Have you ever craved a slice of Greece in your lunchbox but wanted the simplicity of a grilled cheese? Well, my Spanakopita Grilled Cheese is about to become your new go-to comfort food joyride, perfectly melding the gooey goodness of classic grilled cheese with the savory, herby deliciousness of spanakopita.
I adore the timeless flavors of spanakopita, and they combine magnificently with the comforting appeal of a grilled cheese. The base of this recipe is made using sourdough bread, which has been spread generously with softened butter.
Inside this grilled cheese, fresh spinach that has been lovingly sautéed with minced garlic and olive oil fills the sandwich with good green flavor. But the main attraction here is the combination of feta and mozzarella cheeses, which melts beautifully and, thanks to the optional fresh dill, offers a burst of herbal freshness that makes this sandwich so very rich, so very good.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread: Offers complex carbohydrates and a tangy flavor from natural fermentation.
- Spinach: Rich in iron and vitamins A, C, and K; adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- Feta cheese: Provides protein, calcium, and a salty, tangy flavor profile.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy texture; source of protein and calcium.
- Olive oil: Healthy fats and antioxidants, enhancing flavor and texture.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
How to Make this
1. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix in a small bowl the cooked spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh dill (if using).
4. Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
5. On the side of one slice that does not have butter, spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly.
6. Shred the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it over the spinach mixture.
7. Place the second slice of sourdough on top, with the buttered side facing out.
8. Set a clean skillet or griddle on medium heat to preheat.
9. Put the sandwich on the skillet and heat it until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
10. Take the Spanakopita Grilled Cheese from the skillet, allow to cool for one minute, slice in half, and serve. Enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Skillet
2. Small bowl
3. Grater (for shredding mozzarella cheese)
4. Knife (for chopping spinach and mincing garlic)
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons (for olive oil, feta cheese, and dill)
7. Spatula (for flipping the sandwich)
8. Plate (for assembling and serving)
FAQ
- What type of bread is best for Spanakopita Grilled Cheese?The recommendation is for sourdough bread because of its robustness and ability to hold up well to both grilling and the filling.
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?You can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using it. Otherwise, you will have soggy bread.
- Is there an alternative to feta cheese?Feta can be replaced with goat cheese or ricotta to yield different textures and flavors.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?Make this recipe vegan by using one of the following methods:
1. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
2. Substitute feta cheese and mozzarella for vegan cheese alternatives.
3. Use bread that is vegan as well. - How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming too greasy?Use only enough butter to lightly coat the bread, and during sautéing, be careful not to overdo it with the olive oil.
- Is fresh dill necessary?The addition of fresh dill is not essential, but it does contribute a burst of bright, herbal flavor that complements the tastes of the spinach and cheese. Add it if you have it on hand.
- Can I add other ingredients?You can add ingredients such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.
Spanakopita Grilled Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations
2 slices sourdough bread: Try whole wheat or rye bread for a different flavor and texture.
2-3 tbsp mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and decrease the calories.
2 slices cheese, any variety: Choose a sharp cheese for stronger flavor.
1 medium tomato, sliced: Try using roasted tomatoes for a different taste.
1 medium avocado, sliced: Substitute with a different green, like collard greens.
5 leaves fresh basil: Dried basil works fine too.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter spread for a dairy-free option. While I use unsalted butter in my recipe, you could just as easily use salted butter. My only caution there is that the cake may end up slightly saltier than intended. You could also use margarine (do they still make that?) with similar results.
Three ounces fresh spinach, chopped. You can use frozen spinach instead; if you do, just make sure you thaw and drain it very well before using it.
1 clove garlic, minced: If fresh garlic is unavailable, substitute with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: For a creamier texture, substitute with goat cheese or ricotta.
Pro Tips
1. Garlic Infusion: Before adding garlic to the skillet, infuse the olive oil with a rosemary or thyme sprig for an extra layer of flavor that complements the spinach filling.
2. Cheese Blend: For a more complex flavor, try mixing in a small amount of grated Parmesan or Gruyère with the mozzarella. This will add depth without overpowering the feta.
3. Perfect Browning: To achieve an even golden brown crust, place a piece of parchment paper over the sandwich and use a skillet or pan to gently press down on the sandwich while it cooks. This will ensure even contact with the heat.
4. Butter Enhancement: Mix a pinch of garlic powder and a sprinkle of herbs like oregano or basil into the softened butter before spreading on the bread for added flavor.
5. Crispier Spinach: For a texture contrast, consider draining the cooked spinach on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will keep the sandwich crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Spanakopita Grilled Cheese Recipe
My favorite Spanakopita Grilled Cheese Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Skillet
2. Small bowl
3. Grater (for shredding mozzarella cheese)
4. Knife (for chopping spinach and mincing garlic)
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons (for olive oil, feta cheese, and dill)
7. Spatula (for flipping the sandwich)
8. Plate (for assembling and serving)
Ingredients:
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix in a small bowl the cooked spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh dill (if using).
4. Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
5. On the side of one slice that does not have butter, spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly.
6. Shred the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it over the spinach mixture.
7. Place the second slice of sourdough on top, with the buttered side facing out.
8. Set a clean skillet or griddle on medium heat to preheat.
9. Put the sandwich on the skillet and heat it until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
10. Take the Spanakopita Grilled Cheese from the skillet, allow to cool for one minute, slice in half, and serve. Enjoy!
