Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Overview
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable widely valued for its rich nutritional content and versatility in cooking. Though it is now consumed around the world, spinach has a long and fascinating history that traces back thousands of years. In Ontario, it is a popular spring/summer vegetable.
Spinach can be chopped and added to soups, stews, ramen, egg dishes, stir-fries, casseroles, and curries. It is also delicious, eaten raw in salads, smoothies, and sandwiches.
A bunch of fresh spinach costs $3.00 to $4.00 from your local grocery store. Prices might be lower during the summer months, or at local farmer’s markets. Spinach can also be purchased in larger boxes or frozen.
Ingredients
- Bread of choice - works well with any thinly sliced bread, flatbreads, tortillas, etc. (For gluten free options you can use corn tortilla, gluten free bread, rice cakes, gluten free pizza crusts, etc.) 1 slice if doing open face, 2 slices if frying or pressing
- Spinach (cleaned and chopped) -- how much depends on how much you like on your toast. Start with a handful and add or subtract according to your preference.
- Cheese (dairy or dairy free, or smooth tofu) – 2tbs grated, or 1-2 slices. (cream cheeses/smooth tofu (2 tbs) also work well with this.)
- ¼- Avocado—sliced or smashed (optional)
- 1 - Egg (optional)
- Butter or olive oil – if using the frying pan method (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- Garlic, hot peppers, pickles, olives, tomatoes and other toppings of choice (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Assemble
- If using frying pan cook method, butter or spread olive oil on the pan-side of the bread. Note: this step is not needed if you use the oven, air fryer, or microwave cooking methods
- Spread cheese/smooth tofu on the filling side of the bread/tortilla
- Top with spinach and other toppings
- If using avocado, add sliced or smashed avocado
- If making an open-faced sandwich, you can add more cheese on top (optional)
- If making a closed-faced sandwich in a frying pan or sandwich press, add a second slice of bread and butter/oil the outside of the bread.
Instructions:
Step 2: Cooking
You have several options:
- Frying pan – place the toast - buttered side down. Cook over lower-med heat (3–4 mins) until bread is toasted and brown (like a grilled cheese) and cheese is melted. If doing a closed-faced sandwich, flip and cook for 3–4 mins on the opposite side until golden brown. If creating an open-faced sandwich, do not flip
- Microwave – place sandwich on microwave-safe plate, microwave in short bursts 30–60 seconds until cheese is melted to your preferred level.
- Toaster Oven or Oven – place sandwich on a metal or silicon tray on the upper rack. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 5 minutes – until cheese is melted. Then switch over to broil. Broil for 1–2 mins until cheese is melted.
- Air Fryer – place in air fryer basket. Pre-heat your air fryer (approximately 370°F (188°C). Air fry for 3–5 mins for open-faced, 8–10 mins for closed-faced. Tip: if using the air fryer method, you can also butter/oil the outside of the bread for increased crispiness.
- Sandwich/Panini Press – Closed-faced sandwiches only. Oil and pre-heat press as per instructions for press. Put sandwich on grill and press. Cook 3-4 minutes.