If you’re in the mood for comfort food with a craveable Mediterranean flair, you’re going to fall head over heels for Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese. Imagine the ooey-gooey goodness of melty mozzarella and creamy feta, combined with savory sun-dried tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and a pop of herby brightness, all sandwiched between golden, crispy slices of hearty bread. It’s an irresistible vegetarian upgrade on classic grilled cheese — delightfully simple, absolutely satisfying, and perfect for any quick lunch or easy dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen for its role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the rustic bread that anchors every bite to the zesty Mediterranean mix-ins, this sandwich is all about delicious, no-fuss essentials.
- Sourdough or rustic bread (4 slices): A sturdy bread creates the perfect crispy exterior and holds all the cheesy filling together.
- Olive oil or softened butter (2 tablespoons): Either adds richness and allows the bread to brown beautifully in the skillet.
- Cooked spinach, squeezed dry (½ cup): This brings earthy flavor and sneaks in some veggies for color and nutrition.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (¼ cup): A tangy, vibrant burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite.
- Kalamata olives, sliced (¼ cup): Their briny pop adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): A pinch of this herb ties the Mediterranean theme together beautifully.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to wake up all the flavors with a gentle warmth.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (½ cup): Creamy and salty, feta infuses the filling with bold personality.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The best choice for maximum melty stretch and classic grilled cheese appeal.
How to Make Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Make the Mediterranean Filling
Start by combining the cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, dried oregano, garlic powder, crumbled feta cheese, and shredded mozzarella in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the vegetables and cheeses are evenly distributed — you’re creating the vibrant, flavor-packed heart of your sandwich here.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Brush or spread olive oil or softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This step is key for achieving that perfectly crisp exterior with a rich, golden color as your Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese toasts in the skillet.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place two bread slices oil-side down on a clean surface. Divide the spinach and cheese mixture evenly between them, piling it up generously. Top with the remaining bread slices, oil-side up, pressing gently to seal in the filling.
Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection
Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Carefully transfer the sandwiches to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press lightly with a spatula as they cook to help everything glue together and the cheese melt through. Once both sides are deeply golden and the filling is gooey, you’re ready for your first bite.
Step 5: Slice and Savor
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for a minute, then slice diagonally for that classic grilled cheese look. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible cheese pull and savory Mediterranean flavors!
How to Serve Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
For a pop of extra color and flavor, sprinkle your Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese with fresh chopped parsley, a light dusting of dried oregano, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top never hurts, either!
Side Dishes
This sandwich shines alongside a fresh green salad, a bowl of soup (think tomato basil or creamy roasted red pepper), or even a handful of crisp kettle chips. The Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is hearty on its own, but a light side rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your sandwich into delicious bite-sized appetizers by cutting it into small squares and skewering with a toothpick. Or, try serving with a little ramekin of tzatziki or marinara sauce for dunking — it’s an ultra-fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese (though it’s hard to imagine!), wrap the cooled sandwich halves tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld together even more as they chill, making for a tasty quick lunch later.
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble the sandwiches (without grilling) and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then grill as usual for that fresh-from-the-skillet taste.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy. You can also pop it into a toaster oven. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread won’t stay as crisp.
FAQs
Can I make Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread or rustic gluten-free loaf. Make sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten if you have a sensitivity.
What breads work best for this recipe?
Sourdough and rustic artisan loaves hold up beautifully to the melty filling, but you can use multigrain, ciabatta, or even whole wheat. The key is to pick a bread that gets crisp and holds structure when grilled.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of cooked?
Yes, you can quickly sauté fresh baby spinach until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This ensures your Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese won’t be soggy.
Is there a vegan version of this sandwich?
For a vegan twist, substitute dairy-free feta and mozzarella and brush the bread with olive oil instead of butter. The sandwich will still be bursting with Mediterranean flavors!
How can I add extra flavor to the filling?
Try mixing in a little zest of lemon, chopped roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an added kick. Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is so versatile — feel free to experiment with other Mediterranean favorites.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is the kind of recipe you’ll return to anytime you want a meal that’s easy, satisfying, and packed with fresh flavor. Give it a try the next time you need a new twist on a classic — you’re in for a seriously delicious treat!
Print
Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavor-packed Mediterranean twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich with this recipe for a scrumptious Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese.
Ingredients
Sandwich:
- 4 slices sourdough or rustic bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
Filling:
- ½ cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- ¼ cup kalamata olives (sliced)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Filling Preparation: In a small bowl, mix the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, oregano, garlic powder, feta, and mozzarella until well combined.
- Assembly: Spread olive oil or butter on one side of each bread slice. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place two slices of bread, oil-side down, on the skillet and evenly divide the spinach-cheese mixture on top. Cover with the remaining bread slices, oil-side up.
- Cooking: Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or arugula for spinach.
- For a more tangy flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
