This grilled spinach and artichoke sandwich is a cheesy, creamy, and delicious take on the classic spinach and artichoke dip. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for more. The creamy filling between crispy bread slices makes it a standout sandwich!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the artichoke dip:

• 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil)

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated

• 1 tablespoon flour

• ½ cup low-fat milk

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• ½ cup grated Asiago cheese (or Parmesan)

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 3 large handfuls fresh spinach, chopped

• 6-8 oz jar or can marinated artichokes, drained and chopped

For the sandwich:

• 8 slices sourdough bread

• Olive oil (for grilling)

Directions

1. Make the artichoke dip:
   In a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté the garlic in olive oil for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and mix until it forms a paste. Cook for another minute, then slowly add the milk, stirring to form a roux.
   Add the cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, Asiago, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Stir until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes smooth.
   Stir in the Greek yogurt until fully combined, then add the chopped spinach and artichokes. Mix well and remove from heat.

2. Assemble the sandwich:
   Spread olive oil on the outside of each slice of sourdough bread. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach and artichoke dip on one slice of bread, top with another slice to form a sandwich.

3. Grill the sandwich:
   Grill each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the filling is hot and melty.

4. Serve:
   Remove from the skillet and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per sandwich)

• Calories: 323 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 52g

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g

• Trans Fat: 0.03g

• Cholesterol: 9mg

• Sodium: 719mg

• Potassium: 156mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

• Vitamin A: 328 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 139mg

• Iron: 4mg

Why This Sandwich Is a Must-Try

This Grilled Spinach and Artichoke Sandwich stands out for a few reasons. First, the filling is packed with a creamy and cheesy mixture made from a blend of Monterey Jack cheese, Asiago (or Parmesan), and cream cheese, mixed with Greek yogurt (or sour cream) for added richness. It’s like eating a warm, melty version of spinach and artichoke dip, but between two slices of crispy, golden-brown sourdough bread.

The garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and pepper add depth and a slight kick to the filling, while the spinach and marinated artichokes provide a nice contrast in texture. The blend of cheeses creates a luscious, gooey filling that’s not only satisfying but also super indulgent. This is a sandwich that’s both comforting and flavorful, and it’s perfect for when you want something a little more substantial than a traditional grilled cheese.

The Artichoke Dip Filling: The Heart of the Sandwich

The heart of this sandwich lies in the creamy artichoke dip that fills the sourdough bread. The dip is made from simple ingredients but has complex flavors. It starts with sautéing garlic in butter (or olive oil), creating a fragrant base. Then, you add flour to make a roux, which will thicken the dip. The addition of milk helps to create a smooth, creamy texture, and then comes the rich, cheesy goodness. The combination of Monterey Jack and Asiago cheeses provides a melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) adds creaminess and a slight tang.

Once the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes smooth, you add the star ingredients: spinach and artichokes. These two ingredients are not only nutritious but also help balance the richness of the cheeses. The spinach provides a mild earthiness, and the artichokes give the dip a slightly sweet, tangy bite that contrasts perfectly with the creaminess of the cheeses.

Grilling the Sandwich for Perfection

What makes this sandwich truly special is how it’s grilled. The sourdough bread adds a slight tang and crispy crunch to the sandwich. Before grilling, you’ll brush olive oil on the outside of each slice of bread, ensuring that it gets golden and crispy. The sandwich is grilled on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is crispy, golden brown, and the filling inside is hot and melty. The key to a perfect grilled sandwich is getting that golden, crispy exterior while ensuring the cheese filling is hot and gooey inside.

This grilling method results in the ultimate combination of textures—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, with the added benefit of the savory, cheesy artichoke and spinach filling.

Nutritional Benefits of the Grilled Spinach and Artichoke Sandwich

While this sandwich is indulgent and comforting, it’s also packed with some nutritional benefits, making it a great option for a balanced meal. Each sandwich provides 14 grams of protein, thanks to the cheese and Greek yogurt, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamin A, while the artichokes contribute a small amount of fiber and iron.

The sourdough bread provides carbohydrates to fuel your energy, and the healthy fats from the olive oil used for grilling contribute a good balance of unsaturated fats. This sandwich also provides calcium (139 mg) for strong bones and is a good source of potassium (156 mg), which supports heart and muscle health.

While the sandwich is not low in calories (about 323 kcal per sandwich), it’s a filling, hearty meal that combines comfort with nutritional value, making it a perfect indulgence for lunch or dinner.

Customizing the Grilled Spinach and Artichoke Sandwich

One of the great things about this sandwich is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs:

1. Cheese Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of Monterey Jack or Asiago, you can swap them out for other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina. Each cheese will offer a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment!

2. Make It Vegetarian: This sandwich is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can make it even more so by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These additions will provide extra nutrients and make the sandwich even more filling.

3. Use Different Bread: If you’re not a fan of sourdough, you can use other types of bread such as whole wheat, ciabatta, or multigrain. A hearty bread will still hold the creamy filling, while adding its own unique flavor.

4. Add a Protein Boost: While this sandwich is already filling, you can add extra protein to it by adding some grilled chicken, turkey, or even bacon for an extra savory touch. If you’re looking for a plant-based protein option, tofu or tempeh would also pair well with the creamy filling.

5. For a Spicier Kick: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or mixing some jalapeños into the dip for an extra spicy kick.

Perfect for Lunch or Dinner

This Grilled Spinach and Artichoke Sandwich is perfect for lunch, but it can also be served as a satisfying dinner. If you’re serving it for lunch, consider pairing it with a light side salad or crispy fries. For dinner, it would pair wonderfully with a roasted vegetable medley or a soup like tomato or minestrone for a comforting, well-rounded meal.

The sandwich also works great for a casual dinner party or when entertaining guests. It’s easy to make in batches, and everyone will love the combination of gooey cheese and crispy bread.

Conclusion

The Grilled Spinach and Artichoke Sandwich is an irresistible, comforting meal that takes the best parts of spinach and artichoke dip and puts them between two slices of crispy, golden bread. With a creamy, cheesy filling of spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses, this sandwich is the perfect indulgence for lunch or dinner. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with extra veggies or proteins, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Perfect for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist!