This golden pull apart bread stars the classic and irresistible pairing of spinach and cheese. It’s the ultimate tear-and-share crowd-pleaser that is well worth the effort. Make this spinach and cheese pull apart bread for your next party, picnic or weekend feast.
Ingredients
Method
Lightly grease and line a 24cm x 13cm (top measurement) loaf pan with nonstick baking paper, allowing 3cm overhang.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, yeast, sugar, flour and salt. Using the dough hook, mix for 4-5 minutes, or until the flour is completely incorporated and smooth.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, make the filling. Place the spinach in a colander in the sink. Pour over boiling water and set aside to wilt. Drain. Refresh under cold water. Using your hands, squeeze all the excess water out. Finely chop the spinach.
In a large bowl combine ricotta, cheddar, parmesan, chives and artichokes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Knock out the air from the dough and divide into 12 even pieces. On a lightly floured surface roll each piece into a 15cm round.
Divide the spinach filling between dough rounds and spread over top half. Fold the dough over into a half circle ensuring the spinach filling sits right to the top edges, so you see it when it bakes. Line the prepared loaf pan with dough pockets, rounded side up.
Cover loaf pan with a clean tea towel and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes, until puffy.
Preheat at the oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
Place the loaf on a tray, sprinkle with remaining cheddar and bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Brush with hot melted butter. Carefully lift the dough out of the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Serve pull apart bread warm.
Test Kitchen tip
If you don’t want to make half circles, roll dough into one large rectangle 1cm thick. Spread with filling and starting at the long edge, roll up. Cut roll into 4cm thick slices; arrange cut side up on a greased and lined baking tray.
How long will pull apart bread last?
This spinach and cheese pull apart bread is so delicious it will probably be gone in a flash! If you do have leftovers, or want to prep ahead, the pull apart bread will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Pull apart bread is best toasted or warmed through in the oven the day after making.
