Description
This Mediterranean-inspired feta grilled cheese sandwich with spinach combines the tangy, creamy goodness of feta cheese with nutrient-rich spinach and aromatic herbs for a lunch that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. Perfect for busy weekdays or weekend brunches, this sandwich comes together in just minutes but tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices of sourdough bread (or bread of your choice)
- 1 cup (about 200g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (to help bind the feta cheese)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Feta Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese and cream cheese, mixing until well incorporated.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped dill, mint (if using), and lemon zest to the cheese mixture.
- Season with a small pinch of black pepper (go easy on salt as feta cheese is already salty).
- Mix thoroughly until you have a spreadable cheese mixture. Set aside.
Prepare the Spinach
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add the fresh spinach and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until just wilted.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Gently squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels.
- Roughly chop the spinach and set aside.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Lay out your bread slices on a clean work surface.
- Spread the feta cheese mixture evenly on two slices of bread.
- Top the feta cheese layer with the sautéed spinach, distributing it evenly.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top to form two sandwiches.
- Lightly press down each sandwich to help them hold together during cooking.
Grill the Sandwich
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Add the butter and remaining olive oil to the skillet, allowing the butter to melt completely.
- Place both sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip each sandwich using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is also golden brown and the feta cheese is warmed through.
- Remove from heat and let the feta grilled cheese sandwiches rest for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
- Quality bread matters: Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta that can hold up to the fillings without getting soggy.
- Room temperature cheese: Let your feta cheese come to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
- Don’t rush the grilling process: Cook your sandwich over medium heat rather than high heat to allow the bread to brown evenly while the filling warms through.
- Drain spinach thoroughly: Excess moisture from spinach can make your sandwich soggy, so take the time to properly drain it.
- Mixing cheeses: While feta cheese is the star, adding a small amount of a melting cheese like mozzarella can create a more gooey texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 65
Keywords: feta grilled cheese sandwich with spinach, spinach feta sandwich, mediterranean sandwich, feta cheese sandwich, easy lunch recipe