Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese Recipe

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This grilled cheese sandwich is not your average comfort food. Layered with creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, it turns a childhood favorite into something elevated and flavorful. Melty cheese meets bright Mediterranean-inspired ingredients for a sandwich that is hearty enough for dinner but easy enough to make in minutes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a savory bite that pairs beautifully with the mellow, smooth texture of ricotta. Fresh spinach adds a bit of green freshness and the slight bitterness it needs, while the golden crisp of buttery bread seals it all together. Whether you’re trying to impress guests at brunch or just want something different for lunch, this grilled cheese is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese Recipe

This sandwich is the definition of satisfying. It has that gooey, stretchy cheese everyone loves in a grilled cheese, but with the added sophistication of layered textures and bold, savory flavors. The recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet it feels fancy enough for a weekend gathering. Plus, it can be tweaked to fit vegetarian diets or turned into a more indulgent treat with the addition of mozzarella or sharp provolone.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

While you can use any bread you like, a hearty sourdough or rustic Italian loaf works best for this grilled cheese. These types of bread hold their shape well, toast up to a beautiful crunch, and offer a flavor that complements the richness of the filling. If you’re going for a thinner option, like sandwich bread, just make sure it’s sturdy enough not to get soggy from the ricotta or the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients for the Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese Recipe

What makes this grilled cheese stand out is its rich blend of flavors and creamy texture. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing savory, creamy, and slightly tangy notes. Here’s what you’ll need to build this sandwich masterpiece:

• Ricotta cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Butter
• Bread
• Salt and pepper

Ricotta cheese brings the creamy, mellow base that soaks into the bread without overpowering it. Sun-dried tomatoes offer tang and a chewy bite that cuts through the richness. Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild bitterness that livens everything up. Shredded mozzarella cheese gives that signature melty stretch, helping everything fuse together. Butter is for crisping the bread to a perfect golden brown. Bread is the foundation—pick something with a sturdy crust and soft interior. A touch of salt and pepper helps enhance all the other flavors.

How To Make the Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and lightly sauté the spinach until just wilted. This helps the spinach lay flat in the sandwich and not release too much moisture.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side, layer ricotta first, then the sautéed spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and finally the shredded mozzarella. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection

Place the sandwich on a skillet over medium heat. Press down lightly with a spatula and cook for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Serve hot and gooey.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The magic of grilled cheese is its simplicity, but a few missteps can lead to a soggy or underwhelming sandwich. One common mistake is using too much moisture in the filling. Ricotta can be a bit wet, so make sure to strain it if it’s overly runny. The same goes for spinach—give it a quick sauté and squeeze out excess water before layering it in.

Another pitfall is rushing the grill time. Low and slow is the way to go. Medium heat ensures the cheese melts evenly without burning the bread. Don’t press too hard on the sandwich either; you want it crisp, not flattened.

Serving and Storing This Grilled Cheese Delight

This recipe serves 2 generous sandwiches or 4 halves if you’re sharing. It’s best served fresh off the skillet while the cheese is still warm and melty. If you do need to store leftovers, wrap them in foil and refrigerate. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or skillet until warm—avoid microwaving, which can turn the bread soggy.

What to Serve With Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese?

Tomato Basil Soup

Classic and comforting, this pairing brings out the brightness of the sun-dried tomatoes.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A zesty, peppery salad adds a light counterbalance to the richness of the sandwich.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Serve on the side for dipping or spooning right into the sandwich for extra depth.

Pickled Vegetables

Crunchy, tangy pickles add texture and cut through the creamy cheese.

Sweet Potato Fries

Oven-baked or air-fried, they bring a touch of sweetness to the meal.

Cucumber Mint Yogurt Dip

This cooling dip offers contrast and a refreshing twist.

Fresh Berries

If you’re enjoying this grilled cheese as a brunch or lunch, a bowl of juicy berries is a vibrant side.

Want More Sandwich Ideas?

If you love this Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese, you’re in for a treat with these other comforting favorites:

• Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe for a Tex-Mex twist on your favorite melt.
• Giant Zucchini Parmesan if you’re craving another veggie-packed comfort meal.
• One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a cozy, all-in-one skillet dinner.
• Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole for bold flavor and cheesy satisfaction.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest lunch board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all in with mozzarella or stick with just ricotta? Did you try it with sourdough or another bread?

I love hearing how you put your own spin on these dishes. Ask questions or share your tweaks so we can all cook better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

A grilled cheese doesn’t have to be basic. With the creamy bite of ricotta, the brightness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the earthy lift from spinach, this sandwich becomes something much more exciting. Toasted to perfection and ready in minutes, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll come back to again and again.

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