Ingredients
Green Goddess Spread
- ¼ cup minced chives
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ⅓ cup minced baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Sandwich Ingredients
- 8 thick slices French or white bread
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 4 thick asparagus spears, shaved or thinly sliced
- ½ cup microgreens (optional)
Instructions
- Make the green goddess spread: In a small bowl, combine the minced chives, fresh tarragon, garlic, minced baby spinach, anchovy paste (if using), and 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Mix well until fully incorporated to create a flavorful herbaceous spread.
- Combine the butter and mayonnaise: In a separate small bowl, blend the softened salted butter with the remaining 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise. This mixture will be used to butter the bread slices for grilling.
- Prepare the bread slices: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the butter and mayonnaise mixture on one side of each slice of bread. This side will be placed down on the skillet for frying to achieve a golden crust.
- Build the sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place a slice of bread in the pan, buttered side down. Top it with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by ¼ of the avocado slices, ¼ cup baby spinach leaves, ¼ of the shaved asparagus, and ¼ of the microgreens (if using). Add another ¼ cup mozzarella on top for extra melty goodness.
- Finish the sandwich assembly: Spread 2 tablespoons of the green goddess mayonnaise onto the non-buttered side of another slice of bread. Place this slice green goddess side down on top of the mozzarella and vegetable layers to complete the sandwich.
- Cook the sandwiches: Increase the skillet heat to medium. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the sandwich, flipping halfway through, until the cheese melts completely and both sides become golden and crisp, about 12-14 minutes. Repeat the process with remaining ingredients to make all sandwiches.
Notes
- Anchovy paste is optional but adds a umami depth to the green goddess spread.
- Using thick slices of bread helps hold all the fillings without becoming soggy.
- Covering the pan while cooking ensures the cheese melts thoroughly.
- Try substituting mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina.
- Microgreens add a fresh, crunchy texture but can be omitted or substituted with arugula or sprouts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
