This mouthwatering Spinach Grilled Cheese is a delectable twist on a classic favoriting bringing together tangy sourdough, aromatic onions, dairy-free feta, and vibrant baby spinach, all melted into a golden masterpiece. Pair it with a cozy tomato soup for the perfect comforting lunch or snack.
Updated September 2023
Delicious Spinach Grilled Cheese: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Looking for a scrumptious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich? This Spinach Grilled Cheese is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving more.
With its melty, cheesy center and golden-brown crust, this sandwich is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with cheesy goodness, this recipe is a must-try for both vegetarians and cheese lovers alike.Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe promises a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sourdough Bread: Choose a quality sourdough or crusty rustic loaf for that perfect crunch and tangy flavor. Opt for gluten-free or grain-free options if needed, such as Bread Srsly, AWGbakery, Base Culture, or California Country Gal.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients create a flavorful base for your sandwich. Sautéed onion and minced garlic infuse the sandwich with depth and richness.
- Baby Spinach: A vibrant green addition that not only adds color but also provides essential nutrients. Spinach brings a tender texture and a hint of earthy taste to the mix.
- Dairy-Free Feta: We recommend Violife dairy-free feta, though regular feta works great too. Its tanginess complements the spinach and creates a luscious, cheesy filling.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balance to the dish, cutting through the richness of the cheese.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These staples enhance the flavors of each ingredient, ensuring a well-seasoned and delicious sandwich.
- Dairy-Free Mozzarella-Style Cheese Slices: Opt for Violife, Chao, or Miyokos for a melty, gooey texture that mimics traditional cheese slices.
- Dairy-Free Butter: Use your preferred brand of dairy-free or regular butter to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Instructions: How to make Spinach Grilled Cheese
With these simple steps, you’re on your way to enjoying a gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich that’s bursting with flavors and textures.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil and sauté diced onion until fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Wilt Spinach: Introduce baby spinach, drizzle with lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until wilted.
- Combine with Feta: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Crumble dairy-free feta into the spinach mixture and mix well.
- Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of both bread slices.
- Layer the Sandwich: Start with a mozzarella slice.
- Then add spinach feta mixture, another mozzarella slice, and more spinach feta mixture. Close with the top bread slice.
- Toast the Sandwich: Melt butter in a skillet over low heat. Add the sandwich and cook until golden brown and toasted underneath. Carefully flip and cook until the second side is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a cutting board, slice in half, and savor your delicious Spinach Grilled Cheese creation!
Tips for Success: Crafting the Perfect Spinach Grilled Cheese
- Sauté Aromatics to Perfection: Cooking the onion and garlic until fragrant sets the stage for a richly flavored sandwich.
- Wilt Spinach Gently: Keep a close eye on the spinach while cooking. Wilt it until soft but not overcooked to maintain its fresh taste and vibrant color.
- Crumble Feta with Care: Incorporate the feta gently into the spinach mixture to ensure an even distribution of cheese throughout.
- Low Heat for Golden Perfection: Use low heat when toasting the sandwich to achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
Serving Suggestions: A Meal to Remember
Pair your Spinach Grilled Cheese with a side salad, a cup of tomato soup, or even some sweet potato fries for a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s a great way to elevate your lunch or dinner routine with minimal effort.
Variations and Substitutions: Get Creative!
- Add Protein: Amp up the protein content by adding sliced grilled chicken, turkey, or tempeh to the sandwich.
- Change up the Greens: While baby spinach works wonderfully, you can experiment with other greens like arugula, kale, or Swiss chard.
- Explore Cheese Options: Feel free to swap the mozzarella-style slices for your favorite dairy-free or regular cheese alternatives.
- Infuse with Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, toss in some fresh basil, oregano, or thyme while sautéing the onions and garlic.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
This Spinach Grilled Cheese is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, but if you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet for optimal taste and texture.
Freezing is not recommended, as dairy-free cheese can sometimes alter its texture upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: Can I use regular bread instead of sourdough? Absolutely! While sourdough adds a delightful tang, feel free to use your preferred bread for a personalized touch.
Q2: Can I freeze the Spinach Grilled Cheese? We recommend enjoying it fresh for the best taste and texture. Freezing may alter the cheese’s consistency upon thawing.
Q3: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? For optimal taste and texture, reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet until warmed through.
Q4: Can I use different greens for the filling? Certainly! Experiment with arugula, kale, or other greens for a unique twist on the recipe.
Q5: Is there a way to add more protein? Absolutely. Consider adding sliced grilled chicken, turkey, or tempeh to boost the protein content of your sandwich.
Q6: How can I customize the cheese selection? Feel free to explore your favorite dairy-free or regular cheese options to suit your taste preferences.
Q7: Can I make this sandwich on a panini press? Absolutely! A panini press can yield those coveted grill marks and an extra-crispy exterior.
Q8: Can I add extra seasonings to the spinach mixture? Of course! Herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can infuse extra flavor into the sandwich.
Q9: What’s the secret to a perfectly melted cheese? Low heat is key. It allows the cheese to melt gradually while achieving that desired golden-brown crust.
Q10: How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy? By wilting the spinach thoroughly and allowing it to cool slightly before assembling, you can help maintain the sandwich’s texture.
Q11: Is dairy-free butter necessary? You can use your preferred butter, whether dairy-free or regular, for toasting the sandwich to perfection.
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This mouthwatering Spinach Grilled Cheese is a delectable twist on a classic favoriting bringing together tangy sourdough, aromatic onions, dairy-free feta, and vibrant baby spinach, all melted into a golden masterpiece. Pair it with a cozy tomato soup for the perfect comforting lunch or snack.
- 2 slices of Sourdough , (or crusty rustic loaf of choice - we like Bread Srsly, AWGbakery or California Country Gal for grain-free)
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced or grated
- 1 heaping cup baby spinach
- 6-7 ounces dairy-free feta , (we like Violife - regular feta works too)
- 1-2 tsp fresh lemon juice to taste
- Kosher salt or sea salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 slices of dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese slices (we like Violife, Chao or Miyokos regular works too)
- 1-2 tbsp dairy-free butter , or regular butter (Miyokos or fave brand of your choice), for toasting the sandwich
Heat oil in a medium / large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the spinach and drizzle with lemon juice and season salt and black pepper and cook until wilted and soft, about 1-2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and transfer the spinach to a mixing bowl.
- Crumble the feta into the spinach and stir until well mixed.
- Spread some butter on one side of both slices of the bread. Layer the buttered side of the bottom layer of the sandwich with one mozzarella slice, then top with ⅓ or half of the spinach feta mixture. Place another mozzarella slice on top and finish with a final layer of the spinach feta mixture. Close the sandwich with the top bread slice, pressing down gently.
- Add butter (about 1-2 tbsp depending on the size of your bread) to your skillet over low heat. Once melted, add the sandwich and cook until the bread is golden brown and toasted underneath, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully turn the sandwich over and cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer to a cutting board, slice the sandwich in half with a sharp knife and enjoy.
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