Spanakopita Cheese Melt (Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese)
Updated: 6 days ago
Spanakopita Cheese Melt (Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese) combines golden, buttery bread with a deliciously creamy filling of spinach, feta and melted cheese. All the flavours of Greek spanakopita, without the filo!
About Spanakopita Cheese Melt (Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese)
This spanakopita grilled cheese brings together everything I love about the Greek classic - creamy spinach, feta and melted cheese tucked between golden, buttery gluten-free bread, without the fuss of filo pastry.
One day, I had some leftover spanakopita filling and, on a whim, tucked it between two slices of bread for lunch. I couldn't believe how good it was!
The bread was golden and buttery, the cheese beautifully melted, and every bite had those familiar spinach and feta flavours I love about traditional Greek spanakopita.
Making gluten-free filo pastry can be time-consuming, and finding ready-made gluten-free filo isn't always easy or affordable. So this little toasted sandwich became a wonderful shortcut.
My Spanakopita Cheese Melt combines fresh spinach, feta, Kefalotyri, dill and spring onion between slices of gluten-free bread, with an extra layer of cheese that melts as it cooks.
It's quick, comforting and perfect for those days when you're craving spanakopita but don't feel like making pastry. And in our house, one is rarely enough!
Watch How to Make Spanakopita Cheese Melt
Helpful Tips
Dry the Spinach Thoroughly
Fresh baby spinach works beautifully in this recipe. If washing it first, make sure it's completely dry before chopping. Excess moisture can make the filling watery and soften the bread.
Mix the Filling Until It Holds Together
Gently mash the spinach, feta, Kefalotyri, dill and spring onion together until you have a thick, spreadable mixture. This helps keep the filling inside the sandwich rather than falling out when you slice it.
Make It Extra Cheesy
For an even cheesier melt, use two slices of tasty or cheddar cheese per sandwich instead of one. One underneath the spinach filling and another on top creates a wonderfully creamy centre.
Choosing the Cheese
Kefalotyri adds a lovely sharp, salty Greek flavour. If you can't find it, you can use a combination of mozzarella and Pecorino Romano. The mozzarella gives you that lovely melted texture, while Pecorino adds flavour.
Cook Gently for Golden, Crispy Bread
Keep the heat at medium-low when cooking in a frying pan. This gives the cheese time to melt without the outside of the gluten-free bread browning too quickly. A sandwich press is another easy option.
Let It Rest Before Slicing
Allow the sandwich to rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This helps the hot cheese settle slightly, making it easier to slice without losing all that delicious filling.
More Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta Recipes to Try
Spanakopita Cheese Melt (Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese)
Serves: 3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Lunch
Recipe Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Makes: 3 sandwiches
INGREDIENTS
Spanakopita Cheese Melt
1½ cups (approximately 60 g) baby spinach, finely chopped
1 large spring onion, finely chopped
3 slices tasty or cheddar cheese (6 slices for extra cheesy melts)
½ cup (50 g) feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup (50 g) Kefalotyri Greek cheese, grated (or a combination of mozzarella and Pecorino Romano)
2 teaspoons dried dill (or fresh dill, to taste)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Approximately 20 g butter, softened, for spreading
6 slices gluten-free bread
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Spinach and Feta Filling
In a bowl, combine the finely chopped baby spinach, spring onion, feta, Kefalotyri, dill, salt and pepper.
Using your hands, gently mix and lightly mash the ingredients together until the filling becomes thick, slightly sticky and holds together.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out three slices of gluten-free bread and place one slice of tasty or cheddar cheese onto each.
Divide the spinach and feta filling evenly between the three sandwiches, spreading it over the cheese.
For an extra cheesy melt, add a second slice of cheese over the filling.
Top with the remaining slices of gluten-free bread.
3. Butter the Bread
Lightly spread butter over the outside of each sandwich, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
4. Cook Until Golden and Crispy
Sandwich Press: Place the sandwiches into a preheated sandwich press and cook until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.
Frying Pan: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Add a sandwich and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is beautifully melted. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
5. Rest and Serve
Allow the sandwiches to rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing, helping the melted cheese and filling settle slightly.
Slice in half and serve warm, while the bread is golden and crispy and the spinach and feta filling is deliciously creamy.
Have you tried this recipe?
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Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare
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