Spanakopita Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

These grilled cheese sandwiches give you all the flavors of the Greek spinach pie, spanakopita, without dealing with fussy layers of phyllo--perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. The creamy flavor-packed filling works well in more than just a sandwich: try it in a calzone or on top of a roasted cauliflower steak too.

Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 sandwiches
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • ¼ cup chopped shallot

  • 1 (11 ounce) package baby spinach

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 clove garlic, grated

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese

  • 6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

  • 4 slices provolone cheese

  • 8 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 1 minute. Add spinach in batches and cook, stirring, until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in dill, parsley, garlic and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Transfer the spinach mixture to a large mixing bowl. Stir in ricotta and feta.

  2. Divide provolone among 4 bread slices. Top each with about 1/2 cup of the spinach mixture and another slice of bread.

  3. Wipe the pan clean. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add 2 sandwiches and cook until crispy and browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and continue cooking until the cheese has melted, adjusting the heat as necessary, about 2 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, 1 tablespoon butter and 2 sandwiches. Serve immediately.

    spanakopita grilled cheese sandwiches
Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

483 Calories
26g Fat
40g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 sandwich
Calories 483
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 40g 14%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 22g 45%
Total Fat 26g 34%
Saturated Fat 12g 61%
Cholesterol 52mg 17%
Vitamin A 5644IU 113%
Vitamin C 24mg 27%
Folate 47mcg 12%
Sodium 744mg 32%
Calcium 511mg 39%
Iron 5mg 27%
Magnesium 128mg 30%
Potassium 311mg 7%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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