If you’ve never tried a Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe, you’re in for a real treat. This isn’t your average grilled cheese sandwich—it’s a cozy, melty, flavorful hug in sandwich form. I absolutely love how the creamy spinach and artichoke filling pairs with gooey provolone and parmesan cheeses, all melted perfectly between slices of buttery, toasted bread. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to comfort lunch or quick dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The blend of spinach, artichoke, and two kinds of cheese creates a savory filling that’s irresistibly creamy.
- Perfectly Crispy Bread: Buttering the bread’s exterior and grilling it low and slow ensures a golden crust every single time.
- Super Simple to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe comes together quickly—great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress.
- Customizable: You can tweak the fillings easily to suit what you have on hand or your taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that work together beautifully to give you that creamy yet crispy sandwich you crave. When shopping, seek out fresh spinach and hearty bread—those are game changers.

- Fresh spinach: I like to leave a bit of moisture on the leaves after rinsing to keep the filling luscious but not soggy.
- Canned artichoke hearts: Quartered and well-drained so you’re not adding unwanted liquid to the sandwich.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that punch of flavor that wakes everything up.
- Butter: For sautéing and buttery perfection on the outside of the bread – I like salted for extra flavor.
- Salt: To season the spinach and artichokes just right.
- Sour cream: Small dollops inside the sandwich give creamy richness and a slight tang.
- Provolone cheese: Shredded so it melts evenly and smoothly inside your sandwich.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded for that nutty, sharp contrast to the provolone.
- Fresh hearty bread: Something sturdy like a La Brea French loaf holds up without getting soggy and crisps beautifully.
Variations
I love that this Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe is so easy to tweak. Sometimes I add a little heat or extra veggies, and you can too! Personalizing it makes every batch unique and keeps it exciting.
- Add a kick: I once stirred in some red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy surprise—my family went crazy for it.
- Swap cheeses: Feel free to try mozzarella or a sharp cheddar instead of provolone; it melts differently but still delicious.
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter, and swap sour cream with a creamy cashew spread.
- Extra veggies: Mushrooms or roasted red peppers fold in beautifully if you want to boost veggies.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic, Spinach, and Artichokes
Start by heating 1 teaspoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté it just until it turns lightly golden and fragrant—this only takes about 30 to 60 seconds, so keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Immediately add the fresh spinach and chopped artichokes, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and sauté until the spinach wilts completely. The aroma at this stage is seriously one of my favorite parts—it smells like a warm Italian kitchen.
Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture
Once your spinach and artichoke mixture cools just enough to handle, transfer it onto several layers of paper towels. Then wrap it up tightly and give it a good squeeze to press out any extra moisture. This step is crucial because nothing ruins a grilled cheese sandwich faster than a soggy filling. When I first skipped this, my sandwich was disappointing, so trust me here—it makes a big difference.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Butter the outsides of all six bread slices—this ensures that golden, crispy crust. Then on the unbuttered side of three slices, layer half of the shredded provolone, followed by the spinach artichoke mixture. Now, dollop tiny spoonfuls of sour cream over the filling—it might feel odd, but it adds a luscious tang that brightens up the richness. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top, then close each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter side facing out.
Step 4: Cook Slowly for Golden Perfection
Wipe your skillet clean and heat it over medium-low. Add as many sandwiches as comfortably fit—if you’re cooking for a crowd, consider using two skillets to keep things moving. Cover with a lid and cook until the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwiches, cover again, and cook the other side until it’s equally golden and the cheese inside is melty and irresistible. This low and slow pace helps the cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve these bad boys while they’re hot and melty. Trust me, waiting never pays off here. My family goes nuts for this sandwich fresh off the skillet, and you’re going to love that first crispy bite paired with ooey, gooey cheesy filling.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Moisture Removal: I learned this trick after too many soggy grilled cheese failures—wrapping the filling in paper towels and squeezing out water saves your sandwich.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking over medium-low heat lets the cheese melt perfectly without burning the bread’s surface.
- Butter Both Sides of Bread: Buttering all bread exteriors helps form a uniformly crispy crust—it’s a small step with huge payoff.
- Use a Lid While Cooking: Covering the pan traps heat and helps melt the cheese inside faster.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe

Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top after cooking, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper brightens the whole sandwich. Sometimes, a handful of chopped fresh parsley on the side adds a nice freshness and pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pairing this sandwich with a crisp green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup never gets old. I also love roasted sweet potato fries alongside for a bit of sweetness and crunch—comfort food vibes, elevated.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist during family gatherings, I’ve sliced these grilled cheese sandwiches into smaller wedges and served them on a platter with colorful dipping sauces—ranch, chipotle mayo, even a balsamic glaze. It turns a humble sandwich into a shareable party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. I usually keep them for up to 2 days before they start to lose their crispness. Pro tip: Don’t leave them sitting out too long before refrigerating, as the filling can get watery.
Freezing
Freezing grilled cheese can be tricky because of the moisture in the filling. I’ve had some success freezing the assembled but uncooked sandwiches in an airtight container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as usual. This method keeps the bread from getting too soggy.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat with a lid to help remelt the cheese. Avoid the microwave if you can—my family and I found it makes the sandwich soggy and rubbery. A quick toast in the oven works well too if you’re heating multiple sandwiches at once.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before using it in the filling. Otherwise, your sandwich might turn out soggy.
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What’s the best type of bread for the Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe?
I recommend a hearty, sturdy bread like a French loaf or sourdough. These breads hold up well to the moist filling and give that crispy beautiful crust when grilled.
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Can I make this grilled cheese vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative, use plant-based cheeses that melt well, and replace sour cream with something like a creamy cashew sauce or vegan mayo. Also, confirm that your bread contains no dairy.
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Is there a way to make this recipe quicker?
Prepping the spinach and artichoke filling ahead of time helps a lot. You can even make a double batch and keep it refrigerated for a few days, so assembling the sandwich is super fast. Also, cooking over medium heat saves time but watch carefully to avoid burning.
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Why do you add sour cream inside the sandwich?
The sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness of the cheeses and the earthiness of the spinach and artichokes. I discovered this trick after trying it plain, and it makes a lovely difference.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it takes a simple idea—grilled cheese—and elevates it with fresh veggies and bold flavors. My family asks for it again and again, and I love how easy it is to whip up whenever comfort food calls. You’ll enjoy the perfect crispy outside and creamy, cheesy inside, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with every bite.
Print
Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese combines a savory blend of fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, and creamy cheeses sandwiched between hearty bread and golden brown on the skillet. It’s a delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese, perfect for a comforting lunch or snack packed with flavorful greens and melty, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 oz. chopped fresh spinach, rinsed and drained (leave water that clings to the leaves)
- 1 cup canned quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (5.3 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 2 Tbsp + 1 tsp butter
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 1 1/3 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Other
- Salt, to taste
- 6 slices fresh hearty bread (such as a La Brea French loaf)
Instructions
- Sauté garlic and spinach: Heat 1 teaspoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Then add the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté until the spinach wilts.
- Remove excess moisture: Transfer the sautéed spinach and artichokes onto several layers of paper towels. Once cool enough to handle, wrap the mixture tightly in the paper towels and squeeze to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures your grilled cheese won’t become soggy.
- Assemble sandwiches: Butter the outsides of all six bread slices with the remaining butter. On the non-buttered side of three slices, evenly layer half of the shredded provolone cheese, then spoon the squeezed spinach-artichoke mixture over the cheese. Dollop tiny spoonfuls of sour cream evenly over the vegetable layer, then sprinkle with the remaining provolone and parmesan cheeses. Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Cook sandwiches in skillet: Wipe the skillet clean and heat it again over medium-low heat. Place as many sandwiches as can comfortably fit into the skillet (or use two skillets). Cover with a lid to help cheese melt evenly and cook until the bottom side is golden brown. Carefully flip each sandwich, cover again, and cook until the opposite side is also golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat and serve: Cook any remaining sandwiches as needed. Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches immediately while warm and melty for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to press out excess moisture from the spinach and artichokes to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Using a lid while cooking helps the cheese melt thoroughly.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your cheeses.
- If you prefer, substitute provolone with mozzarella or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses.
- Hearty bread like French loaf holds up well and provides a nice crust when grilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg

