Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese Recipe

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, easy to prepare and universally adored. But what if you could elevate the standard grilled cheese into something even more flavorful and exciting? Introducing the Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese: a fusion of fresh greens, tangy Mediterranean ingredients, and rich, melty cheese all between crispy golden-brown bread.

This recipe combines the best of the Mediterranean diet with the warmth and satisfaction of a grilled cheese. You’ll enjoy the vibrant flavors of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, all beautifully complemented by the richness of mozzarella and the crunch of perfectly toasted bread.

Introduction

Grilled cheese sandwiches have been a staple of comfort food in households around the world. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner, the simple combination of cheese and bread satisfies hunger in the most delicious way. However, if you’re craving something more than the usual cheddar between two slices of bread, this Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese recipe is the perfect solution.

The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, and incorporating elements like fresh spinach, feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to this dish. The addition of spinach provides a rich source of iron and vitamins, while the tangy feta cheese and savory sun-dried tomatoes create layers of flavor that make this grilled cheese anything but ordinary.

The combination of these ingredients, all sandwiched between buttery, crispy bread, results in a satisfying and gourmet grilled cheese sandwich that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a meal on the coast of the Mediterranean.

Tools You Will Need

To prepare the Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese, you’ll need the following tools:

• Skillet or Griddle – A non-stick or cast-iron skillet is perfect for grilling your sandwiches and getting the bread golden and crispy.
• Spatula – For flipping the sandwich and ensuring it’s evenly toasted on both sides.
• Knife – For slicing the bread and chopping ingredients like the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and spinach.
• Cutting Board – For prepping your ingredients.
• Measuring Cup and Spoons – For accurate measurements of ingredients such as the cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preparing the fillings for the sandwich.

• Spinach: If you prefer, you can wilt the spinach by sautéing it in a pan with a small drizzle of olive oil over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes. If you like your spinach fresh and a little more crisp, you can skip this step.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Drain the oil from the jar and roughly chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
• Olives: Slice or chop the Kalamata olives roughly. If they’re not already pitted, be sure to remove the pits.
• Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese and measure out the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 2: Butter or Oil the Bread

Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of bread. If you prefer olive oil for a Mediterranean twist, you can replace the butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure the butter or oil evenly covers the surface of the bread to get that crispy, golden finish when it’s grilled.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

On the unbuttered side of two slices of bread, start by layering the ingredients. Here’s the order to follow:

1. Spread spinach evenly across the bread.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes, spreading them out so each bite gets a bit of that tangy goodness.
3. Add the Kalamata olives to bring in that salty, briny flavor.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese for its creamy and sharp taste.
5. Top with shredded mozzarella to ensure that gooey, melty texture that every grilled cheese needs.

Place the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing outward.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwich

Heat your skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwich in the skillet. Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on one side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting and melting.

Once the bottom is golden brown and crispy, flip the sandwich carefully and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing a messy first bite. Slice the sandwich in half, diagonally, for that classic grilled cheese presentation.

For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese

1. Use a mix of cheeses: While mozzarella provides the necessary melt, adding a bit of provolone or gouda to the mix can increase the depth of flavor.
2. Don’t overload the filling: Keep the ingredients balanced. Overstuffing your sandwich can result in ingredients spilling out while grilling.
3. Toast over low to medium heat: If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Low and slow is the way to go for perfectly crispy bread and melted cheese.
4. Add herbs: A sprinkle of dried oregano or basil can enhance the Mediterranean feel.
5. Grill on both sides evenly: Be patient and allow each side to reach the perfect golden-brown color.

Variations on the Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese Recipe

• Vegan Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese: Use dairy-free cheese like vegan mozzarella or cashew cheese. Replace butter with olive oil, and add roasted red peppers or zucchini for more veggie goodness.
• Add Grilled Chicken or Turkey: For a heartier meal, add a few slices of grilled chicken or turkey between the layers.
• Pesto Grilled Cheese: Spread a layer of basil pesto on the bread for an added herbaceous flavor.
• Roasted Garlic and Spinach: Sauté garlic and spinach together in olive oil for a punch of savory flavor before adding them to your sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese with a side of:

• Tomato Soup: The acidity and richness of tomato soup perfectly complement the creamy, cheesy sandwich.
• Greek Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with cucumber, red onion, feta, and olives makes a great accompaniment to this Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers would be a delightful side that ties into the Mediterranean theme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen spinach works well, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the sandwich.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best to make this sandwich fresh, but you can prepare the filling ingredients in advance and assemble the sandwich when you’re ready to grill.

Q: What bread works best for this sandwich?

A hearty, rustic bread works best—think sourdough, multigrain, or ciabatta. These options will hold up to the filling and create a satisfying crunch.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. With fresh spinach, tangy feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives, this grilled cheese brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your plate. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a dinner that’ll impress guests, this recipe is a surefire way to indulge in a comforting yet sophisticated sandwich.

Yield: 2

Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, easy to prepare and universally adored. But what if you could elevate the standard grilled cheese into something even more flavorful and exciting? Introducing the Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese: a fusion of fresh greens, tangy Mediterranean ingredients, and rich, melty cheese all between crispy golden-brown bread.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (your choice – sourdough, whole grain, or white)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for grilling)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (from a jar or roasted fresh)
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or fresh oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Wash and chop the spinach.
   Slice the bread, if it’s not pre-sliced.
   Crumble the feta cheese and chop the olives, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
   Sauté Spinach: In a skillet, heat a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
2. Assemble the Sandwich: On each slice of bread, layer the following:
   A spoonful of sautéed spinach.
   A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
   Chopped kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
   A sprinkle of dried oregano (optional).
   Top with shredded mozzarella or provolone.
   Place the second slice of bread on top of the assembled ingredients to form a sandwich.
   
3. Grill the Sandwich: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted inside.
   
4. Serve: Remove from the skillet and slice diagonally. Serve immediately.

Notes

Bread: A hearty bread like sourdough or ciabatta pairs wonderfully with these Mediterranean flavors.

Add More Veggies: You can include other Mediterranean veggies like zucchini or artichokes for even more depth of flavor.

Dips: Serve with a side of tzatziki or hummus for an extra Mediterranean touch!

Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and butter to make this a dairy-free option.