Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food I know and love. With melty cheese, sautéed spinach, and bold Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and olives, this sandwich is everything I crave in a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner—crispy on the outside, rich and savory inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this grilled cheese takes a simple idea and elevates it with Mediterranean flair. The spinach adds a healthy, earthy note, while the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and salty olives give every bite a pop of bold flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and completely comforting. Whether I’m pairing it with soup or eating it solo, this sandwich hits all the right notes.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fresh spinach
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Olive oil or butter
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Garlic, minced
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Bread slices (sourdough, ciabatta, or your favorite)
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Mozzarella, provolone, feta, or a blend of cheeses
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Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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Kalamata olives or black olives, sliced
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: red onion slices, fresh basil, or artichoke hearts
directions
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I start by heating olive oil in a pan and sautéing the garlic until fragrant. Then I add the spinach and cook until wilted. I season lightly with salt and pepper and set it aside.
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I butter one side of each bread slice and place the buttered side down on a clean surface.
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On one slice, I layer cheese, sautéed spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sliced olives. I add any extras like onion or basil here too.
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I top it with more cheese and another bread slice, buttered side facing out.
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I heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
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I let it rest for a minute before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I swap spinach for arugula or kale for a peppery bite. I love using a spread of hummus or pesto on the bread for added flavor. For a heartier version, I add slices of roasted chicken or turkey. If I want it extra cheesy, I use a mix of mozzarella, feta, and provolone for both stretch and tang.
storage/reheating
This sandwich is best fresh, but if I have leftovers, I wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to a day. To reheat, I place it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again. I avoid the microwave—it softens the bread too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, I can. I just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess moisture before sautéing with garlic.
What’s the best cheese to use?
I love a combo of mozzarella for meltiness and feta for flavor. Provolone, goat cheese, or a Mediterranean blend also work beautifully.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. I use plant-based butter and vegan cheese, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
What type of bread works best?
I prefer something sturdy like sourdough or ciabatta to hold all the fillings and grill up crisp without getting soggy.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, I can bake it at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or use a panini press if I want a hands-off option.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is a delicious upgrade to the classic sandwich I’ve always loved. The mix of melty cheese, garlicky spinach, and bold Mediterranean ingredients makes it comforting yet full of character. Whether I’m making a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, this sandwich always satisfies with its crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling.
Print
Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mediterranean Spinach Grilled Cheese is a savory, veggie-packed twist on a classic sandwich, combining melty cheese, sautéed garlic spinach, and bold flavors like sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (plus more for grilling)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 slices bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or your choice)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, provolone, feta, or cheese blend
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp kalamata or black olives, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red onion slices, fresh basil, or artichoke hearts
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Lay two slices buttered side down.
- Top each slice with half the cheese, spinach mixture, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and any optional add-ins.
- Top with remaining cheese and second bread slice, buttered side up.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
- Let rest 1 minute before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Swap spinach for arugula or kale for a different green.
- Add hummus or pesto spread for extra flavor.
- Include roasted chicken or turkey for more protein.
- Use a mix of cheeses for maximum flavor and melt.
- To reheat, use a skillet for best texture—avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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