Tangy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese Recipe

Melted cheese dreams come alive with this unexpected sun-dried tomato spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Layers of tangy ricotta and vibrant spinach elevate this comfort food to a gourmet experience.

Crisp, golden bread cradles a rich, creamy interior that bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Sharp cheddar adds a robust punch to the sandwich’s delightful texture.

Each bite promises a symphony of tastes that dance between salty, creamy, and bright.

Fresh ingredients transform this simple dish into a restaurant-worthy meal you can craft at home.

Savor every crispy, melty moment of this irresistible grilled cheese adventure.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese: Why It’s Great

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform the traditional grilled cheese into a gourmet experience with rich, vibrant ingredients that burst with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious sandwich in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal without complex preparation.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Boost your nutrition with spinach's vitamins and minerals, while sun-dried tomatoes and multiple cheeses provide protein and calcium in one tasty package.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy as a quick lunch, light dinner, or party appetizer that impresses guests with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients That Make This Grilled Cheese Special

• Bread Slices: A classic base for creating a delightful grilled cheese sandwich.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy and mild cheese that adds a soft texture to the sandwich.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses provide a rich and tangy flavor profile.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense and concentrated tomato flavor that brings a sweet and slightly tart taste.
• Fresh Spinach Leaves: Adds a vibrant green color and earthy, nutritious element to the sandwich.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the bread.

How to Cook the Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Melt

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Slide a skillet or griddle onto the stovetop and set the heat to medium.

Let the surface heat evenly for a few moments.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Base

Take bread slices and generously coat one side of each slice with softened butter.

The buttered surface will create a crispy, golden exterior.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir the cheeses until they form a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Layer the Sandwich Ingredients

Place two bread slices on the heated skillet, buttered side facing down.

Spread the cheese blend evenly across the bread.

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach leaves

Cover with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing upward.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled cheese to a plate.

Allow it to rest for a moment, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Tips for a Creamy Tomato Spinach Ricotta Melt

• Mix ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer, more complex flavor profile that melts perfectly and adds depth to your grilled cheese.
• Maintain medium heat to ensure golden-brown bread and fully melted cheese without burning the exterior of the sandwich.
• Spread cheese mixture first, then add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to create even distribution and prevent soggy bread.
• Press the sandwich gently with a spatula while cooking to enhance browning and create a crisp, uniform crust.
• Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version, or use gluten-free bread to make the sandwich suitable for different dietary needs.

Flavor Variations to Elevate This Grilled Cheese

• Vegan Veggie Melt: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with cashew cheese, use dairy-free butter, and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap spinach for arugula, add crumbled feta cheese, and include chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread slices, keep the original cheese and vegetable mixture intact for a celiac-friendly sandwich.
• Protein Power Grilled Cheese: Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced prosciutto to add protein and enhance the sandwich's heartiness.

Best Serving Suggestions for This Melt

• Flavor Enhancers: Drizzle balsamic glaze or pesto over the grilled cheese for an extra burst of gourmet taste.
• Mediterranean Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad or light tomato soup to complement the sandwich's rich flavors.
• Wine Companion: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy cheese and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
• Brunch Delight: Transform this grilled cheese into a weekend brunch centerpiece by adding a small side of fresh mixed greens or roasted vegetables.

How to Store Tomato Spinach Ricotta Grilled Cheese

• Store leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Thaw sandwich in refrigerator overnight, then warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread crisps.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place sandwich on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy, turning once halfway.

FAQs

• What cheese types work best for this grilled cheese?

Ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella adds stretch, and Parmesan gives a sharp flavor. These three cheeses create a rich, well-balanced blend that melts perfectly together.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes offer an intense, concentrated flavor that fresh tomatoes can’t match. Fresh tomatoes would make the sandwich soggy and lack the deep, tangy taste that sun-dried tomatoes provide.

• How do I prevent the sandwich from burning?

Use medium heat and watch closely. The butter helps create a golden-brown crust, but you’ll want to check the bread every minute to ensure it doesn’t burn. Adjust heat if needed and flip when the bottom is perfectly golden.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Gourmet sun-dried tomato, spinach, and ricotta grilled cheese elevates the classic sandwich with Mediterranean flair. Melted cheese, tangy tomatoes, and fresh spinach create a luxurious lunch experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetable and Herb Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)

Bread and Cooking Ingredients:

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet or griddle over medium heat, ensuring an even cooking surface for the grilled cheese.
2. Apply a thin layer of butter to one side of each bread slice, creating a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
3. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a creamy cheese blend.
4. Position two bread slices, buttered side down, onto the heated skillet.
5. Spread the cheese mixture evenly across the bread slices, covering the entire surface.
6. Distribute chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves over the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
7. Top the fillings with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing upward.
8. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, watching for a rich golden-brown color and completely melted cheese.
9. Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet, allowing them to rest for a brief moment to set the melted cheese.
10. Slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Enhance the cheese blend by gently warming ricotta before mixing for smoother, creamier texture.
• Drain sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich and ensure crisp golden-brown bread.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular bread with sturdy gluten-free artisan bread to maintain sandwich structure.
• Try additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano to elevate flavor complexity and add aromatic depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg