Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese takes the comfort of a classic grilled cheese and elevates it with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy flavor, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, tangy kick. The melted feta and cheddar cheese create the ultimate creamy, gooey filling that pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden toast. Drizzled with a touch of honey for a subtle sweetness, this sandwich is both comforting and sophisticated!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ tablespoon olive oil
2 cups spinach leaves
A pinch of salt
4 slices bread
2 tablespoons butter, softened at room temperature
6-8 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
A pinch of oregano
A pinch of crushed chili flakes
Honey (optional for serving)
Directions
Cook the Spinach: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until it wilts down. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, give it a stir, and transfer to a plate. Clean the pan with a paper towel to prepare it for the bread.
Prepare the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the pan.
Assemble the Sandwich: On each bread slice, arrange the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and press them gently with a spoon to make sure they stick. Top each with half of the crumbled feta cheese, half of the shredded cheddar, and the sautéed spinach. Add the remaining feta and cheddar cheese on top of the spinach. Sprinkle with oregano and crushed chili flakes.
Cook the Sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top of each sandwich, butter side up. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese inside is gooey.
Serve: Once done, sprinkle with a bit more thyme or oregano, and red pepper flakes. Optionally, drizzle with honey for a sweet contrast and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
Cheese Options: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, provolone, or any other melty cheese of your choice.
Add Protein: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, turkey, or even a fried egg to the sandwich.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative like vegan feta and cheddar and swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add extra chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the filling for an added zing.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: This sandwich is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwich in a pan over low heat to crisp the bread again, or microwave for a quick warm-up (though the bread won’t be as crispy).
FAQs
Can I make this sandwich without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can omit the sun-dried tomatoes or substitute them with fresh tomatoes for a milder flavor, or roasted red peppers for a richer, sweeter taste.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bread that suits your dietary preferences, such as whole wheat or gluten-free bread.
How do I know when the sandwich is done?
The sandwich is ready when the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted. If in doubt, press gently on the sandwich to check the cheese consistency.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can sauté the spinach, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and even combine the cheese mixture ahead of time, making this sandwich even easier to assemble when you’re ready to eat.
What can I serve with this sandwich?
This Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is a flavorful, vibrant twist on a classic. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner and offers a delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors. The crispy, golden bread, gooey cheese, and savory spinach make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a solo treat or alongside your favorite sides, this sandwich is sure to impress!
PrintMediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese
Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is a vibrant twist on the classic, featuring sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and melted cheddar cheese, all on crispy, golden bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
½ tablespoon olive oil
2 cups spinach leaves
A pinch of salt
4 slices bread
2 tablespoons butter, softened
6–8 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
A pinch of oregano
A pinch of crushed chili flakes
Honey (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until it wilts. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, stir, and transfer to a plate.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the pan.
- On each slice of bread, arrange chopped sun-dried tomatoes, pressing them gently with a spoon. Top with half of the crumbled feta, half of the shredded cheddar, and the sautéed spinach. Add the remaining feta and cheddar on top. Sprinkle with oregano and crushed chili flakes.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately, optionally drizzled with honey for a sweet contrast. Garnish with extra oregano or thyme and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- For a different cheese flavor, swap cheddar for mozzarella, provolone, or another melty cheese.
- Add grilled chicken, turkey, or a fried egg for extra protein.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan butter or olive oil.
- Add more chili flakes or hot sauce if you like extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is a vibrant twist on the classic, featuring sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and melted cheddar cheese, all on crispy, golden bread.