Spanakopita is traditionally made into a pie or appetizer sized triangles of phyllo dough, filled with spinach and cheese. If youโre looking for something that requires less work than all that wrapping, though, youโll love this spanakopita grilled cheese instead!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Spanakopita grilled cheese takes all the flavors you love about the classic Greek pie and transforms it into a sandwich! Itโs perfect for lunch, or even dinner if you add some sides, and itโs vegetarian friendly as well.
Iโm making this version in the air fryer, but you can also make it on the stove or on a panini press instead, depending on what you have available.
The perfect combination of spinach, cheese, garlic, and other seasonings makes for a delicious combination that pairs well with chips, soups, and other sides for the perfect bite.
If youโre looking for the more traditional handheld version, make sure to check out my recipe for Trader Joeโs Spanakopita in the Air Fryer.
What Youโll Need: Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread (or 2 if theyโre very large like mine)
- 2 Tbsp butter (softened)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ยผ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ยผ cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1 green onion, sliced or minced
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder
- ยฝ tsp dried dill
- ยฝ tsp dried parsley
- ยผ tsp salt (or more to taste)
- ยผ tsp pepper (or more to taste)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- You can use other types of bread if preferred. Whole grain, Italian boule, and brioche are other good choices, but anything you like works
- The butter can be swapped for margarine, olive oil, or mayo if preferred
- Mozzarella may be substituted by provolone, havarti, gruyere, or another cheese of your choice
- You can use frozen chopped spinach in place of the baby spinach but make sure to thaw and drain well
- Green onions may be swapped for an onion or shallot (but youโll want to cook on the stove to soften) or onion powder
- Fresh minced garlic can be used in place of the garlic powder if you like
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, and you can omit anything you donโt like
- For an extra creamy sandwich, add ยผ cup softened cream cheese or spinach and artichoke dip to the mix
- Variations: You may also add in other veggies (such as mushrooms or sundried tomatoes) or meats (like pepperoni, salami, etc) if youโd like
- This recipe is easily doubled (as pictured) if youโre feeding more people, or if you want extras for a quick reheat later!
How to Make Spanakopita Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer
- In a small bowl, combine the spinach, feta, green onions, and all of the seasonings, stirring to mix them well
- Butter one side of each slice of bread
- Place two slices of bread butter side down
- Add a slice of mozzarella cheese to each
- Pile half of the spinach mixture on top of each mozzarella slice
- Add the second slices of mozzarella cheese
- Top with the remaining two bread slices, buttered side up
- Place sandwich into the air fryer basket (no need to preheat)
- Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 375ยฐF (or the closest setting your air fryer has), pausing halfway through to flip the sandwich over
- Sandwich is done when bread is browned and cheese is melted. If youโd like it more brown, add small increments of additional cooking time
- Cut in half if desired and enjoy!
What to Serve With Spanakopita Grilled Cheese
- Greek salad
- Greek pasta salad
- Roasted lemon chicken
- Pita chips
- Whipped feta dip
- Greek potatoes
- Falafel
- Kalamata olives
- Greek stuffed mushrooms
- Lemon orzo
- Couscous
- Tabbouleh
- Stuffed grape leaves
- Avgolemono (Greek lemon chicken soup)
- Watermelon feta salad
- Baklava
There are so many great sides to serve with a Spanakopita grilled cheese to round out your meal. From salad to soup to some crunchy fries or chips and even desserts, youโll find your perfect pairing.
Try air fryer spanakopita grilled cheese with my easy Air Fryer Greek Potatoes, soft Air Fryer Pita Bread, crispy Trader Joeโs Frozen Falafel in the Air Fryer, sweet Air Fryer Baklava, or with a side of Greek Meatballs in the Air Fryer. Wash it down with a refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca!
Recipe FAQs
Is Grilled Cheese Better in the Air Fryer or On the Stovetop?
Grilled cheese cooked in the air fryer and the stovetop turn out very similarly, with crunchy browned bread and melted cheese. So, one is not really better than the other, but the air fryer doesnโt require you to dirty a pan to cook.
Both methods require just one flip during cooking, though the stovetop needs more monitoring. The cooking time is nearly the same, as are the final results. So, choose what works best for you.
Is It OK to Put Cheese in an Air Fryer?
Yes, itโs OK to put cheese in an air fryer. Youโll want to weigh it down so it doesnโt fly around, which the bread takes care of in a grilled cheese.
It will often melt through the grates as well, so you may want to put a piece of nonstick foil or parchment under your sandwich to make cleanup easier.
Should I Slice or Grate Cheese For Grilled Cheese?
It is usually recommended to grate cheese for grilled cheese. However, sliced is the better option in the air fryer due to the weight, as it keeps the cheese from flying around.
Keep slices thin and even for best melting results. Itโs completely fine to use deli cut or store bought pre-cut to aid in the consistency.
Recipe Pro Tips
- To cook on the stovetop instead, heat a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the sandwich and cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is browned to your liking
- I recommend a flat spatula for flipping the sandwich. Give it a good press first so the filling sticks to the partially melted cheese, then flip (this keeps it from falling apart)
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover spanakopita grilled cheese wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- To reheat, air fry for 3-5 minutes at 350ยฐF until cheese is melted again, or warm in a pan on the stove over medium heat
More Air Fryer Sandwiches to Try
- Perfect Air Fried PB&J
- Air Fryer Hot Brown Sandwich
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich
- Dreamy Air Fryer Monte Cristo
Final Thoughts
This spanakopita grilled cheese is a delicious sandwich inspired by the Greek classic dish. With melty cheese, toasty bread, garlic, spinach and salty feta itโs a perfect bite!
Enjoy this sandwich on its own, or pair it with your favorite sides to create a complete meal.
At just 10 minutes of cooking time (and little attention required) itโs a great option for a lunch or dinner on your busy weekdays.
If youโre looking for an even quicker way to make your sandwich, check out my recipe for How to Make Grilled Cheese in the Microwave.
Spanakopita Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe (With Air Fryer Instructions)
Equipment
- Air Fryer (can also cook on stovetop)
- Spatula for flipping (highly recommended)
Ingredientsย ย
- 4 Slices sourdough bread (or two if they are very large)
- 2 Tbsp butter (softened)
- 4 Slices mozzarella cheese
- ยผ Cup crumbled feta cheese
- ยผ Cup fresh baby spinach (chopped)
- 1 Green onion (sliced or minced)
- ยฝ Tsp garlic powder
- ยฝ Tsp dried dill
- ยฝ Tsp dried parsley
- ยผ Tsp salt (or more to taste)
- ยผ Tsp black pepper (or more to taste)
Instructionsย
- In a small bowl, combine the spinach, feta, green onions, and all of the seasonings, stirring to mix them wellยผ Cup crumbled feta cheese, ยผ Cup fresh baby spinach, 1 Green onion, ยฝ Tsp garlic powder, ยฝ Tsp dried dill, ยฝ Tsp dried parsley, ยผ Tsp salt, ยผ Tsp black pepper
- Butter one side of each slice of bread, then place two slices of bread butter side down4 Slices sourdough bread, 2 Tbsp butter
- Assemble the sandwich by first adding a slice of mozzarella cheese to each slice of bread. Then, pile half of the spinach mixture on top of each mozzarella slice, and cover with the second slices of mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining two bread slices, buttered side up4 Slices mozzarella cheese
- Place sandwich into the air fryer basket (no need to preheat)
- Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 375ยฐF (or the closest setting your air fryer has), pausing halfway through to flip the sandwich over
- Sandwich is done when bread is browned and cheese is melted. If youโd like it more brown, add small increments of additional cooking time
- Cut in half if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use other types of bread if preferred. Whole grain, Italian boule, and brioche are other good choices, but anything you like works
- The butter can be swapped for margarine, olive oil, or mayo if preferred
- Mozzarella may be substituted by provolone, havarti, gruyere, or another cheese of your choice
- You can use frozen chopped spinach in place of the baby spinach but make sure to thaw and drain well
- Green onions may be swapped for an onion or shallot (but youโll want to cook on the stove to soften) or onion powder
- Fresh minced garlic can be used in place of the garlic powder if you like
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, and you can omit anything you donโt like
- For an extra creamy sandwich, add ยผ cup softened cream cheese or spinach and artichoke dip to the mix
- Variations: You may also add in other veggies (such as mushrooms, bell pepper, or sun dried tomatoes) or meats (like pepperoni, salami, etc) if youโd like
- This recipe is easily doubled (as pictured) if youโre feeding more people, or if you want extras for a quick reheat later!
- To cook on the stovetop instead, heat a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the sandwich and cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is browned to your liking
- I recommend a flat spatula for flipping the sandwich. Give it a good press first so the filling sticks to the partially melted cheese, then flip (this keeps it from falling apart)
- Store leftover spanakopita grilled cheese wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- To reheat, air fry for 3-5 minutes at 350ยฐF until cheese is melted again, or warm in a pan on the stove over medium heat
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any swaps or sides added, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
- Microwave Refried Beans: Easy Mexican Style Side Dish! - April 18, 2024
- Air Fryer Crunchwrap Supreme: Taco Bell Copycat Recipe! - April 18, 2024
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Air Fryer Recipe: Dessert Bars! - April 17, 2024