Everyone loves a grilled cheese and this version is a Cook Smarts classic that was first featured in 2016. It always gets great reviews from our community. A fresh salad with tart vinaigrette balances out the rich flavors. Smarts: Both the grilled cheese and salad use baby spinach so that you can buy a big bag. If you prefer different greens for the salad, any will work.
Heat a non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium-high. Add oil and garlic and artichoke hearts to heated oil. Saute until garlic is fragrant, ~1 minute. Add spinach (portion for the sandwiches) and a pinch of salt. Saute until spinach is wilted and most of the liquid has cooked off, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain off an remaining liquid.
Transfer spinach mixture to a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly. Stir in mayonnaise and cheese. Season with some salt and pepper, if needed.
Wipe out pan and return it to heat.
Assemble grilled cheese sandwiches by buttering one side of each piece of bread. Place half the slices of bread buttered-side down in hot pan. Top with spinach-artichoke filling and then add remaining bread, buttered-side up. Cook until bottom of bread is golden brown, ~3 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side until filling is completely melted, ~3 minutes more.
While sandwiches cook, whisk together mustard, honey, vinegar, and oil. Toss with pears and spinach.
Slice sandwiches and enjoy with salad on the side.