Spinach Braid
A savory spinach and cheese braid made with crescent rolls, featuring a flavorful filling of spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and provolone, perfect for brunch or light dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix thawed and well-drained chopped spinach, drained cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
- Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and place the crescent rolls on it, pinching the edges together to form a rectangle.
- Spread the spinach and cheese filling down the center of the dough and place the slices of Provolone cheese over the filling.
- Fold the edges of the crescent rolls over the filling to cover it.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the spinach filling. If you don’t have Provolone cheese, mozzarella or even feta can work as great substitutes. Ensure that the spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy braid. A pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile of the cottage cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Braid makes a delightful appetizer or a light lunch option. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Hallie'S Pineapple - Coconut Pie for a refreshing finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispness of the crescent rolls while warming the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Braid contains roughly 184 calories, with 14g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Simply sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and drain it well before mixing it into the cheese filling. Fresh spinach will add a lovely texture and flavor to the braid.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach filling and assemble the braid in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the Spinach Braid heartier, consider adding cooked, crumbled sausage or diced chicken to the filling mix. This will transform it into a more substantial meal while still keeping it delicious and satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).