Elevate Your Comfort Food: Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese

Daily writing prompt

What’s your go-to comfort food?

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There’s something about a classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combo that just feels like a warm hug.  It’s my go-to comfort food.  The kind of meal I reach for when I’m feeling off or I just need something familiar and soothing.  It might be simple, but it’s never boring, and I never get sick of it.  It’s nostalgic, cheap, and easy to throw together, especially when you don’t have the energy to cook something elaborate. 

I’ve loved this staple since I was a kid.  I still dip each bite of the sandwich into the soup.  There’s honestly nothing better.  It’s my go-to on a rainy day or when I just need to feel okay again.  I’ll light candles, put on something cozy, and let the smell of buttered bread and tomato-y goodness fill my kitchen.  

I also really love doing an elevated version of this meal when I feel up to it.  I’ve tried different variations, but my favorite would have to be spinach and artichoke grilled cheese.  

Here’s how I make it:

Embrace The Unseen

Spinach & Artichoke Grilled Cheese

An elevated version of a classic grilled cheese.

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Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 cup jarred artichokes chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 oz cream cheese softened
• 3 tbsp parmesan cheese shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella shredded
• 4 slices of focaccia. Brioche. Sourdough I use focaccia
• salt
• crushed red pepper flakes optional

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, warm the olive oil.  Add the spinach and cook until mostly wilted.  Add the artichokes, garlic, pinch of crushed red pepper, and a few pinches of salt.  Cook for 1-2 minutes.  Transfer to a bowl.  Set aside. 
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, with a pinch of crushed red pepper and parmesan. 
3. To assemble, add a few swipes of the cream cheese mixture to one slice of bread.  Top with a handful of mozzarella, the artichoke and spinach mixture and then top with the second slice of bread.  Repeat with the second grilled cheese. 
4. Using a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.  When melted, add the grilled cheese and cook for 1-2 minutes, covering immediately, and then flipping.  Cook the other side for an additional minute, until the cheese is oozing out from the sides.  Repeat the cooking process with the remaining grilled cheese. 
5. Serve warm. 

Notes

Pair it with a delicious tomato soup. 

Creamy Tomato Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup. Rich, creamy, and comforting, this recipe blends sweet, tangy tomatoes with aromatic onions, garlic, and herbs for a simple yet soul-satisfying dish. A touch of cream makes it velvety smooth, while the hint of basil adds freshness. Perfect on its own or paired with a golden, gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

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Servings: 4 people

Course: Soup

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 14oz cans whole or crushed tomatoes or about 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh basil optional
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Method

 

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.Add tomatoes: Stir in tomatoes (and their juices if using canned). Break them up with a spoon if whole.
2. Pour in broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20–25 minutes.
3. Use a blender or a food processor to puree until smooth.
4. Stir in cream. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of cream, fresh basil, or croutons.

Notes

Pair with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

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Some meals are just pure comfort, and for me, this one always hits the spot.  Whether I’m making the classic version or this slightly elevated version, grilled cheese and tomato soup always reminds me to slow down when life gets too hectic.  It’s simple, but sometimes simple is exactly what we need.