Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese 🥪🌱

This delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese is both creamy and savory, making it a perfect comfort food for any time of the day! With the added nutrition of spinach and the richness of ricotta, this sandwich will quickly become a favorite among cheese lovers. Pair it with a warm tomato bisque for a classic combination that’s sure to satisfy! 🍅🥣

Ingredients

For the Grilled Cheese

• 4 slices of crusty bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a kick!)

For the Extras

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• A side of marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the spinach and ricotta mixture generously on two slices of bread. Top with the remaining bread slices to form two sandwiches.

3. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat until hot but not smoking.

4. Grill the Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill until the bread is golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure even melting of the cheese.

🥄 Make sure to keep an eye on the heat; if it’s too high, the bread may burn before the cheese melts.

5. Serve: Once grilled to perfection, slice the sandwiches in half and serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

🍅 Feel free to swap out the marinara with pesto or a zesty garlic aioli for a different flavor experience!

Variations

• Add Protein: Include slices of cooked chicken or turkey in the sandwich for a heartier meal.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and consider substituting the olive oil with vegan butter.
• Herbed Up: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or herbs like thyme and oregano into the spinach mixture for added flavor.
• Spicy: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or spread sriracha on the bread for a spicy kick!

Enjoy this delicious Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese that brings a gourmet touch to your cozy sandwich experience! 🥪💚