Name: Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 oz Fresh Spinach (Rinsed and drained.); 1 cup Canned Quartered Artichoke Hearts (Drained and chopped.); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced.); 2 Tbsp + 1 tsp Butter (For frying.); 1 pinch Salt; 2 Tbsp Sour Cream; 1 1/3 cups Shredded Provolone Cheese (For the filling.); 1/4 cup Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese; 6 slices Fresh Hearty Bread (Such as a La Brea French loaf.)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, gooey Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese. I still remember the first time I made this delightful sandwich for a cozy weekend brunch. The aroma of sizzling garlic mingling with the fresh spinach filled my kitchen, wrapping around me like a warm hug. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, the creaminess of provolone cheese perfectly complementing the vibrant notes of artichokes. It quickly became a favorite, not just for me but for everyone who tried it. Whether it’s a rainy day or you just need a pick-me-up, this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and care that goes into making it. I invite you to create your own memories with this scrumptious recipe that warms the heart and soul.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
20 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
30 g

Tools Used:
Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl

What Sets This Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Apart

Comforting Flavors

The combination of spinach and artichokes is a classic that never goes out of style. When you bite into a Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese, you’re greeted with a rich, creamy filling that feels indulgent yet wholesome. This sandwich strikes the perfect balance between being a comfort food and a nutritious meal.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual lunch, a fun dinner party, or a cozy evening at home, this sandwich fits the bill. It’s versatile enough to impress your guests while also being quick enough for a weeknight dinner. You can serve it with a side salad or some homemade soup for a complete meal.

Kid-Friendly Delight

Kids love cheese, and who can blame them? The cheese in this sandwich is melted to perfection, making it an enticing option for little ones. Including the nutritious spinach and artichokes means you can feel good about what they’re eating.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Perfect for those busy days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still crave something special.

Customizable Goodness

The Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese is also customizable. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Feel like adding an extra layer of cheese? Why not? This recipe gives you the freedom to experiment and make it your own.

Everything You Need for Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese

The ingredients for this Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese are simple yet profoundly delicious. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect bite. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this sandwich a standout.

4 oz fresh spinach: Freshly rinsed and drained, this leafy green packs a nutritional punch and adds a vibrant color to the sandwich.
1 cup canned quartered artichoke hearts: Chopped and drained, these tender morsels add a unique flavor that complements the spinach beautifully.
2 cloves garlic: Minced, this adds depth and aroma, elevating the overall taste of the grilled cheese.
2 Tbsp + 1 tsp butter: Essential for frying and adding richness to the sandwich.
Salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
2 Tbsp sour cream: This creamy addition adds a tangy note that cuts through the richness of the cheeses.
1 1/3 cups shredded provolone cheese: The star of the show, this cheese melts beautifully to create that gooey texture we all love.
1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese: This adds a sharpness that complements the provolone.
6 slices fresh hearty bread: Use something substantial like a French loaf to hold all the filling without falling apart.

Putting Together Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese

Making the Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese is as enjoyable as eating it! The steps are simple, yet each one is crucial for achieving that perfect flavor and texture. Let’s walk through the process together.

Start by heating 1 teaspoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. As the butter melts, it fills your kitchen with a rich aroma. Once it’s nice and bubbly, add the minced garlic. Saute until the garlic turns lightly golden and fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. You’re looking for that perfect balance of flavor without burning the garlic.
Next, stir in the fresh spinach and the drained, chopped artichokes. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt. Continue to cook until the spinach wilts down significantly, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture will become tender and aromatic, promising a delicious filling.
Once the filling is ready, transfer it to several layers of paper towels. Allow it to cool slightly, then wrap it tightly in the paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial; you want to avoid a soggy sandwich!
Now, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Butter the outsides of all the slices of bread generously. On the non-buttered side of three slices, layer half of the provolone cheese, followed by the spinach and artichoke mixture. Add dollops of the sour cream over the mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Finish by placing the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side up.
Clean your skillet and heat it over medium-low heat. Add as many sandwiches as you can fit, or use two skillets for efficiency. Cover with a lid and cook until the bottom of the sandwiches is golden brown, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. The lid helps to trap heat, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
Carefully flip the sandwiches. Cover them again and cook the opposite side until it’s golden brown as well. Keep an eye on them, as the cooking time can vary depending on your stove. Once both sides are perfectly toasted, you’re ready to serve!
Repeat the cooking process for any remaining sandwiches. Serve them immediately while they’re hot, gooey, and delicious.

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t rush the cooking process: Allow the spinach to wilt fully and the cheese to melt completely for the best texture.
Use a good quality bread: A hearty bread will hold up better against the fillings and provide a satisfying bite.
Experiment with cheeses: While provolone is great, blending in some mozzarella or gouda could add an interesting twist.
Temperature control is key: Cooking on medium-low heat ensures the cheese melts without burning the bread.

Substitutions and Tips

While the Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese is fantastic as is, here are some tips and variations to make it your own:

Storage: Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness.
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but uncooked sandwiches. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Pairing: Serve with a light salad or tomato soup for a complete meal.
Add more veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling.
Spice it up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the filling.

What Complements This Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese

When it comes to serving your Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. Here are some ideas:

Side Salads: A fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sandwich.
Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, the smoothness of tomato soup complements the crispy sandwich beautifully.
Pickles: A side of pickles can add a nice acidity to offset the creamy filling.
Seasonal Vegetables: Grilled or roasted seasonal vegetables make for a colorful and nutritious side.
Perfect for Lunch or Dinner: This sandwich is versatile enough to serve at lunch or dinner, making it a great go-to recipe.

FAQ

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh artichokes, just be sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the filling. Fresh artichokes can add a unique texture and flavor to your Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese.

For the best results, use a hearty bread like sourdough or a French loaf. The sturdiness of the bread helps hold the filling together while still providing a deliciously crispy exterior.

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make your sandwiches, simply assemble and cook as directed. This makes for a quick and easy meal!

Yes! Assembled but uncooked sandwiches can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

The Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese brings together the comfort of a classic sandwich with the delightful flavors of a beloved dip. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover just how delicious a simple sandwich can be. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home!