Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Ricotta Grilled Cheese
A rich and savory grilled cheese sandwich packed with creamy ricotta, sautéed spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella between golden, buttery toasted bread. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a decadent snack.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or provolone)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (for sauteing)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
4 slices sourdough or hearty whole-grain bread
2–3 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
Saute Spinach:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 1–2 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
Mix Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble Sandwich:
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly on two slices of bread. Top with the other slices to close the sandwiches.
Grill:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter the outsides of the bread slices (or brush with olive oil). Grill each sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve:
Slice in half and serve warm, optionally with a side of balsamic glaze or tomato soup.
Notes & Tips
Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili paste to the filling.
Add protein: Add sliced grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier version.
Bread tip: Use thick-cut crusty bread for best texture.
Vegan option: Use dairy-free ricotta, vegan cheese, and plant-based butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! You can prep the filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble and grill fresh for the best results.
Q: What can I use instead of ricotta?
A: Cream cheese or goat cheese also works well — just adjust seasoning as needed.
Q: Can I use dry sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Yes, rehydrate them in hot water or olive oil before using.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420
Protein: 16g
Carbs: 34g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: ~20% DV