SPINACH ARTICHOKE GRILLED CHEESE

This Spinach Artichoke Grilled cheese is decadent. This is like a restaurant appetizer that you turn into a meal. I modified a basic spinach dip recipe to make it more like a melty grilled chicken dip than a creamy dip. Then, I stuffed it between two pieces of homemade focaccia. It is a crispy, golden brown, melty, and gooey delight.

Is this a GRILLED CHEESE or a MELT?

Technically, this sandwich is a “melt.” However, a melt is a grilled-cheese sandwich with additional ingredients, such as meat or vegetables. A grilled cheese sandwich is one with only cheese. Although the differences between a block of melted grilled cheese and a grilled chees are often heated topics, I want people to find the recipe online. Data shows that people search for “spinach-artichoke grilled cheddar cheese” and not “spinach-artichoke melt” (literally zero Google queries for this term per month). The English language is fluid, and decreasing the use of “melt” signifies that it is changing. We are here!

FOCACCIA IS A REQUIRED?

This sandwich was made with my homemade focaccia. But you can use any bread you like. The focaccia is sturdy and holds up to the heavy filling. It also crisps up well due to its olive oil-soaked exterior.

To make a different bread from the usual, spread a little butter on each slice. This will give it a golden brown crispy exterior. This filling can be stuffed into a tortilla to cook like a quesadilla.

FRESH SPINACH – CAN I USE IT?

If you prefer fresh spinach, chop it up and cook it in a skillet until it is dry. Then, continue the recipe as directed.

WHAT CAN THIS RECIPE BUY?

This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of sandwich filling. It will make either four large grilled cheese sandwiches or two smaller ones.

HOW CAN I COMPLETE THE SPINACH ARTICHOKE FILMING Ahead?

Do you live alone? Do not feel pressured to consume all of the Spinach Artichoke Grilled cheese filling in one go. The sandwich filling can be kept in the fridge for approximately 4-5 days. You can then make sandwiches and quesadillas from it as often as possible.

SPINACH ARTICHOKE GRILLED CHEESE

Spinach Artichoke Grilled cheese is like a favourite restaurant appetizer made into a meal. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy and completely veggilicious!

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 lb. frozen chopped spinach ($0.50)
• 1/2 12oz. Quartered artichoke hearts in water ($1.30)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella ($0.85)
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan ($0.22)
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise ($0.20)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ($0.22)
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional). ($0.02)
• 1/8 tsp salt ($0.02)
• Freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
• 2 pieces focaccia* ($1.19)
• 2 Tbsp Butter (optional) ($0.26)

INSTRUCTIONS

• The spinach should be thawed before you squeeze out the water. About 1 cup of chopped spinach should be left after you squeeze the water out, and approximately 1/2 cup after it.
• The artichoke hearts should be drained well. Once they have been sliced into bite-sized pieces, chop them up. Combine the artichoke hearts with the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, crushed pepper, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
• Each slice of bread should have 1/2 teaspoon of butter. Place about 1 cup of the cheese-vegetable mixture between 2 slices of bread. Make sure to turn the buttery sides outwards.
• Cook the sandwiches on a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the filling is melted. Serve immediately

NOTES

*If you are using focaccia bread, you don’t need to butter the slices. For other bread options, see the text above the recipe.

NUTRITION

Serving Size: 1 Serving Calories 571.63 Kcal Carbohydrates 46.98 G Protein: 22.9 G Fat: 32.84g Sodium: 1520.98mg Fiber: 7.87g