Description
This grilled cheese features a rich and savory filling encased in perfectly toasted bread. Golden-brown slices of bread are buttered and grilled to a crisp exterior, yielding to a warm, creamy interior. The filling combines smooth ricotta cheese with tender, earthy spinach and the concentrated, tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and a balanced flavor profile, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread (or preferred sandwich bread)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone for extra melt
- Optional: Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If using, add shredded mozzarella or provolone. Mix well to combine.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread generously.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat.
- Spoon the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over the unbuttered side of the bread in the skillet.
- Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and gooey. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Carefully remove the grilled cheese from the skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.
Notes
Ensure spinach is well-drained if using frozen, or sauté fresh spinach briefly to remove excess moisture before mixing with ricotta.
Cooking on medium-low heat is crucial for achieving a golden crust and fully melted interior without burning the bread.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly toast the bread before buttering and grilling.
Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano in the ricotta mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g