I’m not much for celebrating national food holidays. It seems like everyday there’s sooooomething.
We could get tipsy on National Mulled Wine Day… which, strangely, is celebrated on March 3rd. We could bust out a spoon for National Nutella Day. We could get our fingers greasy on National Fried Chicken Day. I’m actually thinking of changing my birthday to May 14th, National Buttermilk Biscuit Day.
Did you know that there’s a National German Chocolate Cake Day? Yea. That’s real. I hope you have your party hats ready.
I know what you’re thinking…when is National Grilled Cheese Day? Surely this perfect food must have a day of remembrance. I’ll tell you what… grilled cheese is so special that it has, not just a day, but an entire month of celebrating!
This is something I can get behind. All in!
I want this grilled cheese sandwich to taste exactly like Spinach Artichoke Dip smashed between two buttery slices of bread! Oh. Heck. Yes.
For the filling we’re going to combine canned artichoke hearts, spinach, garlic, a white cheddar or jack cheese, and salty parmesan cheese too!
I chopped the artichoke hearts into small bite-sized pieces. The spinach is sautéed with minced garlic until soft. The cheese is chopped. The sour cream is dolloped. We’ll throw in a bit of sriracha for flava’.
It’s time for the smash-bang.
Oooh cream cheese. It’s not as though we don’t have enough creamy and cheesy elements in this sandwich with the cheddar, Parmesan, and sour cream. Let’s throw in one more for good measure.
If it makes you feel any better, the cream cheese is acting as glue in this sandwich. Creamy, delicious glue.
I know you can just feel the crunch. I know you can.
Made for sharing.
You know what I’m about to say. I’m about to go on and on about how delicious this sandwich is. Of course I’m going to say that this sandwich tastes exactly like Spinach and Artichoke Dip smashed between cheesy bread. Of course I’m going to say that the buttery crisp bread pairs perfectly with the creamy,salty artichoke and spinach insides. Of course I’m going to claim that this is perfection. It is.
What I might not tell you is that I ate all four of these sandwich halves. I wanted you to think I had a lunch-mate, but… sadly noooo. Mine all mine. Yea…
Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
makes 2 sandwiches
splash of olive oil
1 small clove garlic
3 cups (or 3 big handfuls) baby spinach
4 slices bread (I used sourdough)
about 2 tablespoons cream cheese
1/3-1/2 cup grated or crumbled jack cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup coarsely chopped canned artichoke hearts, drained
1 heaping tablespoon sour cream
1/2 to 1 teaspoon sriracha
large pinch of sea salt
1 tablespoon butter, for grilling the sandwiches
Sandwiches are very personal so the ingredients above are entirely flexible and up to you!
In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add spinach leaves and saute until wilted. This should happen quickly. Spinach just wilts in a hot pan. Remove spinach from skillet, place in a medium bowl and set aside.
Spread each slice of bread with a bit of cream cheese. You don’t need much. We’re using it as edible sandwich glue.
Squeeze or press as much liquid as possible out of the canned artichoke hearts using a paper towel.
To the bowl of sautéed spinach add, jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, sour cream, sriracha, and salt. Stir until combined.
Top two slices of bread with spinach and artichoke filling. Make sandwiches with the two remaining slices of bread.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sandwiches and grill until each side is golden and the insides are melty warm. Serve immediately.
Erika Dargan
I made this tonight & it was delicious. I will however, add a little less filling to my sandwiches, but that’s just personal preference. ENJOY!
Ida
Oh, wow! I’m ready.
Christine
I am typing this with one hand on the sandwich in the other. This. Is. Awesome. I used Kale because I didn’t have spinach. I also used provolone instead of jack. I didn’t have any cream cheese or sour dip so I think I saved myself a few calories. Also, I used olive oil instead of butter. Sandwich was a huge hit. My boyfriend is still yelling from the next room telling me how delicious that was.
magnoliasouth
This kind of reminds me of the grilled turkey artichoke panini at Panera’s. Man that’s my favorite sandwich they make there. The only difference is that they add turkey and I’ve always kind of wondered what all they put on it. I’m willing to bet this is near exactly the same. Many MANY thanks for sharing this. I think I’ve hit upon what we’re having for dinner tonight. I’ll serve this plus a caprese salad. YUM!
Kate
To add more cheesy crunchy goodness on the outside of the sandwich, you can do the following: instead of melting the butter in the pan, you can butter the outsides of the bread, and generously sprinkle with parmesan and press it on (a spatula works good for this) to make it stick to the butter, then grill and go to cheesy heaven !
Gene Cox
You have the most wonderful ideas. I eat grilled cheese sandwiches all the time, but seldom experiment with new ingredients. this sounds wonderful!
Angel
Hope you don’t mind, I mentioned your yummy samich on my blog with a link back to you!
joythebaker
thank you!!
Marie
Oh my god, this seriously looks soooo good!
pocketfulofmakeup.blogspot.com
Tamara
Hey Joy! I’d run to your kitchen and share that one with you! Why don’t you just call over your friends to let them enjoy it together with you? Food can make people so happy :)
xx
Shelah
This sammy looks amazing!! It would be good with homemade french onion soup too I bet! I put this on my menu for the week.
Thanks for posting!
sowmya
Only one word “YUM”….. I am gonna run into kitchen to try this ASAP !! easy n delicious way of making sandwiches on lazy sundays
Sarah
This has given me so many ideas of other spinach and artichoke grilled sandwich. I also feel that this breakfast might benefit from a scoop of cream cheese. No bigs. I had featured u in the post of Top 7 Quick and Healthy Sandwich Recipes on AllFreshRecipes, expect ur MORE recipes!
Prateeksha
Wow what a combination. It sounds interesting. I love spinach and cheese, will definitely try this for a breakfast…..thanks for sharing the recipe.
Karhlia
This looks unreal! I have just discovered your blog and suffice to say… I am in love. Seriously some great ideas here :)
Eileen
Just a quick Hi Joy, and a big thank you for this grilled cheese recipe.
Am rushing out to store to get artichoke hearts.
O’ bliss
Erika {In Erika's Kitchen}
Next time you’re making these for lunch, call me and I’ll be right over. Hop skip and jump.
Siobhan
I just wanted to let you know that we tried these the other day and they were ahhhh-mazing. We also didn’t have any sour cream, so we improvised with a spoonful of french onion chip dip.. still amazing.
No shame here.
Thanks for making awesome things and sharing them with us!
Krystina
Just made this. It’s bomb. Every single recipe of yours I try is a-MAZ-ing! Joy, you’re such a baller.
Shadi
OH MY GOODNESS! This was so amazing! I want to eat it every day for every meal. Seriously one of the best recipes yet! Thank you!!!
Valerie | Pursuit of Sweetness
As if it being Friday isn’t good enough, I’m [FINALLY] making this for lunch today. Thanks for the inspiration, Joy! Happy weekend <3
Sara
I ended up making this twice in one week. It’s SO good — I didn’t use the cream cheese, the sandwich held together fine without it.
Michelle S
I’ve made these numerous times now. Always tasty, thanks for the idea!
http://lifeinthewindycityandbeyond.tumblr.com/post/47951933650/spinach-arugula-artichoke-panini
Vickie
mmmm, yes please :)
ice down
I generally eat toasted bread with butter, but i like this type of combination.
Jean Maurer
looks great! it would be great if you could post recipes with whole wheat ingredients (it makes me feel healthier :) )
Holly
Sign me up for this! It’s like awesome spinach artichoke dip in sandwich form – and who doesn’t want to eat that dip with a spoon?
Ellen
Looks crazy good. A spoon and a bowl of artichoke dip and I’m usually set. But now that it’s between two buttery slices of bread. HECK YA
Maria E
Hi JOY
what is Sriracha and were a can buy it ? thank you Maria E.
Melissa
These look amazing!
Cory
Seriously, you are a woman after my own heart.
Laura
Made these for dinner tonight, and I could only find a very skinny loaf of sourdough at the store today, which means I had enough filling for 67 sandwiches. NOT THAT I’M COMPLAINING.
Delish! Thanks!!
Kerri
My daughter will turn 2 on National Buttermilk Biscuit Day. I may have to do a big breakfast with biscuits. Or breakfast for dinner, since it’s a Tuesday.
Anna
Taste-bud-palooza! With extra sharp white cheddar.
SeattleDee
Pinned it, grilled it, ate it all myself. Sigh, does a sandwich-for-supper item get any better than this? (no)
Bruce Neubauer
Unlike most of the people leaving comments, I actually made your recipe. Today, actually. As soon as I saw it I made a quick dash to the grocery store, came home, and whipped up a few sandwiches for my family. You, dear, are a genius. Man, oh, Manischewitz is this a great sandwich. Ridiculous. Being a two-time heart attack survivor I had to use low/no fat alternatives, but nothing lost in translation. Thanks for the recipe.
joythebaker
i’m so happy you had success with this recipe, Bruce! it’s also nice to know that it’s still delicious with low fat alternatives! best to you!
Tertia
My birthday is on National Brownie Day. I think I win.
Mommypage
The spinach and artichoke grilled cheese sounds yummy. This looks like the perfect dish for Springtime! Vegetables are definitely in season now.
Ann T
Looks fabulous!
SeattleDee
That toppling tower of goodness has won my heart. Toasted cheese comfort food for sure!
Tori
These are SO good. I used a little feta instead of the parmesan (it was around), and a bit of dijon (my favorite grilled cheese secret ingredient) instead of sriracha. My roommate declared it “the best grilled cheese he has ever had” (and we take grilled cheeses very seriously around here). Thanks Joy!
Tori
These are SO good. I used a little feta instead of the parmesan (it was around), and a bit of dijon (my favorite grilled cheese secret ingredient) instead of sriracha. My roommate declared it “the best grilled cheese he has ever had” (and we take grilled cheeses very seriously around here). Thanks Joy!
lucy
wow this looks so good soooo yummy i think we both know what i am having for lunch tomorrow now!…..Thank you so much for the amazing posts joy it is truly inspiring, i am 15 and it has inspired me to start my own blog, it would mean so much if you would have a look….
fashiontheart.blogspot.com
thank you agin for the podcast and the blog!
lucy x
Marisa
looks so good Joy; we at our house have a grilled cheese night for dinner a few times ; must add this one too. :)
Jenny
That looks delicious!! I want it now:))
http://www.plogstyle.com
Bessie
a sandwich inspired by a dip? so into it!
Lora @cakeduchess
I’m a sucker for any thing artichoke…this is what I want for lunch tomorrow. Actually, I’d like one now for dessert. love this, Joy.
Doug
Have you ever tried buttering the bread when you grill it rather than putting the butter in the pan?
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence
I luuuuurv spinach artichoke dip, so I’m pretty sure I would devour this.
Susanne
This looks AMAZING!
Kelley
Yep…. drooling on my keyboard
Maria
Just made this for lunch with a friend today. So delicious!! Thank you for the recipe I will be making again and again. :)
ann @ acbcDesign
Beautiful! Man, just had lunch now I’m hungry again! Can’t wait to try this one.
Michelle
I need this sandwich to be part of my life.
fabiola@notjustbaked
YES. YES. YES. And thank you. I love grilled cheese with greens, but you just went to a whole new place with it, for that, thank you. Never thought to do this and I like it.
toni
I didnt know this month was all about the grilled cheese.. But, it justifies my sudden urge for a grilled cheese on Monday. I ran to Safeway and grabbed some sourdough and english cheddar.. Even though I’m trying to test whether I’m dairy intolerant by omitting dairy this month.
Milk substitute? No problem. Cheese subs? Not so easy for a woman who, at any given time, has 4 varieties in her fridge.
Bee @ deux dilettantes
Oh my! I don’t have time to comment, my skillet is waiting. I have to make it NOW!
Cookin Canuck
I’m not usually much for celebrating food holidays, but grilled cheese month has my full support. So does this sandwich…with the sriracha…yep.
J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats
Love how this is essentially spinach artichoke dip between two toasted slices of bread. This with a fried egg and some bacon would be THE perfect breakfast sandwich…
axelle the french cook
A very good way to make children eat spinach and artichoke ! Your bread makes me water in mouth.
Arthur in the Garden!
I love grilled cheese sandwiches with just about anything in there: Jalapenos, all kinds of cheeses, or all kinds of greens!
ATasteOfMadness
Oh wow. There is nothing I like better than grilled cheese. This looks fantastic!!
jen
Oh I love artichokes! Def need to try these!
Diana
I”ve been craving a grilled cheese, my favorite comfort food, after eating our with a friend and she had a brie, apple an walnut sandwich…but this post is just making my mouth water for this artichoke delight.
Jaclyn
Indeed the perfect way to start out grilled cheese month! Gorgeous photos, as always =).
Tsigeyusv
I’m still at work, almost 12 hrs after I started. I haven’t had a meal break. I am sooo drooling right now. I wish I could have this sandwich delivered. With pickles. OMG yes!
taylor @ taylormade
oh these just look ridiculous. I would kill for one at this very moment! and I am totally on board with celebrating grilled cheese month.
Kevin @ Closet Cooking
That is one really nice looking stack of grilled cheese!
Kay
I love your commentary!!! So funny, so fun :) And I’m going to make these sandwiches, ! My mouth is watering!!
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
mmmmm artichoke hearts. Yes, this is good, very very good.
Heidi xo
ps huge love for that sidebar note. My eyes did just that, followed the trail and then BAM. More grilled cheese. It was exquisite direction, I must say.
Kaylie @ Skinny Muffin
This is epically fabulous and I need to make it soon. Fancy grilled cheese to the max.
Ellie
Ugh, this is disgustingly attractive-looking. I want.
Emily
Next time you’re in Cleveland…http://meltbarandgrilled.com/
Rebecca Payne
I LOVE the addition of cream cheese to these. Grilled cheese sandwiches really deserve more than a month of celebration. They are probably my number 1 comfort food. Or Mac and Cheese. it’s too hard to call.
Monica P
Now THAT’s a grilled cheese sandwich .. can’t wait to try this combo!
Monica.
Chrys
Ohhhh emmmmm geeee! I love spinach artichoke dip and this grilled cheese is screaming my name. I haven’t had lunch yet and wasn’t really hungry until I saw this. I think I know what I want now. Thanks as always!
Paola
I’m on to you! You had me stay home so you could have these guys all to yourself! Play nice now!
joythebaker
giiiirrrl, please. haha!
Eileen
WELL. This may have to happen as soon as I get my hands on some artichoke hearts, is all I’m saying. OM NOM etc.
Packing Rainbows
Sandwiches are from the Lord!
Steph
Nom! I want to make this for dinner, what would you pair with it to round out the meal? A fruit salad? Something light ..suggestions?
nicola
Am I allowed to say that I like your new gray board/tray/table? It’s a nice texture. I mean the sandwiches look good too. x
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
Cheesy sandwich month? I must participate! I wouldn’t have shared this either :) Looks too amazing!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
Yes, yes!! this is a big yes for me. I think there is a national day for everything. Did you know there’s a national nude day also? (I think, someone told me)
Mr. & Mrs. P
Nothing hits the spot like a grilled cheese!!!!
Kate@KatefromScratch
So simple yet so necessary. Genius.
Lindsey [Lou Lou Biscuit]
You. Are. A. Genius. I want this in my belly now!
Katy @ KatysKitchen
You make the most creative cheesy sandwiches! Don’t worry, I would have eaten all four halves too. Even if I had a lunch mate….I probably would have had difficulty sharing. ;)
Emma
Oh my goodness. I don’t think a blog post has ever made me smile so hard. I am so excited about this I can’t contain it!
fusilliamy
I just slurped up some mouth watering drool. Gross but real.
Jessica Gunsell
Aaaaaahhhhhh! I LOVE grilled cheese!
Sue
Wow! The lowly grilled cheese has come of age, hasn’t it! These flavors sing. The melty jack, the salty parm. The tender artichoke, the savory spinach. Wow. Must add this to the repertoire.
Now, I’m embarrassed to admit that my not-really-a-cook husband usually does our cheese sandwiches. I got the blueprint from a Jeff the Sandwich Guy on the Food Network: choose any bread; any cheese; any jam, chutney. He used panini presses and made sandwiches for shoppers, and each was mindblown. My husband has simplified this considerably by nuking the sandwiches. I know: what blasphemy! But I’ve got to admit that it works. He seeks out savory jams like pineapple jalapeño, anything you’d put over a block of cream cheese. Even lacking the crispy grilled bread, these sandwiches are the bomb. I tell people about them, but can see the disbelief in their eyes, and I don’t think they’re just reacting to the microwave bit. Think about it people: ketchup and pickles on a cheese burger. Classic combination of flavors: sweet and sour and tart. Oh my. Then you, Joy, up the challenge: artichoke, spinach, jack, parm. Heaven. So what’s next? I’m salivating in anticipation!
Chelsea
oooooh joy that looks amazing. i like garlic in my artichoke spinach dip. i’m thinkin’… smash a couple cloves of roasted garlic in with the cream cheese?!
Katie O'Keefe
Oh heck yes, indeed! This looks so amazing!
Katya
I love that cutting board and slate board. Where are they from? This is in addition to the amazing sandwich that is on them.. I want to run home from work now and make this. Might be my dinner instead. Yum!
Ellie @ Ginger Bear Kitchen
Wow, this looks amazing! The bread is so perfectly golden and crisp looking. I need one of these for lunch today.
Amanda
I am starving and these pictures are not helping! Looks delicious.
Rocky Mountain Woman
yeah, I wouldn’t share it either.
love the cream cheese glue…
tracy {pale yellow}
This completely reminds me of my favorite sandwich at Panera, so many fantastic flavors in one sandwich!
ItalianGirlCooks
That looks good!
Ashley
Ohhhh, yes!!! I heart grilled cheese, I heart spinach & artichoke dip, and I heart this! Thank you so much!
(I would’ve eaten all four sandwiches as well! Too good to waste!)
Dana
Last month I did a DIY grilled-cheese sandwich bar for my husband’s birthday party, but I didn’t have this combination on the table…. Guess we’ll have to do it again. :-)
We used two panini presses, four kinds of bread, five kinds of cheese, various meats, veggies, and spreads. I wrote up a few suggested combinations on cards (cheddar-ham-pear! mozzerella-avocado-tapenade!), cut all the bread in half for a greater range of experimentation, and let everyone have at it. It was wildly successful.
Thanks for making me hungry…
Raquel Somatra
Joy. You have just written the super-secret recipe on how to make me the happiest gal in the universe. Just saying. :)
erin @hooleywithaz
drool everywhere on the right sidebar.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
My heart just skipped a beat! LOVE this sandwich!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
i had high hopes that you were cooking up this sandwich when i saw your instagram feed the other day, and as usual, you do not disappoint! it looks fabulous. and the fact that you ate both sandwiches makes me love you even more than already do.
Katie @ Veggie and the Beast
Ohhhh I want that for lunch right now…and it’s only 10am in Minnesota :) I love a good grilled cheese, and anything with artichokes, so this looks incredible. I usually put cream cheese on my grilled cheese sandwiches too. It’s obviously a necessary and functional component!
Samantha @FerraroKitchen
Love…love this! A cafe near me makes almost the same thing, they add chicken and I always order it!
Kasha the FarmGirl
This is exactly the kind of recipe I need to share with my CSA members. Leftover sauteed spinach is put to very good use!
The sandwiches all look stunningly gorgeous. Averie is right about your photos of late. Amazing :)
Rebecca Jeffries-Hyman
You just made my day!!! You’re a genius, I tell ya!
Abbe@This is How I Cook
Lookin good. I did one a month ago without spinach and I can attest to the fact that it is good. I mean it doesn’t get better than dip on bread.
Amy
Your photos never fail to make me hungry, so unbelievably hungry!!
hahha
http://yummei.blogspot.co.uk/
Karen
OMG this looks so delicious, I am starving now! I love the combination of spinach and artichokes…yummy.
Karen @ Karen’s Soiree
Bev @ Bev Cooks
yeah this is like all kinds of wet dreams.
Not Only Sugar
Very good sandwich…
Not Only Sugar
Tieghan
Is this not the best grilled cheese!! I posted a very similar recipe back in Feb. around the super bowl! People went crazy for it! I need to make this again!! So good!
DessertForTwo
I knew you were going here when I saw the photo on Instagram. And I patiently waited! And simultaneously drooled. And now it’s here! And happiness abounds!
Making this for our glorious Saturday lunches that celebrate the weekend :)
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
Oh just stop the madness, dip in a sandwich?! Girl, you good!
bakerkat
I can feel the crunch. Now I’m hungry. I think this is a great idea.
Tracy
Oh my word that looks amazing!!
Quinn Cooper
My mouth is watering right now for this sandwich and its only 7am where I am. I mean, who doesn’t love a good artichoke dip, and now you are making it into a sandwich, I mean come on.
Just doesn’t get any better!
xo Quinn
Quinn Cooper Style
Suze Jones
I’m reading this post, and drooling over the pics, while eating plain hot-water porridge. It’s helping. Thanks Joy!
joythebaker
i’m happy to be of any assistance.
Lexi {Whisking It}
I am definitely gonna do a couple grilled cheese’s this month. There are few simple things in this world that are as delicious as a grilled cheese sandwich :) Except here in South Africa we call them “toasted cheese” :D
robyn
I love the dip…So would love this!
Kristina
OMG! I am in Japan and I am missing bread and cheese so much, I will have this for an entire week when I get back!!
Jen @ Savory Simple
What a brilliant way to do mac & cheese!
Jayne
Hah… I wouldn’t have shared them with anyone too. I didn’t know there was a whole month dedicated to cheesy sandwiches. Off to do my part!
Miss Kim
Lol nice bite mark on the sandwich. I should make this one for the next “family meal” at work. It’s quick, easy, and looks so tasty.
BS' in the Kitchen
Glad to see you’re celebrating NGCM! You’ll have to stop by BS’ in the Kitchen, we are posting a new grilled cheese every day this month! In the meantime, check out this dramatic grilled cheese video trailer i created http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcCN4do7pJw
Love the blog,
Bob from BS’ in the Kitchen
Christina @ The Pastry Posts
OMG. I want this right now!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
A perfect dip, in sandwich form!! Yum :)
Averie @ Averie Cooks
I love Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Dont leave me alone with it. I will take down the whole container! I can happily make a meal out of that dip :) And I know I’d love this grilled cheese!
And not sure if you’ve changed your camera, lens, settings in general, editing, post-processing, etc…but your pics in this post (and in the recent half dozen or so) are just tack-sharp mindblowingly clear. Gorgeous!!
Sarah
On behalf of all consumers of grilled cheese everywhere, I would like to congratulate and thank you for all the hard work that you have done to further our gooey cause.
You are a tower of cheesy strength, and we support your bid for a grilled cheese month.
Sincerely,
World Grilled Cheese Community.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
I need this grilled cheese in my life, stat!
Lauren
YUM! Yes, I can get behind that too :)