This Cheesy Spinach Artichoke & Mushroom Stuffed Baguette is like a tasty hug for your taste buds! It’s filled with creamy cheese, fresh spinach, artichokes, and mushrooms, all baked in a crispy baguette.
Perfect for sharing at parties or just enjoying on a cozy night in! I love cutting it into pieces and serving it warm—everyone goes for seconds (and thirds) because who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A fresh baguette is key for this recipe. You can also use ciabatta or another sturdy bread if needed. Just make sure it’s crusty enough to hold all that delicious filling!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen spinach works too! Just thaw and drain it thoroughly. Personally, I love the fresh taste, so I always opt for it when possible.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms add great flavor. If you want a twist, try adding shiitake or portobello. They bring a deeper, earthy taste to the dish.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred artichoke hearts are convenient and packed with flavor. If you have fresh artichokes, you can use them too, but they require more prep. Don’t forget to trim and cook them first!
Cheeses: Cream cheese gives creaminess, while mozzarella and Parmesan add that cheesy goodness. For a different flavor, you can swap cheddar for some of the mozzarella, or mix in a bit of feta for a tangy kick!
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Spinach-Mushroom Filling?
Getting the filling right is crucial for this stuffed baguette. Here are some tips to achieve a creamy and flavorful mix:
- Cook the mushrooms until they’re soft and have released their juices. This helps avoid a soggy filling!
- Make sure to drain excess liquid from the spinach; too much moisture can ruin the stuffing.
- Mix in the cheeses thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors. Don’t hesitate to taste the mixture before filling the baguette!
With these steps, you’ll create a delicious filling that everyone will love! Just remember to take your time—good food is worth the wait.
Cheesy Spinach Artichoke & Mushroom Stuffed Baguette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large fresh baguette
- 8 oz fresh spinach (about 4 cups, packed)
- 6 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or dried Italian herbs for extra flavor
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake, for a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s ready to go when your stuffed baguette is assembled and ready to bake!
2. Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Then, add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and release their moisture. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Prepare the Spinach:
In a large bowl, mix the fresh spinach with a pinch of salt. You can either microwave it for about 1-2 minutes or quickly sauté it in the skillet. The goal is to just wilt the spinach. After it’s wilted, drain any excess liquid by squeezing it inside a clean kitchen towel or pressing it with a spoon.
4. Combine the Filling:
In the same bowl, add the wilted spinach, cooked mushrooms, chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and your optional herbs or red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed!
5. Prepare the Baguette:
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Take a spoon and gently hollow out a little bit of the inner bread, creating space for the delicious filling while leaving a border of bread intact to hold everything.
6. Fill the Baguette:
Carefully spoon the cheesy spinach-artichoke-mushroom mixture evenly into both halves of the baguette. Make sure to spread it out well for even baking!
7. Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the filling on both baguette halves. This is what will get wonderfully melty and bubbly!
8. Bake It:
Place the stuffed baguette halves onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Then, slice the baguette into pieces and serve warm. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a delicious snack!
This recipe creates a warm, gooey, and flavorful stuffed baguette that will impress everyone. Enjoy indulging in this cheesy delight!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain out any excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. Squeeze it in a kitchen towel or press it with a spoon to get rid of the water!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed baguette in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps retain the texture and flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and hollow out the baguette a few hours ahead. Just cover the filling and baguette with plastic wrap and assemble them right before baking to keep everything fresh!
What Can I Serve with the Stuffed Baguette?
This stuffed baguette is great on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad, veggie platter, or even a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It makes for a fun and interactive appetizer!