Spinach and artichoke melts: creamy, delicious bites to enjoy

Ingredients for Spinach and artichoke melts

• 2.5 ml kosher salt, plus more

• 280 g baby spinach

• 400 g can artichoke hearts

• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped

• 60 g Parmesan, finely grated

• 30 ml mayonnaise

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Dash or 2 of hot sauce

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 60 g chilled cream cheese, cut into 1.5 cm pieces

• 4 slices country-style bread, 1.5 cm thick

• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

• 6 slices provolone cheese

How to make Spinach and artichoke melts

1. Preheat the grill.

2. Bring 125 ml of water and a large pinch of salt to a simmer in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

3. Add the spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt slightly before adding more. Use tongs or a heatproof rubber spatula to toss the spinach as you go.

4. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes, tossing occasionally, until all the spinach is wilted.

5. Drain the spinach and let it cool slightly, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

6. Drain the artichoke hearts and press out any excess liquid.

7. Coarsely chop the artichoke hearts and spinach, then place them in a large bowl.

8. Add the garlic, Parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, hot sauce, and ½ tsp salt to the bowl. Mix well and season with pepper.

9. Gently fold in the cream cheese, taking care not to break it up too much. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.

10. Arrange slices of bread on a baking tray lined with foil and grill for about 1 minute per side, or until lightly toasted.

11. Drizzle one side of each toast with oil and spoon the spinach mixture on top, packing it down and ensuring the edges are covered to prevent burning.

12. Cut 2 slices of cheese in half and place a slice and a half on top of each toast, ensuring the spinach mixture is covered.

13. Grill the toasts for about 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned in spots. Keep a close eye on them, as grilling times can vary and you don’t want the toasts to burn.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.