Garden Grilled Cheese

This is a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese because we are adding tomatoes and spinach for some extra nutrients. Spinach and tomatoes are the perfect pair because spinach is high in iron while tomatoes are high in vitamin C. Plant sources of iron are absorbed better when they are eaten with vitamin C. This week we challenge you to think about all the ingredients in each recipe and where they came from.

Yield: 5 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 10 slices whole wheat bread

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 1 & 2/3 cup shredded cheese

  • 2 tomatoes

  • 1 cup spinach

Equipment:

  • Baking sheet

  • Parchment paper, cooking spray or oil

  • Knife

  • Butter knife

  • Cutting board

  • Measuring cups

  • Oven

  • Oven mitts

 

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 F.

  2. Wash and cut tomatoes into thin slices. With your hands, tear spinach into smaller pieces.

  3. Butter one side of your bread and place it butter side down on your baking sheet.

  4. Take 1/3 cup of shredded cheese place it onto your bread.

  5. Place of few slices of tomato and spinach on top of the cheese. Add a few sprinkles of cheese on top.

  6. Place another slice of bread on top. Butter the top side.

  7. Repeat steps 3-6 with remaining sandwiches.

  8. Bake in pre-heated oven for 6-8 mins. Have an adult flip the sandwiches and bake for an additional 6-8 mins, or until golden and cheese is melted.

 
 

Fun Fact: Spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables! It is high in iron, which helps our to build red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen through the body and provide energy.