The Classic Store-Bought Dip That Takes Grilled Cheese From Dull To Drool-Worthy

Grilled cheese is always delicious, but it can be a little bland. To jazz it up a tad, you don't need to look any further than the prepared dips section of your grocery store. Spinach artichoke dip is the perfect complement to a gooey, crispy grilled cheese. The dip packs a ton of flavor; you'll get the earthiness of the artichokes, the richness of mayonnaise, and the unmistakable umami taste of Parmesan. Whether you prefer to add the savory dip to the inside of your sandwich before cooking or you want to serve it alongside your sandwich, its creamy texture and salty flavor pair incredibly well with melted cheese and crisp bread. You'll also get the benefit of multiple types of cheese in every bite, which can add a unique flavor.

If you decide to put the dip on the inside of your sandwich, don't go too heavy — you could end up with a soggy mess. Instead, it makes more sense to spread a thin layer of dip on the inside of the sandwich and serve extra on the side for dipping. Like we said, you can certainly grab a tub of spinach artichoke dip from the deli section of your grocery store and make this work — the prepared stuff is popular for a reason. If you'd prefer a homemade touch, you can also whip up a downright delightful five-cheese spinach artichoke dip recipe at home to serve alongside your grilled cheese.

When choosing your ingredients for your spinach artichoke dip grilled cheese, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. For the bread, you'll want to go with something sturdy. A sourdough makes sense here, and the slight tanginess of the bread will shine through even when paired with the strong flavors of spinach artichoke dip. If you want a fluffier, less-chewy option, consider the thick slices of Texas toast to still offer a sturdy base without the toughness of sourdough. For the cheese, consider using a mild option that will allow the taste of the spinach artichoke dip to shine. Mozzarella is a great choice, as is harvarti. Both melt well and won't overpower other flavors.

To make your spinach artichoke grilled cheese work well, you'll want to maximize the crispiness of your sandwich. This both creates a nice textural contrast, as we mentioned, and can help the bread hold up nicely for dipping. There are a few different tricks you can try to create the crispiest grilled cheese you've ever had. Whether you go with butter, mayo, or even coconut oil to add some fat to your bread before it hits the pan, patience is key. Cook your grilled cheese over low heat, and give it plenty of time — cooking low and slow is vital for getting the super-crunchy (but not burnt) result you want. No matter how you decide to crisp up your grilled cheese, dipping every crunchy, melty bite into piping hot spinach artichoke dip creates a flavor explosion you'll come back to time and again.