Grilled Cheese with Spinach and Ricotta
Grilled Cheese with Spinach and Ricotta is a creamy, cheesy sandwich that elevates the classic comfort food by combining fresh sautéed spinach and smooth ricotta cheese inside perfectly toasted bread. This nutritious and flavorful recipe is easy to make, versatile for any meal, and offers a fresh twist with a luscious texture and satisfying taste.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Bread and Dairy
- 2 slices good-quality sandwich bread (sourdough, Italian, or whole wheat recommended)
- ½ cup fresh ricotta cheese
- Optional: 1 slice mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach) or butter
- Optional: 1 teaspoon minced garlic or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
Seasonings and Cooking
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Butter or olive oil for grilling (about 1 tablespoon)
- Prepare the spinach: Rinse fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and sauté them in about 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter over medium heat until just wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the ricotta filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with minced garlic or chopped herbs if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble the sandwich: Evenly spread the ricotta mixture on one slice of bread. Layer the sautéed spinach on top, then add a slice of mozzarella or cheddar cheese if desired for extra meltiness. Cover with the second slice of bread.
- Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter or olive oil. Place the sandwich in the skillet, pressing gently with a spatula. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, flipping carefully to avoid spilling the filling.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the sandwich from the skillet once both sides are toasted and cheese has melted. Allow it to rest for a minute before slicing to let the filling set perfectly.
Notes
- Cook over medium or medium-low heat for even melting without burning bread.
- Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Use a spatula or panini press to press gently during grilling without crushing the sandwich.
- Try different bread types such as sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain for varied flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
- Allow sandwich to rest briefly before cutting for cleaner slices and stable filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, spinach, ricotta, cheesy sandwich, comfort food, easy lunch, vegetarian sandwich