Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe
If you love the idea of combining rich, fluffy bread with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, then you are going to adore this Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe. This dish is a glorious celebration of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic basil pesto nestled inside a soft, buttery brioche loaf. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture, making it the perfect appetizer or savory brunch treat to impress your friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain bread ever again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, herbaceous freshness, and tender breadiness that will have you coming back for more.
- Brioche loaf: Choose a soft, unsliced brioche for that rich, buttery base that’s perfect for stuffing.
- Fresh spinach (1 cup, chopped): Adds a vibrant green color and a subtle earthiness that complements the cheese.
- Crumbled feta cheese (3/4 cup): Provides the tangy, salty punch essential for this recipe’s flavor.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): Brings a creamy texture and binds all filling ingredients beautifully.
- Basil pesto (2 tablespoons): Infuses a fresh, aromatic herbaceousness that elevates every bite.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a subtle savory warmth when sautéed.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to gently cook the garlic and spinach for enhanced flavor.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a mild bite without overpowering the dish.
- Optional egg wash: (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water) for a beautiful golden crust.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a delightful crunch and eye-catching finish.
How to Make Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—that gentle garlic aroma is going to make the filling irresistible. Then add the chopped spinach and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s just wilted but still bright green. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly; this is important so the cheese mixture stays creamy and doesn’t get runny.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
In a bowl, mix together the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, basil pesto, sautéed spinach, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined; it should be creamy but still have texture from the spinach and feta crumbles. This filling is what gives the Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe its signature flavor burst in every slice.
Step 3: Prepare the Brioche Loaf
Next, slice your brioche loaf lengthwise like a sandwich if you want a stuffed bread, or make deep cross-hatch slits on top if you prefer a pull-apart style. Both methods work beautifully and allow the filling to seep into the bread’s pockets and crevices, making each bite flavorful and moist.
Step 4: Stuff and Garnish
Spread or stuff the feta-spinach-pesto mixture evenly inside the loaf or into the slits. For an extra touch of golden glow, brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This not only makes the brioche look stunning but adds a delicate crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared loaf on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You want to warm it through until the filling is soft and the top is nicely golden. Remove it promptly to avoid over-drying. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley beautifully enhance the look and taste on top of your Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few crushed red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of contrast to the creamy filling. Don’t be shy about garnishing generously—presentation matters!
Side Dishes
This brioche pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or some marinated olives complement the rich flavors perfectly. For brunch, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or soft-boiled eggs for a balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the brioche pull-apart style for a fun, interactive dining experience. It’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers where everyone can grab their own cheesy, herby bites. Alternatively, slice it into thick, sandwich-like pieces and serve with a drizzle of extra pesto or a side of roasted cherry tomatoes for a stunning Mediterranean-inspired platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this delightful Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though I must admit it’s rarely around that long in my house!
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed brioche before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed. This makes it easy to have a special appetizer or snack ready whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place slices or the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you can; the oven keeps the brioche’s texture just right and the filling creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Kale or arugula are fantastic substitutes that bring a slightly different flavor profile but work just as well inside the brioche for a fresh, slightly peppery bite.
Is it necessary to use both feta and cream cheese?
The combination of feta and cream cheese gives this recipe the perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess. While you can experiment with just one, using both creates that luscious, spreadable texture that works best here.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You could swap the brioche with a vegan bread, and replace the cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Just be mindful that the flavors and creaminess will change a bit, but it can still be delicious!
What can I do to make this recipe more indulgent?
For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top before baking. It melts beautifully and adds an irresistible gooey layer to your brioche.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?
It’s best to freeze the brioche before baking to preserve freshness and texture. Reheating frozen baked brioche can sometimes dry it out, so pre-baking freezing is recommended for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
This Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet is so easy to make. Its flavor harmony, creamy filling, and soft, buttery brioche will quickly make it a go-to recipe to share with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a much-loved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Feta Spinach and Pesto Brioche is a deliciously savory appetizer or brunch side featuring a soft brioche loaf stuffed with a flavorful mix of sautéed spinach, creamy feta, basil pesto, and cream cheese. Enhanced with garlic and black pepper, then baked until golden and warm, this Mediterranean-inspired dish offers a perfect balance of cheesy richness and fresh herbaceous notes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 brioche loaf (unsliced)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water) for brushing
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brioche after filling it.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, basil pesto, sautéed spinach, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare the brioche: Slice the brioche loaf lengthwise like a sandwich or create deep cross-hatch slits on top if you prefer a pull-apart bread style.
- Fill the brioche: Stuff or spread the feta-spinach-pesto mixture evenly inside the sliced loaf or within the cross-hatch slits to ensure flavor in every bite.
- Optional finishing touches: If desired, brush the top of the brioche with the egg wash to achieve a golden crust and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the prepared brioche in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until warmed through and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm as a savory appetizer or a delightful brunch side.
Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade brioche depending on availability and preference.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor.
- For a more indulgent dish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
