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Irresistible SunDried Tomato Spinach Ricotta Grilled Cheese

Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese

 

There’s something incredibly comforting about a grilled cheese sandwich, isn’t there? It reminds me of cozy winter afternoons spent huddled on the couch, the aroma of melting cheese wafting through the air. As a child, I would eagerly await the sound of my mom in the kitchen, spinning simple ingredients into pure magic. And one of those magical moments involved her taking a classic grilled cheese and elevating it with a few delightful twists.

Today, I’m excited to share my version of that childhood favorite: the Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese. This isn’t just any grilled cheese; it’s an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing! With the creamy ricotta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and the freshness of spinach, this sandwich captures comfort and sophistication all in one delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.
  • Budget-friendly with simple ingredients that pack a punch.
  • Perfectly gooey, with a combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
  • Vegetarian-friendly—great for meatless Mondays!
  • Customizable to suit your taste buds; add your favorite spices or veggies!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable grilled cheese:

  • 4 slices of rustic bread (sourdough or whole grain works great)
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (creamy texture adds richness)
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (the dried ones packed in oil are the best!)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that perfect gooeyness)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for luscious browning)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into this recipe. I promise it’s as easy as a Sunday morning!

  1. Prep the filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Mix well, and don’t be shy with that salt and pepper—seasoning is key!
  2. Add the garlic powder: Sprinkle the garlic powder into your mixture, and stir until everything is beautifully combined. Give it a taste! If you want some extra zest, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  3. Assemble the sandwich: Take two slices of bread and spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture on one side of each slice. On top, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella. Then, sandwich it all together with the other two slices of bread, ricotta side in.
  4. Butter it up: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich. This will give you that golden, crispy perfection!
  5. Heat the pan: In a skillet or griddle, heat over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the pan. Let them sizzle away without moving them for about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Flipping time: Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula. You should see a beautiful golden-brown crust on the first side. Let them cook for another 3-4 minutes. (Watch out! Don’t overcook it, or it’ll get too crispy.)
  7. Slice and serve: Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is ooey-gooey, take them off the heat. Let them cool for a minute, then slice them in half—they’re perfect for sharing… or not!

Pro Tips & Variations

One of the best parts of cooking is experimenting. Here are some fun twists you could try:

  • Herbed Ricotta: Mix in some fresh herbs—basil or thyme can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
  • Spicy Kick: Add some jalapeño slices or switch to pepper jack cheese for a zesty version.
  • Other Veggies: Swap in roasted red peppers or zucchini for even more texture and flavor.
  • Substitute the Cheese: Use feta or goat cheese in place of ricotta for a tangier bite.

Serving Suggestions

Picture this: you’ve just taken a big bite of your Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese, and it’s everything you hoped it would be. Now, what’s your side? I love serving it with a cool, crisp side salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the cheese. Maybe even some tomato soup for dipping! Pair your sandwich with a warm cup of herbal tea or a rich coffee, and you’ve got the perfect cozy meal set up.

Feel free to play around! The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is. Got a leftover roasted vegetable medley? Toss that on the side. Want a crunch? Some potato chips or a handful of mixed nuts would do the trick!

Storage Tips

You might find yourself with leftovers (though I wouldn’t blame you if you devoured it all in one sitting!). Here’s how to keep it just as delightful:

  • Refrigerating: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: If you want to save some for later, wrap each sandwich in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: To retain that lovely crispiness, reheat in a skillet on medium-low. You can even tuck a lid over the top to help melt the cheese without burning the bread!

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich vegan?

Absolutely! You can swap out ricotta for a vegan alternative like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese, and use dairy-free cheese for the mozzarella. Just keep an eye on the flavors—some brands have more kick than others!

What bread is best for grilled cheese?

A rustic bread like sourdough or whole grain not only tastes amazing but also holds up well to the gooey filling. You could also try ciabatta for a slightly different texture.

Can I add protein to this sandwich?

Definitely! Grilled chicken or turkey slices would complement the flavors beautifully. Just be sure to slice it thinly so it fits nicely inside your sandwich.

What’s the secret to a crispy grilled cheese?

The key is to use softened butter on the outside of the bread and to cook over medium heat. Patience is your friend here; let the bread brown slowly and not rush it. Also, using a heavy skillet helps retain heat evenly.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

For sure! You can mix the ricotta filling the night before and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready. This makes for an even quicker meal during those busy weeknights.

Conclusion

I hope you find as much joy in making this Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese as I do. It’s a love letter to simple pleasures, perfect for warming your belly and your heart. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Do you have any fun variations of your own? Share your thoughts below or snap a photo of your creations and tag me. Let’s keep this tasty conversation going!

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Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese

Irresistible SunDried Tomato Spinach Ricotta Grilled Cheese


  • Author: antaki
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Savor the flavors of sundried tomato spinach and ricotta in this ultimate grilled cheese A perfect blend for cheese lovers


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices of rustic bread
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Sprinkle the garlic powder into your mixture, and stir until beautifully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  • Take two slices of bread and spread the ricotta mixture on one side of each slice. Top with shredded mozzarella, then place the other two slices of bread on top, ricotta side in.
  • Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.
  • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and let them sizzle without moving for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
  • Once crispy and the cheese is gooey, remove from heat. Allow to cool for a minute, slice in half, and serve.
  • Notes

    A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and ricotta cheese.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Lunch
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 2 servings
    • Calories: 350
    • Sugar: 2g
    • Fat: 20g
    • Carbohydrates: 30g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 15g

    Keywords: grilled cheese, sun dried tomato, spinach, ricotta, vegetarian recipe

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