Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese

 

This is a golden, gooey sandwich layered with creamy ricotta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella. It's the ultimate comfort food with a refined edge—perfect for a cozy lunch, a light dinner, or satisfying a late-night craving.

🧾 Ingredients
(for 2 sandwiches)

• 4 slices of hearty bread (like sourdough, ciabatta, or a country loaf)

• ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese

• ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (or provolone)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tsp olive oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (optional)

• A pinch of salt and black pepper

• A pinch of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Ricotta Spread
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the dried Italian herbs (if using). Mix until well blended.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out your four slices of bread. Spread the seasoned ricotta mixture evenly onto two of the slices. Top the ricotta with a layer of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the fresh spinach and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Place the remaining bread slices on top to form the sandwiches.

3. Toast to Perfection
Butter the outside of each sandwich slice thoroughly. For an extra flavor boost, you can also brush the bread with a little of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar.

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is a deep golden brown and the cheese inside is perfectly melted.

4. Rest & Serve
Let the sandwiches rest for about 1 minute before slicing them in half. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Serve immediately—they’re delicious on their own or with a side of tomato soup, a simple salad, or marinara sauce for dipping.

🍽️ Tips & Twists

• Make it Moroccan: Add a little finely chopped preserved lemon or a pinch of ras el hanout spice blend to the ricotta for a local twist.

• Cheese Swap: Try fontina, grated parmesan, or a mix of cheeses for more depth of flavor.

• Greens Upgrade: Swap the spinach for arugula or baby kale for a pleasant, peppery bite.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for some heat.

• Vegan Option: Use your favorite dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and substitute the butter with olive oil.