Pin It Experience a gourmet twist on a childhood favorite with this Artichoke Spinach Grilled Cheese. This recipe takes the luxurious flavors of a classic spinach-artichoke dip—creamy, garlicky, and rich—and melts them between perfectly toasted slices of sourdough bread. It is the ultimate vegetarian comfort meal for a cozy lunch or a quick dinner.
Pin It The secret to this sandwich lies in the blend of mozzarella for stretch, Monterey Jack for meltability, Parmesan for saltiness, and cream cheese for that signature dip-like texture. Using sourdough provides a sturdy, tangy base that holds up beautifully to the generous filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) shredded Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack (or Swiss), Parmesan, spinach, artichokes, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well blended.
- Step 2
- Lay out the sourdough slices. Spread the artichoke–spinach mixture evenly onto 4 slices. Top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- Step 3
- Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich on both sides.
- Step 4
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Step 5
- Remove from skillet, let rest 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing to ensure the filling is smooth and spreads easily. When frying the sandwiches, use medium heat; if the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the internal cheese mixture has a chance to fully melt.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, consider folding in a few sun-dried tomatoes or chopped scallions to the filling. You can also swap the sourdough for whole wheat bread for more fiber, or use your favorite gluten-free bread. If you like a bit more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Serviervorschläge
This sandwich is excellent when served alongside a simple tomato soup for dipping. Alternatively, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Pin It Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated weekend lunch, this Artichoke Spinach Grilled Cheese delivers comfort in every bite. Enjoy the crispy, buttery exterior and the warm, gooey center that makes this dish a standout.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the artichoke-spinach mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then assemble and cook the sandwiches when ready.
- → What bread alternatives work best?
While sourdough is ideal for its crispy exterior and tangy flavor, whole wheat bread adds fiber, and gluten-free options accommodate dietary needs. Any sturdy bread that can hold the creamy filling works well.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Don't overfill the sandwiches, and ensure the filling is evenly distributed. Cook over medium heat rather than high heat to allow the cheese to melt gradually. Gently pressing while cooking helps seal the sandwich.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely. Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped scallions, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions complement the spinach-artichoke base beautifully. Chop vegetables finely to prevent the filling from becoming too wet.
- → What should I serve alongside this sandwich?
Tomato soup is a classic pairing that complements the creamy, earthy flavors. A fresh green salad or light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully and balances the richness.
- → Is this suitable for freezing?
The filling freezes well for up to a month. Assemble sandwiches without cooking first, wrap individually, and freeze. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes per side over medium-low heat.