Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, And Ricotta Grilled Cheese

A melty, savory twist on the classic grilled cheese!
This sandwich combines creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach — all layered between crispy golden slices of sourdough bread. It’s gourmet comfort food made in minutes!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

8 slices sourdough bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (packed in oil or dry — see notes below)
2 tablespoons butter (softened, for spreading)
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper for a kick

Instructions

Prepare the filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and pepper (plus red pepper flakes if you like it spicy).
Assemble the sandwiches:
- Lay out 4 slices of bread.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly on each.
- Top with fresh spinach leaves and shredded mozzarella.
- Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
Butter the bread:
Spread softened butter evenly on the outer sides of each sandwich (the side that will touch the pan).
Grill:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwiches on the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Press gently with a spatula for even browning.
Serve:
Slice in half and enjoy warm — the creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tangy tomatoes make every bite irresistible!

🍽️ Servings

Makes: 4 sandwiches
Serving size: 1 sandwich

⚡ Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich, Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	18 g
Fat	20 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	600 mg
Calcium	25% DV

(Values may vary depending on bread type and cheese brands.)

🌿 Health Benefits

Spinach: Loaded with iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support healthy bones and energy.
Ricotta: High in protein and calcium for muscle and bone health.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene and vitamin C for skin and heart health.
Sourdough Bread: Easier to digest than regular bread and has a pleasant tangy flavor.

💡 Tips

Use quality bread: Sourdough or whole-grain bread gives a better crunch and flavor.
No ricotta? Substitute with cream cheese, goat cheese, or cottage cheese for a creamy texture.
Dry sun-dried tomatoes: Soak in warm water or olive oil for 10 minutes before chopping to soften.
For extra gooeyness: Add a little more mozzarella or even provolone slices.
Make it a melt: Add cooked chicken or turkey slices for extra protein.

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use other types of cheese?
➡️ Definitely! Try fontina, provolone, or Swiss for a different flavor twist. Goat cheese also pairs beautifully with sun-dried tomatoes.

Q2: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
➡️ Yes — just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding, so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy.

Q3: How do I make it vegan?
➡️ Use vegan ricotta or tofu ricotta, vegan mozzarella, and plant-based butter. The flavor stays rich and creamy!

Q4: What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?
➡️ Cook on medium-low heat and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes while grilling — the trapped steam helps the cheese melt fully without burning the bread.

A melty, savory twist on the classic grilled cheese! This sandwich combines creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach — all layered between crispy golden slices of sourdough bread. It’s gourmet comfort food made in minutes!