These Mushroom & Spinach Melts Are So Good, You'll Cry

These mushroom-and-spinach melts check all the boxes: they're cheesy, packed with veggies and easy to make—what's not to love? Balsamic vinegar adds a wonderful sharpness to cut through the cheese, and pairs well with the sautéed vegetables. You can also make these sandwiches with a panini press, if you have one. Heat the press to medium and place 2 sandwiches on the cooking grates; cook until both sides are browned, crisp and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.

a recipe photo of the Mushroom & Spinach Melts
Photo: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
Active Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced shallot

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

  • 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 8 (1/2-inch) slices whole-grain bread

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • 4 slices provolone cheese

  • ½ cup shredded fontina cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and turn golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add spinach and vinegar; cook, stirring constantly, until the spinach is wilted and the vinegar is mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl.

  2. Coat 1 side of each bread slice evenly with a thin layer of butter. Flip 4 slices butter-sides down; top each with 1 slice provolone, 1/3 cup mushroom-spinach mixture and 2 tablespoons fontina. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-sides up.

  3. Wipe the pan clean and place over medium heat. Add 2 sandwiches; cook until crispy and browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully turn the sandwiches over and continue cooking until the cheese has completely melted, about 2 minutes. Transfer the sandwiches to a small baking sheet; keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

385 Calories
25g Fat
25g Carbs
17g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 sandwich
Calories 385
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 17g 34%
Total Fat 25g 32%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 46mg 15%
Vitamin A 2791IU 56%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Vitamin D 11IU 3%
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 47mcg 12%
Vitamin K 172mcg 143%
Sodium 490mg 21%
Calcium 320mg 25%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 74mg 18%
Potassium 345mg 7%
Zinc 2mg 18%
Vitamin B12 1mcg 42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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