🥪 Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Description
This Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes the classic comfort food to a gourmet level. Fresh spinach sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and optional sun-dried tomatoes is paired with gooey melted cheese between crispy, golden bread slices. Every bite bursts with rich Mediterranean flavor — cheesy, garlicky, and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or an indulgent snack!
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed, and well-drained)
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional but adds amazing flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and feta)
- 4 slices bread (whole grain, sourdough, or your favorite)
- 1–2 tbsp butter or olive oil, for grilling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully drained before adding. - Add Flavor:
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat. - Assemble the Sandwich:
Lay out the bread slices.- On one slice, add a layer of cheese.
- Spoon the spinach mixture evenly on top.
- Add more cheese (so it melts on both sides) and top with the second bread slice.
- Grill:
Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter or brush olive oil on both outer sides of the sandwich.
Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted. - Serve:
Slice in half and serve hot. Enjoy as-is or pair with tomato soup, Greek salad, or a light yogurt dip.
🍽 Servings
- Makes 2 sandwiches (2 servings)
💡 Notes
- Use whole-grain bread for extra fiber and nutrition.
- Want a Mediterranean twist? Add feta cheese, olives, or roasted red peppers inside.
- To make it vegan, use plant-based cheese and vegan butter.
- Avoid sogginess by cooking spinach thoroughly and draining excess liquid.
🧠 Tips
- For a crispier crust, brush the bread with olive oil instead of butter.
- Use a panini press for perfectly even grilling.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Sprinkle a bit of oregano or chili flakes before grilling for a flavor kick.
⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 280 mg
- Sodium: 410 mg
🌿 Health Benefits
- Spinach is loaded with iron, magnesium, and antioxidants for energy and immunity.
- Olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes offer healthy fats and heart-protective nutrients.
- Cheese provides protein and calcium for strong bones.
- Balanced and energizing — a perfect mix of carbs, protein, and greens.
❓ Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out all the moisture before using.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for this sandwich?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can mix it with feta or provolone for a Mediterranean flair.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the spinach mixture in advance and refrigerate up to 2 days. Assemble and grill when ready to serve.
Q4: What bread works best?
Sourdough, ciabatta, or whole-grain bread gives the best crunch and structure.
Q5: Can I air fry it?
Absolutely! Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispy, melted perfection.