Popeye Grilled Cheese

This stuffed grilled cheese sandwich loads up spinach, vegan cheese and a juicy tomato. Crispy edges and full of cheesy flavor!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Servings: sandwich

Ingredients

2 large slices bread (rye-sourdough used)
¼ cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds
optional: white vegan cheese (like gouda or provolone)
2 thick slices of yellow or orange tomato, organic
1 cup frozen chopped spinach (or use 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped) - organic
1 clove garlic
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1-2 tsp vegan butter
extra virgin olive oil for pan
optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

Warm up an extra large skillet over high heat. I use a cast iron skillet. Add a drizzle of olive oil just to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
Thinly slice the garlic clove and add to hot pan. Then add in the spinach. Take care to try to only use half of the pan for the spinach - keep the other half nice and clean for the sandwich. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, flip and toss the spinach until it is fully wilted or warmed. I like frozen spinach because it is already wilted down to size, fresh spinach can be a bit more tender and delicate in the pan. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast on top of the spinach then toss. When spinach is nice and warm, scoop it over to the far edge of the pan.
Rub all side of the bread in the vegan butter.
Place one slice of bread down on the hot, oiled skillet. Add the vegan cheese on top. I like to use the 'ice cube method' to melt my cheese. This method means I cover the pan with a lid and drop in one small ice cube. Then turn off heat for a minute while it works its magic. The hot steam from the ice will help melt the cheese. Life lid and try your best to not simply let the bread soak up the water in the pan. You want it to really cook off.
Turn heat back up to medium-high and scoop the hot spinach right onto the softened cheese. The hot skillet spinach should further melt the cheese. Add the tomato. Then add the top layer of bread. Smash down the sandwich a bit, with your spatula.
Very carefully flip the sandwich. Cook 1-2 minutes on this second side, just enough to toast the bread since the cheese should be fully melted by not.
Turn off stove and transfer the sandwich to a cutting board to slice and serve.

Nutrition Estimate