Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Focaccia-Style Bread
This Mediterranean-inspired bread is a delightful fusion of fluffy dough, creamy cheeses, and earthy greens. It combines the rustic charm of Italian focaccia with the bold, fresh flavors of Greece — featuring feta cheese, mozzarella, spinach, garlic, and herbs. Baked until golden, it’s slightly crispy on the outside yet soft and pillowy inside, making it perfect as a main dish, side, or party appetizer. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil, a bowl of Greek salad, or even a spread of hummus and olives for the ultimate Mediterranean feast.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hr rising if making fresh dough)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes (or 1 hr 50 min if making dough from scratch)
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use 1 lb store-bought pizza/focaccia dough):
3 ½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
For the Topping:
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (150 g) crumbled feta cheese
1 ½ cups (90 g) fresh spinach leaves (lightly sautéed or wilted)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispness)
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth (8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer).
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
(If using store-bought dough, skip to Step 2.)
Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and lightly flour a 12-inch round baking pan or skillet.
Step 3: Prepare Toppings
Lightly sauté spinach with a drizzle of olive oil and minced garlic until just wilted (1–2 minutes).
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing gently to stretch it.
Brush surface with olive oil.
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over dough.
Distribute spinach-garlic mixture on top.
Crumble feta cheese over spinach.
Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley. Finish with black pepper.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice into wedges. Serve warm.
Tips
Dough Tip: If you prefer a chewier bread, use bread flour instead of all-purpose.
Spinach Tip: Always sauté spinach lightly to remove excess water; otherwise, the bread may get soggy.
Crispy Crust: Place your baking pan on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for extra crispiness.
Cheese Balance: Don’t overload with feta since it’s salty — balance it with mozzarella or ricotta.
Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight.
Variations
Greek-Inspired: Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
Italian Style: Replace feta with ricotta and add roasted red peppers and basil.
Protein Boost: Top with shredded chicken, lamb gyro slices, or spicy sausage.
Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour flatbread as the base instead of yeast dough.
Vegan: Use vegan mozzarella and tofu feta, plus nutritional yeast for flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw, squeeze out excess water, and sauté briefly before topping.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza dough mix or almond flour base.
Q: Can it be reheated?
Yes, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust.
Q: What can I serve it with?
Pair with tzatziki, hummus, Greek salad, or a lentil soup for a full meal.
Nutrition (per slice, serves 8)
Calories: ~285
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: ~430 mg
(Values vary depending on cheese and dough type.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Focaccia Bread is a versatile dish that brings the warmth of Mediterranean kitchens right to your table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for gatherings. With its golden crust, cheesy richness, and herb-kissed flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Customize it with your favorite toppings, enjoy it as a meal or side, and pair it with a refreshing salad or mezze platter for a true Mediterranean experience.