
Servings
195
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (divided for greasing and drizzling)
Fresh spinach
2 1/2 lbs (washed)
Yellow onions
2 cups (chopped)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (roughly chopped)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon
Salt
2 1/2 teaspoons
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 teaspoons
Artichoke hearts
3 (8 1/2 ounce) cans (quartered)
Large eggs
6
Heavy cream
2 cups
Milk
3 cups
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Day-old French bread
12-14 cups (cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 loaf))
Brie cheese
1/2 lb (rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup (minced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2
In a medium pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the washed spinach and cook for about 30 seconds until just wilted. Drain and cool briefly. Once cool, squeeze out excess water from the spinach and chop it roughly. Set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown and tender, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the roughly chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, cooking until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds more.
4
Add the quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet and cook, stirring gently, for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, lemon juice, remaining tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and remaining salt and pepper until well blended.
6
Add the bread cubes, wilted spinach, artichoke mixture, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan, and minced parsley to the custard mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the bread absorbs the liquid. If necessary, let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
7
Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Distribute half of the brie cheese cubes over the top. Pour in the remaining mixture and dot the top with the remaining brie cubes. Finish by sprinkling the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over everything and drizzling with the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the center is firm and the top is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12.2g
Fat
13.3g
Carbs
9.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Artichoke Bread Bake?
It is a savory bread pudding dish that combines spiced spinach, tender artichokes, and bread in a creamy custard with brie and parmesan cheese.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include French bread cubes, fresh spinach, canned artichoke hearts, eggs, heavy cream, milk, brie cheese, and parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to bake?
The dish should be baked for approximately 1 hour or until the center is firm and the top is golden brown.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of bread is best for this bake?
The recipe calls for 12 to 14 cups of day-old French bread cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While day-old bread is preferred for better liquid absorption, you can use fresh bread if needed, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I prepare the spinach?
Boil the spinach for 30 seconds until wilted, drain it, squeeze out excess water, and chop it roughly.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a 9x13-inch baking dish greased with olive oil.
How much spinach is needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 lbs of fresh washed spinach.
What types of cheese are used in the dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of brie cheese and 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is a vegetarian-friendly savory bake.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 195 calories.
Can I make this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and doubles effortlessly for larger parties or gatherings.
What can I serve with this bread bake?
It can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and leftovers pair well with a simple salad.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie cheese?
Yes, the instructions specify that the rind should be removed before cubing the brie.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12.2g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides about 9.4g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 13.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The custard mixture requires 6 large eggs.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown and tender.
How should I prepare the artichoke hearts?
Use three 8.5-ounce cans of artichoke hearts and quarter them before sautéing.
Should I let the bread soak in the custard?
Yes, if necessary, let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes to allow the bread to fully soak up the liquid.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with Italian seasoning and minced fresh parsley leaves.
Is there any lemon in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
How do I layer the cheese?
Distribute half of the brie cubes over the first layer of bread mixture, then dot the top with the remaining brie and sprinkle with parmesan.
What type of milk is used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of milk combined with 2 cups of heavy cream.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of roughly chopped garlic.
What is the purpose of the olive oil drizzle?
Drizzling olive oil over the top before baking helps achieve a golden, crisp finish.
Can I use frozen spinach instead?
You can use frozen spinach, but ensure it is thawed and squeezed completely dry to avoid a soggy bake.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
It is best served warm after cooling slightly from the oven.