Golden Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese – A Gourmet Comfort Food
Craving a grilled cheese that’s anything but ordinary? This sun dried tomato spinach ricotta grilled cheese recipe elevates the classic comfort food to a sophisticated and satisfying meal. Imagine golden-brown, buttery sourdough bread embracing a creamy, flavorful filling of ricotta cheese, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or an indulgent snack.
Why you’ll love this Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese
This isn’t your average grilled cheese! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet sun-dried tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and earthy spinach creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Texture Delight: The crispy bread, melted cheese, and soft filling offer a delightful textural contrast.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
- Nutritious Boost: Spinach adds a dose of vitamins and minerals, making this a slightly healthier (and much tastier!) alternative to traditional grilled cheese.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different cheeses, greens, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Feel free to experiment with substitutions to suit your preferences and dietary needs:
- Sourdough Bread: 4 slices. Sourdough provides a tangy flavor and sturdy structure. You can substitute with your favorite bread, like whole wheat or ciabatta.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, softened. Butter adds richness and helps the bread crisp up beautifully.
- Ricotta Cheese: 1/2 cup. Look for whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/4 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped. The oil-packed variety offers more flavor and moisture.
- Fresh Spinach: 1 cup, roughly chopped. Packed with nutrients, spinach adds a fresh, earthy note. Kale is a great substitute!
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the savory flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season to your liking.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup. Adds extra gooeyness and melty goodness. Provolone or fontina would also work well. If you are a fan of all things cheese, check out this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe for another cheesy meal!
How to make Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese
Follow these simple steps to create your own gourmet grilled cheese:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the bread slices in the skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Elevate your grilled cheese game with these helpful tips:
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This will prevent the bread from sticking and burning.
- Low and Slow: Cook over medium heat to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
- Gentle Pressure: Press down gently on the sandwich with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly and the bread crisp up.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the sandwich, as this can make it difficult to cook evenly and the filling might spill out.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This sun dried tomato spinach ricotta grilled cheese is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
- Serve with a side of tomato soup for a classic pairing.
- Add a side salad for a lighter and more balanced meal.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Serve with your favorite chips or pickles.
Storage & Reheating
Grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Storage: Store leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the bread soggy. You can also find great recipes over at Fork Haven!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it.
- Can I make this ahead of time? While you can assemble the sandwich ahead of time, it’s best to cook it right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Roasted red peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
- Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly? Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
This Golden Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine, and the ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. So, ditch the boring grilled cheese and elevate your comfort food game today!
Golden Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this gourmet twist! This Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. Creamy ricotta cheese, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach combine to create a savory and satisfying filling that’s perfectly melted between two slices of golden-brown, buttery bread. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, making this grilled cheese a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, offering a healthier and more flavorful alternative to traditional grilled cheese sandwiches. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a must-try recipe for any cheese lover!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the bread slices in the skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after grilling. You can also substitute the spinach with kale or other leafy greens. Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg