This Green Goddess Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious and healthy lunch idea filled with yummy green veggies and two types of cheese!
The combination of melty mozzarella and havarti takes this grilled cheese to the next level, making it the perfect balance of indulgent and nutritious.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Healthier comfort food: Combines the gooey goodness of grilled cheese with fresh and wholesome veggies.
- Kid-friendly: A sneaky way to pack in greens while keeping it delicious and fun!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Whole grain bread – use any type of bread you like or even tortillas to turn this sandwich into a wrap.
- Avocado – leave this out altogether if you don’t have any avocado on hand.
- Tomatillo – swap out for green tomato, red tomato or leave this out altogether.
- Havarti and mozzarella – white cheddar and Swiss would also be good but you can use any cheese of your choice.
- Baby spinach – other green veggies like thinly sliced asparagus or finely chopped broccoli would be good.
- Alfalfa sprouts – substitute for another green veggie of your choice.
- Butter – or your favourite dairy-free butter alternative like margarine.
- Pickles & ketchup – to serve. Feel free to swap out for your favourite dipping sauce and sides!
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Prep your toppings.
Slice the veggies and get the cheese ready.
Step 2: Assemble the sandwiches.
Layer the cheese and veggies between slices of bread.
Step 3: Butter the pan.
Add a layer of butter on the pan.
Step 4: Cook sandwiches.
Place the sandwiches in the pan and cover with a lid.
Step 5: Flip and finish cooking.
Cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy.
Pair with your favourite sides and dig in!
Tips & Variations
- Butter evenly: Spread an even layer of butter on the outside of the bread for a perfectly crispy, golden crust.
- Low and slow: Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Press for extra crunch: Use a spatula to gently press the sandwich while cooking for a crispier texture.
- Add protein: Layer in sliced turkey, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon for a heartier sandwich.
- Spice it up: Spread a little pesto, hot sauce, or Dijon mustard inside for extra zing.
Frequently asked questions
Is grilled cheese healthy?
This grilled cheese is definitely a healthier option than your typical white-bread and Kraft singles grilled cheese. It’s made with quality cheese, whole grain bread and lots of greens like spinach and alfalfa sprouts. If you want to make it even healthier, use a dairy-free butter substitute.
How many calories are in this recipe?
This healthy grilled cheese recipe has 495 calories per sandwich and is full of nutrients thanks to all the greens. It’s a delicious and healthy lunch idea!
Why is my sandwich soggy?
Make sure you let your bread develop a crispy side when frying it and let it sit for at least 3-5 minutes before flipping. I also suggest cooking it on a medium-low temperature – this will prevent it from burning but still make your bread nice and crispy. Plus, make sure you don’t overstuff your sandwich with fillings.
What to serve with this grilled cheese
If you’re looking for a litte extra something, try adding a delicious soup like this one, or pair the sandwich with a salad like this!
How to store and reheat
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cheese may become slimy, and the bread may get soggy, so it’s best to eat them quickly.
- Reheating: Reheat the sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes, using a lid to help melt the cheese. This method will also crisp up the bread again.
- Freezing: Grilled cheese sandwiches don’t freeze well due to the texture changes in the bread and cheese, so I don’t recommend freeing them.
More sandwich and wrap recipes
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls for the leftovers.
- Store any remaining cheese in a reusable silicone storage bag.
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices whole grain bread
- 1/2 avocado thinly sliced
- 1 tomatillo or green tomato thinly sliced
- 2 slices each havarti and mozzarella cheese
- Handful baby spinach
- Handful alfalfa sprouts
- 1 tbsp butter
- Pickles & ketchup to serve
Instructions
- Place sliced avocado on top of each slice of bread. Top with 1 slice havarti cheese. Top with tomatillo, then 1 slice mozzarella cheese. Add spinach, then top with 1 more slice of havarti. Finally, add sprouts and the last slice of mozzarella. Top with final slice of bread
- Meanwhile, butter a large frying pan and melt butter over low-medium heat.
- When butter is melted, place each sandwich in the pan, and cover with fitting lid.
- Cook for approx. 5 minutes per side and continue cooking and flipping until cheese is fully melted. Serve and enjoy with pickles and ketchup.
Comments & Reviews
Eac says
This recipe is confusing. Step 1 describes layering the sandwich but there are 6 slices of cheese mentioned there, the ingredients list only says 2 slices each of havarti and mozza, so 4.
That said, I have made this and it was delicious, only used 2 slices of cheese per sandwich.
Katie Didow says
Hi Eac! There was a typo in the recipe – it should be 2 slices each of both cheeses. Thank you for catching that and I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Holly says
I love this sandwich! I’m hooked! I feel that it doesn’t need dipping sauce, it’s good just by itself. I used broccoli sprouts instead of alfalfa, it’s just what the store had available. Thanks for sharing this recipe ☺️ it’s so delicious!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you love it!