Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipe

Zesty Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Ricotta Grilled Cheese Recipe

Melted cheese lovers rejoice as this sun-dried tomato, spinach, and ricotta grilled cheese takes comfort food to new heights.

Rich, tangy flavors mingle between perfectly crisp bread slices.

Vibrant spinach adds a fresh green pop to the creamy landscape of melted ingredients.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of textures and robust Mediterranean-inspired tastes.

The classic grilled cheese gets a sophisticated upgrade with these premium ingredients.

Crunchy exteriors give way to a luscious, herb-infused interior that sings with depth and complexity.

You’ll savor every golden, cheesy moment of this gourmet sandwich that transforms an everyday meal into a culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients Needed for Ricotta Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For Bread Base:
  • Sourdough Bread: Tangy, sturdy base that provides a crispy canvas for melting cheeses and creates delightful textural contrast.
For Dairy Delights:
  • Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy blend offering rich, multi-layered flavor profile with smooth melting properties and nutty undertones; select fresh, high-quality cheeses for maximum taste impact.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely concentrated, sweet-tangy gems that add vibrant Mediterranean depth; choose oil-packed varieties for extra moisture and robust flavor.
  • Fresh Spinach Leaves: Earthy, tender greens bringing nutritional boost and subtle peppery notes; select crisp, bright green leaves without wilting.
  • Butter: Golden, rich spread crucial for achieving perfectly golden, crispy grilled cheese exterior; opt for unsalted butter to control recipe's overall saltiness.

Tools to Prepare Ricotta Grilled Cheese at Home

  • Skillet or griddle: Essential for cooking the grilled cheese to golden perfection.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Spatula: Helps flip the sandwich and ensure even cooking.
  • Knife: Useful for spreading butter and slicing the sandwich.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Hot and Fresh

  • Gourmet Lunch Companion: Pair this grilled cheese with a crisp arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, melted cheeses.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce or homemade basil pesto for an extra burst of flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Match this sophisticated grilled cheese with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, which will enhance the tangy sun-dried tomato and creamy cheese notes.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform this sandwich into a weekend brunch centerpiece by adding a small side of scrambled eggs or a light herb frittata for a complete, satisfying meal.

Storing and Warming Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

  • Batch Prep Brilliance: Prepare cheese mixtures and slice ingredients ahead of time, storing them separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate components for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners faster and easier.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap assembled uncooked sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze flat for up to one month, ensuring maximum freshness and quick meal solutions when needed.
  • Reheat with Care: Revive leftover grilled cheese in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This method restores crispy edges and melty cheese without sacrificing texture or taste.
  • Lunch Box Champion: Pack cooled sandwiches in compartmentalized containers with a small ice pack. These grilled cheese sandwiches travel well and maintain their deliciousness for afternoon meals at work or school.

How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese

Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese

  • Skillet Warmup Cozy up a skillet over medium heat, creating the perfect stage for your cheesy masterpiece.
  • Bread Prep Grab your favorite bread slices and give them a smooth butter massage on one side, setting the stage for a crispy golden exterior.
  • Cheese Symphony Blend ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into a creamy dream that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Sandwich Architecture Place bread slices butter-side down, then lavish them with your cheese mixture. Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach like edible confetti across the canvas.
  • Grilling Magic Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the bread transforms into a golden-brown wonderland and the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
  • Delicious Finale Lift your creation from the heat, let it catch its breath for a moment, then dive into a flavor explosion that'll make your lunch legendary.

Recipe Swaps and Ideas for Grilled Cheese Fillings

  • Cheese Blend Swap: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or smoky provolone to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste buds.
  • Herb Infusion Magic: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, oregano, or thyme into the cheese mixture for an extra burst of aromatic freshness that elevates the entire sandwich.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add some protein punch by including crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or prosciutto between the cheese and vegetables for a more substantial meal.
  • Bread Adventure: Try alternative bread types like sourdough, focaccia, or whole grain bread to bring different textures and nutty undertones to your grilled cheese experience. Each bread variety will create a slightly different taste sensation that keeps the recipe exciting and new.
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Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipe

Gourmet Grilled Cheese


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Melted ricotta and sun-dried tomato spinach grilled cheese showcases Mediterranean flavors between crispy golden bread. Cheese lovers will savor creamy, tangy layers that deliver comforting warmth with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh spinach leaves
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Prep Surface: Heat skillet or griddle to medium temperature, creating an optimal golden-brown environment for the gourmet sandwich.
  2. Cheese Fusion: Whisk ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl until smooth, forming a creamy, luxurious filling that promises rich flavor complexity.
  3. Bread Preparation: Generously coat bread surfaces with butter, ensuring each slice will transform into a crisp, golden exterior during grilling.
  4. Layer Construction: Position two bread slices butter-side down on heated surface, spreading the cheese blend evenly, then strategically arrange sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach across the base.
  5. Sandwich Assembly: Crown the layered ingredients with remaining bread slices, butter-side facing upward, creating a perfectly structured culinary masterpiece.
  6. Grilling Technique: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring closely to achieve a deep golden-brown crust and guaranteeing completely melted cheese throughout.
  7. Serving Presentation: Remove from heat, allow brief resting, then slice diagonally and serve immediately, showcasing the harmonious blend of melted cheese, roasted ingredients, and crisp texture.

Notes

  • Optimize Cooking Surface: Use a well-seasoned skillet or non-stick griddle for even heat distribution and perfect golden-brown crispiness.
  • Master Butter Technique: Generously coat bread’s exterior with room-temperature butter to ensure maximum crunchiness and rich flavor development.
  • Cheese Blend Precision: Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan thoroughly for a smooth, creamy texture that melts perfectly and enhances overall sandwich quality.
  • Monitor Grilling Time: Watch carefully during 3-4 minute cooking intervals to prevent burning, aiming for a uniform golden-brown crust and completely melted cheese interior.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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