Spanakopita is usually served as a pie or in phyllo-wrapped triangles filled with spinach and cheese. If you want all those classic Greek flavors without the fuss of folding phyllo, this spanakopita grilled cheese is an easy, delicious alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich captures the savory spinach-and-feta profile of spanakopita and turns it into a melty grilled cheese. It’s ideal for lunch or a quick dinner when paired with a side dish, and it’s vegetarian-friendly.
The recipe below uses an air fryer for speed and convenience, but you can also make it on the stovetop or a panini press if that’s what you have on hand.
Creamy mozzarella, tangy feta, tender spinach, garlic, and herbs come together for a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with salads, chips, soups, or roasted vegetables.
Katie’s Tip
If you prefer the traditional handheld spanakopita, try the air fryer method for ready-made spanakopita pieces instead.
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What You’ll Need: Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread (or 2 very large slices)
- 2 Tbsp butter, softened
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1 green onion, sliced or minced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Use your favorite bread—whole grain, boule, or brioche all work well.
- Butter can be swapped for margarine, olive oil, or mayonnaise for a different flavor and crisp.
- Mozzarella may be replaced with provolone, Havarti, gruyère, or another melting cheese.
- Frozen chopped spinach works if you thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
- Green onions can be replaced with regular onion, shallot (cook on stovetop first), or onion powder.
- Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder if preferred.
- Seasonings are adjustable—omit or reduce anything you don’t like.
- For a creamier filling, add ¼ cup softened cream cheese or a spoonful of spinach-artichoke dip.
- Optional add-ins: mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, bell pepper, or cured meats like salami or pepperoni.
- This recipe doubles easily if you need to feed more people or want leftovers.
How to Make Spanakopita Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, sliced green onion, garlic powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread in front of you, butter side down.
- Add a slice of mozzarella to each slice of bread.
- Divide the spinach-and-feta mixture in half and pile it on top of the mozzarella on each slice.
- Top each pile with a second slice of mozzarella.
- Finish each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Place the assembled sandwiches in the air fryer basket. No preheat is necessary.
- Cook at 375°F (or the closest setting) on the air fry setting for about 10 minutes, stopping halfway to flip the sandwiches so both sides brown evenly.
- The sandwiches are ready when the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. Add a minute or two if you prefer a deeper browning.
- Remove, slice in half if desired, and serve warm.
What to Serve With Spanakopita Grilled Cheese
- Greek salad or Greek pasta salad
- Pita chips or roasted vegetables
- Whipped feta dip or tzatziki
- Greek potatoes or lemon orzo
- Falafel, stuffed grape leaves, or kalamata olives
- Tabbouleh, couscous, or a light soup like avgolemono
- For dessert: baklava or a simple fruit salad
This sandwich pairs well with many Mediterranean-style sides—pick a salad or a starchy side to make a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
Is Grilled Cheese Better in the Air Fryer or On the Stovetop?
Both methods produce crunchy, browned bread and melted cheese. The air fryer is convenient and minimizes dishes, while stovetop cooking gives you more control and may need slightly more attention. Choose the method that fits your equipment and preference.
Is It OK to Put Cheese in an Air Fryer?
Yes. To avoid melted cheese falling through grates, weigh the cheese down with the bread or place parchment or nonstick foil under the sandwich for easier cleanup.
Should I Slice or Grate Cheese For Grilled Cheese?
Grated cheese melts quickly, but in an air fryer thin sliced cheese works well because it’s less likely to shift during cooking. Keep slices even for consistent melting.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Grilled Cheese
- To cook on the stovetop instead: heat a skillet over medium, cook the sandwich 4–5 minutes per side until the bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Use a flat spatula and press gently before flipping so the filling adheres to the melting cheese and the sandwich stays together.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until the cheese remelts, or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
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Final Thoughts
This spanakopita grilled cheese delivers the comforting familiarity of a grilled cheese with the bright, savory flavors of spanakopita—melty mozzarella, tangy feta, garlic, and spinach on crisp toasted bread.
It’s a fast, flavorful meal that comes together in about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy weekdays.
If you need an even quicker version, you can explore alternative methods like microwave techniques for melting, though stovetop or air fryer produce the best texture.
Spanakopita Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe (With Air Fryer Instructions)
Equipment
- Air Fryer (can also cook on stovetop)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Spatula for flipping (recommended)
Ingredients
- 4 Slices sourdough bread (or 2 very large slices)
- 2 Tbsp butter (softened)
- 4 Slices mozzarella cheese
- ¼ Cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ Cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1 Green onion, sliced or minced
- ½ Tsp garlic powder
- ½ Tsp dried dill
- ½ Tsp dried parsley
- ¼ Tsp salt
- ¼ Tsp black pepper
Instructions
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1. In a small bowl, combine the spinach, feta, green onion, garlic powder, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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2. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter-side down.
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3. Add a slice of mozzarella to each base slice, divide the spinach mixture between them, then top with the remaining mozzarella and the other bread slices, butter-side up.
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4. Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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5. Remove when the bread is browned and the cheese is melted. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can swap bread, cheese, or fats to suit taste or dietary needs.
- Thaw and squeeze out excess liquid if using frozen spinach.
- To cook on the stovetop: cook 4–5 minutes per side over medium until golden and melted.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in a skillet until warmed through.
- Nutritional values will vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Nutrition
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