Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese
The Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese is a comforting and elevated grilled cheese sandwich featuring creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and melty mozzarella or provolone cheese. This simple, quick recipe combines rich and fresh flavors for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Bread
- 2 slices artisan bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta)
Cheese & Dairy
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
Vegetables & Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if oil-packed)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves (lightly chopped)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and optionally a little garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lay two slices of artisan bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the ricotta-spinach-tomato mixture on one slice. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese evenly on top, then cover with the second bread slice.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a skillet over medium heat and melt butter or drizzle olive oil evenly to prepare for toasting the sandwich to crispy golden perfection.
- Grill to Perfection: Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side until the cheese melts and the bread crisps perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the pan and let the sandwich rest for one minute before slicing. This allows the cheese filling to set enough to keep each bite neat and gooey.
Notes
- Cheese Balance: Use a mix of ricotta and a melting cheese to achieve creaminess and stretch.
- Slow and Low: Cook over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
- Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using oil-packed tomatoes, drain them well to prevent a soggy sandwich.
- Press Gently: Use a spatula to press down slightly on the sandwich while grilling for even cooking and melting.
- Fresh Spinach: Lightly wilt spinach if you prefer a softer texture inside the sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, sun-dried tomato, spinach, ricotta, sandwich, comfort food, quick lunch, melt cheese