If you love cozy, flavorful baked goods that bring Mediterranean sunshine right to your table, you’re going to adore this Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche Recipe. This dish combines the rich, buttery tenderness of brioche with the bright freshness of spinach, tangy crumbles of feta, and the herbal punch of basil pesto. It’s savory and satisfying in every bite, making it a perfect treat for brunch, a snack, or a stunning appetizer to impress friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor and texture that makes the brioche come alive, from the creamy feta to the aromatic pesto and the soft, tender dough.
- Brioche dough (1 sheet): Choose store-bought or homemade for a rich, buttery foundation that bakes into a fluffy, golden treat.
- Fresh spinach (1 cup, chopped): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Brings tangy creaminess and a salty kick that elevates the overall taste.
- Basil pesto (2 tablespoons): Infuses the brioche with aromatic herbs and a subtle nuttiness for extra depth.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used for brushing the top to create a shiny, golden crust.
- Sesame or poppy seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the brioche dough into a neat rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This sets the stage for a beautiful, even bake and makes rolling easier later on.
Step 2: Spread the Pesto
Spread the basil pesto evenly over the dough, taking care to leave a small border around the edges. The pesto is your flavor base here, so be generous but even to ensure every bite has that bright, herbaceous punch.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Feta
Sprinkle the chopped spinach all over the pesto, followed by the crumbled feta cheese. The spinach adds freshness while the feta provides its signature creamy texture and salty notes. This combination is what makes this brioche so irresistibly flavorful.
Step 4: Roll and Braid
Starting from the longer edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the middle to expose the beautiful filling swirls inside. Carefully twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up, creating an eye-catching braid that promises stunning layers with every slice.
Step 5: Shape and Prepare for Baking
Transfer your braided dough carefully to the baking sheet. You can either shape it into a circular ring or leave it as a long loaf, depending on your preference. Brush the top with the beaten egg to encourage a glossy, golden finish. If you love a little crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds before sliding it into the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the brioche has turned a gorgeous golden brown and feels cooked through. Let it cool just slightly before slicing to enjoy warm, allowing the flavors to fully settle and the texture to firm up just enough for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche Recipe shine, try garnishing with fresh basil or a drizzle of extra pesto right before serving. A few cherry tomatoes on the side can also add a sweet, juicy contrast that complements the savory bread beautifully.
Side Dishes
This brioche pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of warm tomato soup. These sides provide freshness and acidity, which balance the brioche’s rich and buttery profile perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a real showstopper, serve your braided brioche as a centerpiece on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of olives, roasted nuts, and a variety of cheeses. It’s perfect for sharing and adds a festive, Mediterranean flair to any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain the brioche’s soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap the brioche tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to a month frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a warm oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked flavor and flaky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach provides a better texture and vibrant color, you can use thawed and well-drained frozen spinach in a pinch. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make this brioche vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the brioche dough with a vegan-friendly dough, replace feta with a plant-based cheese, use vegan pesto, and swap the egg wash for a mixture of plant-based milk and a little maple syrup for browning.
Can I add other fillings besides spinach and feta?
Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers can add delicious flavor variations that complement the pesto base beautifully.
How long does the baking process usually take?
This recipe generally bakes in about 25 to 30 minutes, but ovens can vary, so start checking for that golden brown color at around 25 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch or just snacks?
The Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche Recipe is versatile enough to be a savory brunch centerpiece, a satisfying snack, or even a delightful appetizer for gatherings. Its rich flavors and tender texture fit any occasion.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you dive into making this Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche Recipe soon. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy, delivering layers of flavor and a beautiful presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for friends or just treating yourself, this brioche is a flavorful hug in bread form. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Brunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Feta, Spinach, and Pesto Brioche is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired savory bread featuring a soft brioche dough braided with fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant basil pesto. Perfect for brunch, appetizers, or a picnic, this elegant bread delivers a flavorful combination of creamy, herbaceous, and slightly tangy notes baked into a golden, tender loaf.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 sheet store-bought brioche dough (or homemade)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the brioche dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick, creating an even base for layering flavors.
- Spread the Pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spilling during rolling.
- Add Spinach and Feta: Sprinkle the chopped fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese over the pesto-covered dough, distributing them evenly for a balanced taste.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Slice Lengthwise: Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the middle to expose the filling inside the two halves.
- Twist and Shape: Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing upward to form a braid. Transfer the braid gently to the prepared baking sheet and either shape it into a ring or leave it as a long loaf.
- Apply Egg Wash and Seeds: Brush the braid’s surface with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden crust and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if desired, for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brioche is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brioche to cool slightly before slicing into 8 pieces and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This brioche is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives to the filling.
- Works wonderfully as a savory brunch centerpiece or a picnic dish.
