Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices artisanal sourdough bread (or your favorite sturdy bread)
- 1 cup fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra melt)
- 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the fresh ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic (if using), dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Lay out the 8 slices of bread on a clean surface. Evenly spread about 1/4 cup of the ricotta-spinach mixture onto four of the bread slices.
- Top each filled slice with another slice of bread, forming four sandwiches. Gently press down.
- Generously spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, ensuring full coverage for that perfect golden crust. You may use a pastry brush for even application.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the buttered sandwiches in the skillet (you may need to cook in batches, depending on skillet size).
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the cheese filling is hot and gooey. Gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula occasionally to ensure even contact with the pan.
- Remove from heat, let rest for a minute, then slice in half diagonally and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the bread slightly before adding the filling. A mix of cheeses like fontina or provolone could also complement the ricotta beautifully. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cooking in batches ensures even browning. Serve with a side of warm tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Modern American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg