SPINACH FILLED WREATH BREAD
A delicious and savory wreath bread filled with spinach and cheese, perfect for sharing at home or taking as a ready lunch to work. This recipe makes three wreaths, with extra dough easily turned into stuffed buns. The decorative poppy and sesame seeds add a charming touch, making it both tasty and visually appealing.
π₯£ Ingredients
Dough (for 3 wreaths):
- 450 g all-purpose flour
- 210 ml warm water
- 60 g melted butter
- 1 packet dry yeast (7 g)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
Filling (for 1 wreath):
- 200 g spinach
- 1 small onion (about 50 g)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 150 g telemea cheese (or feta)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
For brushing & decorating:
- 1 tsp oil for brushing dough
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Place dough ingredients into a bread machine and select knead and proof program.
- If no bread machine, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Add remaining ingredients and knead by hand until elastic and smooth, about 8-10 minutes.
- Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (~1 hour).
- Prepare the Filling
- Clean spinach, remove stems, and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes.
- Drain and chop finely by hand or in a food processor.
- Squeeze out excess water using your hands or a clean cloth.
- Heat oil in a pan, sautΓ© finely chopped onion until soft.
- Add minced garlic, cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in spinach and cook for another minute to evaporate moisture.
- Remove from heat, crumble cheese into the mixture and stir quickly until slightly softened.
- Season with black pepper (do not add salt, cheese is salty enough).
- Shape the Wreath
- Divide dough into 3 equal parts.
- Roll one portion into a 27 cm diameter circle on parchment paper.
- Use a 26 cm plate or ring to cut a perfect circle.
- Using a smaller bowl, mark the center of the dough circle for cutting guidance.
- Cut 8 radial lines from the edge of the center circle outward, but do not cut all the way to the center.
- Spread filling evenly around the dough edges.
- Fold each dough triangle over the filling towards the center, pressing lightly with a damp finger to seal.
- Decorate and Proof
- Brush dough triangles lightly with oil.
- Sprinkle poppy and sesame seeds to simulate decorative jewels.
- Place the tray inside a large plastic bag and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 220Β°C (428Β°F).
- Place a small oven-safe pot with water in the oven to create steam.
- Bake the wreath for 15 minutes.
- For a nicely browned crust, switch on the grill function for 1-2 minutes after baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
π‘ Tips
- Blanching and squeezing spinach removes excess moisture, preventing soggy dough.
- Use a damp finger to seal folded dough edges tightly.
- Creating steam in the oven with water gives a beautiful crust texture.
- Watch closely when using the grill to avoid burning.
- Leftover dough can be shaped into stuffed buns for easy snacks or lunches.
π Final Thoughts
This Spinach Filled Wreath Bread is an elegant savory centerpiece with tender, fluffy dough and a flavorful cheese and spinach filling. Its decorative finish with poppy and sesame seeds makes it ideal for special meals or taking to work. A perfect balance of taste and presentation with straightforward preparation.