Name: Vegan Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 handfuls of baby kale or baby spinach; 2-3 tablespoons vegan butter; 4 slices of rustic hearty bread; 3-4 tablespoons vegan pesto; 10 pickled or roasted jalapeño slices; 4 slices of vegan cheese; 2 tablespoons shredded vegan cheese (optional); 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced thinly; 1/2 cup microgreens or broccoli sprouts

Why Make This Recipe

Vegan Green Goddess Grilled Cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the comfort of grilled cheese with fresh, vibrant ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dish while keeping it healthy and plant-based. The creamy avocado, zesty vegan pesto, and loads of greens create a rich flavor profile that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any meal of the day!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Vegan Green Goddess Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

2 handfuls of baby kale or baby spinach
2-3 tablespoons vegan butter (I used Earth Balance)
4 slices of rustic hearty bread
3-4 tablespoons vegan pesto
10 pickled or roasted jalapeño slices
4 slices of vegan cheese
2 tablespoons shredded vegan cheese (optional)
1/2 ripe avocado, sliced thinly
1/2 cup microgreens or broccoli sprouts

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of vegan butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Sauté the baby kale or baby spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper for a few minutes until wilted. Set aside.
For one sandwich, place one slice of bread on a cutting board or plate. Top with 2 slices of vegan cheese and shredded cheese if using. Then, add half of the avocado, half of the jalapeño slices, half of the sautéed kale, and half of the microgreens or sprouts.
Take another slice of bread and spread 1-2 tablespoons of pesto on one side. Place that slice on top of the sandwich fillings, with the pesto side facing down.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of vegan butter until it melts, then add the prepared sandwich.
Use a spatula to press down on the grilled cheese for about 10 seconds. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Add more vegan butter if needed to achieve a golden crust.
Flip the sandwich carefully and press down again, repeating the process until both sides are golden brown.
Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and slice it in half or quarters. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make a second sandwich.

How to Serve Vegan Green Goddess Grilled Cheese

Serve the Vegan Green Goddess Grilled Cheese hot off the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of tomato soup or a fresh salad. You can cut it into quarters for a fun appetizer or keep it whole as a hearty lunch or dinner option!

How to Store Vegan Green Goddess Grilled Cheese

If you have leftovers, let the grilled cheese cool completely. Then, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.

Tips to Make Vegan Green Goddess Grilled Cheese

Make sure to use enough vegan butter for crispiness on both sides of the sandwich.
Don’t overload the sandwich with too many fillings; it makes flipping difficult.
Feel free to experiment with different types of greens or add more veggies like sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Variation

If you want to add more flavors, consider using a flavored vegan cheese or adding herbs to the pesto. You can also swap out jalapeños for sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I use regular cheese instead of vegan cheese?
Yes, you can substitute regular cheese if you’re not following a vegan diet.

Can I freeze the grilled cheese?
It’s not recommended to freeze grilled cheese as the texture may change. However, you can freeze the fillings separately and assemble the sandwich fresh when ready.

What else can I use instead of pesto?
You can use hummus, olive tapenade, or even a simple spread made with mashed avocado and lemon juice for a different flavor.