Spinach Cheese Sandwich Recipe – Easy Garlic & Chilli Indian Snack

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spinach Cheese Sandwich Recipe – Easy Garlic & Chilli Indian Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, tasty snacks. And honestly, this Spinach Cheese Sandwich has been a lifesaver in my kitchen – especially on busy weeknights. It’s a little bit healthy, a little bit spicy, and totally satisfying. I first made this when my kids were craving something cheesy but I wanted to sneak in some greens, and it was a hit! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average cheese sandwich. We’re taking simple ingredients and giving them a little Indian twist with garlic, chilli flakes, and a creamy, flavourful spinach filling. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, an after-school snack, or even a light dinner. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes! Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious sandwiches:

• 6 Bread slices
• 1 cup Spinach, finely chopped (about 85g)
• 2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Chilli flakes (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Sour cream (about 30g)
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, grated (about 80g)
• ¼ teaspoon Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Spinach: Don’t underestimate the power of spinach! It adds a lovely freshness and a boost of vitamins. I prefer using regular spinach, but you can use baby spinach too.
• Chilli Flakes: This is where we bring in that lovely Indian spice kick. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on your preference. Kashmiri chilli flakes give a beautiful colour and mild heat, if you can find them!
• Bread: In India, we often use white bread or pav (a soft, slightly sweet bread roll) for sandwiches. But honestly, any bread you like will work – whole wheat, multigrain, sourdough… go wild!
• Sour Cream: Adds a lovely tanginess. If you don’t have it, see the FAQs for alternatives.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash and finely chop your spinach and garlic. Don’t worry about being too precise – a little rustic is perfectly fine.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for about a minute, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the chopped spinach, salt, and sugar to the pan. Cook until the spinach wilts down – this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Transfer the cooked spinach to a bowl and mix in the sour cream and chilli flakes (and a little black pepper, if you like). Give it a good stir to combine everything.
5. Preheat your sandwich maker. If you don’t have one, a frying pan works just as well!
6. Spread the spinach mixture evenly on the bread slices. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese in the center of one slice.
7. Assemble your sandwiches and grill them for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the spinach. Cook it in batches if necessary.
• For extra flavour, you can add a pinch of garam masala to the spinach filling.
• If you’re using a frying pan, brush the outside of the bread with a little butter or oil before grilling.

Variations

• Paneer Power: My friend, Priya, loves adding crumbled paneer (Indian cheese) to the filling for extra protein. It’s amazing.
• Tomato Twist: Dice a small tomato and add it to the spinach mixture for a burst of freshness.
• Onion Delight: Sauté a little chopped onion along with the garlic for a deeper flavour.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this vegan? No problem!

• Substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or vegan yogurt.
• Use vegan mozzarella cheese.
• Ensure your bread is vegan-friendly (some breads contain milk or eggs).

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version, simply use your favourite gluten-free bread! There are some really good options available these days.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Spicy)

• Mild: Reduce the chilli flakes to ¼ teaspoon or omit them altogether.
• Medium: Use 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes.
• Spicy: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of chilli flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Quick Weekday Lunch Adaptation

Short on time? You can skip the preheating of the sandwich maker and just assemble the sandwiches and enjoy them cold! They’re still delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches are great on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A side of raita (Indian yogurt dip)
• A simple salad
• A cup of chai (Indian tea)

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or sandwich maker before serving.

FAQs

Is this sandwich suitable for kids?

Yes! You can reduce or omit the chilli flakes to make it kid-friendly.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would work well.

Can I make the spinach filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What is a good alternative to sour cream?

Plain yogurt, cream cheese, or even a little mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.

How can I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?

Make sure the spinach is well-cooked and drained before mixing it with the sour cream. Also, don’t overfill the sandwich with the filling.

Enjoy making (and eating!) these Spinach Cheese Sandwiches. Let me know in the comments how they turn out for you!