Cheesy Spinach Hamburger Panini
Elevate your lunch game with this delightful Cheesy Spinach Hamburger Panini, inspired by a recipe from George Foreman's 'Indoor Grilling Made Easy'. This dish takes the classic hamburger into a new realm of gourmet deliciousness, combining juicy, thin beef patties with creamy Swiss cheese and fresh baby spinach, all encased in perfectly grilled buttery bread. Ideal for a quick lunch or casual dinner, these paninis are not just tasty but also easy to prepare. Using a George Foreman grill or any panini maker, these sandwiches achieve a crispy, golden exterior with a melty cheese center, just bursting with flavor. It's a fun and satisfying way to enjoy a classic burger with a twist!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
White bread
8 slices (sliced)
Butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
Swiss cheese
4 slices (about 4 ounces) (sliced)
Baby spinach
1 cup (washed)
Lean ground beef
1 lb (formed into patties)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your George Foreman grill or a panini press to high heat.
2
On a clean work surface, lay out the white bread slices. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
3
Turn the slices over and place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of 4 of the bread slices. Add a generous handful of baby spinach on top of the cheese.
4
In a mixing bowl, take the lean ground beef and form it into four thin patties. Season each side with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5
Grill the beef patties on your preheated grill, cooking for about 3 minutes for a medium-rare finish, adjusting the time for your desired doneness.
6
Once the patties are grilled, place each one atop the spinach-covered cheese slices and then cover them with the remaining buttered bread slices, ensuring the buttered side is facing up.
7
Grill the assembled sandwiches until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown and crispy, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
8
Serve your Cheesy Spinach Hamburger Panini immediately, preferably on nice china for a touch of elegance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Spinach Hamburger Panini?
It is an elevated version of a classic hamburger that features thin beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, and fresh baby spinach pressed inside grilled buttery bread.
What inspired this recipe?
This dish is inspired by a recipe from George Foreman's 'Indoor Grilling Made Easy' cookbook.
What kind of bread is best for this panini?
The recipe calls for eight slices of white bread to achieve a classic golden and crispy exterior.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Swiss cheese is recommended for its creamy melting properties, you can substitute it with Provolone, Havarti, or mild Cheddar.
How do I cook the beef patties?
Form the lean ground beef into four thin patties and grill them on high heat for about 3 minutes for a medium-rare finish.
Do I need a George Foreman grill to make this?
A George Foreman grill is ideal, but any panini press or indoor grill will work to achieve the desired results.
Should the spinach be cooked before adding it to the sandwich?
No, you should use fresh, washed baby spinach. It will wilt perfectly from the heat of the beef and the final grilling process.
How much butter is needed?
You will need approximately 2 tablespoons of softened butter to coat the outer sides of the bread.
How many paninis does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 individual paninis using 8 slices of bread and 1 pound of beef.
What temperature should I use for grilling?
Preheat your grill or panini press to high heat for both the patties and the final sandwich assembly.
How do I season the beef?
Season each side of the four beef patties with a total of 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How long does it take to grill the assembled panini?
The final grilling step takes between 30 seconds and 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What is the secret to a crispy panini?
The key is spreading a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of the bread and using high heat on the grill.
Is it necessary to use lean ground beef?
Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent excess grease from making the bread soggy during the grilling process.
Can I use frozen spinach?
It is better to use fresh baby spinach for the right texture; frozen spinach contains too much moisture for a panini.
What order should I layer the ingredients?
Place the cheese on the bread first, followed by the spinach, and then the grilled beef patty before topping with the second slice of bread.
How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?
Placing the hot, freshly grilled beef patty directly onto the cheese helps initiate the melting before the sandwich even hits the press.
Can I make this if I don't have a panini press?
Yes, you can use a regular skillet and press down on the sandwich with a heavy spatula or another heavy pan while cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Absolutely, it is designed to be a quick, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
How should I serve the panini?
The recipe suggests serving it immediately, perhaps on nice china for a touch of elegance to contrast the casual meal.
Can I add other toppings like onions or tomatoes?
Yes, you can customize the panini with grilled onions or thin tomato slices, though the original recipe focuses on spinach and cheese.
What should I do if my bread is too thick?
Standard sandwich bread works best, but if using thick-cut bread, you may need to grill it slightly longer to ensure the center is heated.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The raw data provided does not list specific calorie or fat counts, but it focuses on 7 simple ingredients.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used for spreading on the bread, but butter provides the most flavor and the best golden color.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
This recipe is tagged with terms like panini, hamburger, cheese, spinach, grilling, easy recipes, lunch, and snacks.
Should I season the spinach?
The recipe relies on the seasoning of the beef and the saltiness of the Swiss cheese to flavor the spinach.
How do I prevent the spinach from falling out?
Layering the spinach between the cheese and the heavy beef patty helps keep it securely inside the sandwich while it grills.
Is fresh ground pepper necessary?
While pre-ground pepper works, fresh ground black pepper provides a more vibrant flavor profile for the beef.
Can I store leftovers?
Paninis are best eaten fresh for the best texture, as the bread can become soft if stored and reheated.