Name: Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 slices of sourdough bread: Sourdough is the best choice due to its slightly tangy flavor and crispy texture when grilled. Its sturdiness helps hold the ingredients together.; 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese is mild and soft, making it the perfect base for this gourmet grilled cheese. It provides a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These tomatoes add a concentrated tangy-sweet flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the spinach.; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach provides a light, earthy contrast to the richness of the cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes. It also boosts the nutritional value of the sandwich.; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the sandwich its signature gooey, cheesy texture.; 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to help crisp up the bread, olive oil brings out the richness in the sourdough.; 1 tablespoon butter: Combined with olive oil, butter adds extra flavor and helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on the bread.; Salt and pepper, to taste: These simple seasonings enhance the flavors of the ricotta and spinach.; Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes add a spicy kick to balance the creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices of sourdough bread: Sourdough is the best choice due to its slightly tangy flavor and crispy texture when grilled. Its sturdiness helps hold the ingredients together.
1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese is mild and soft, making it the perfect base for this gourmet grilled cheese. It provides a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These tomatoes add a concentrated tangy-sweet flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the spinach.
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach provides a light, earthy contrast to the richness of the cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes. It also boosts the nutritional value of the sandwich.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the sandwich its signature gooey, cheesy texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to help crisp up the bread, olive oil brings out the richness in the sourdough.
1 tablespoon butter: Combined with olive oil, butter adds extra flavor and helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on the bread.
Salt and pepper, to taste: These simple seasonings enhance the flavors of the ricotta and spinach.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes add a spicy kick to balance the creaminess.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds a subtle seasoning to the cheese, enhancing its natural creaminess.
Chop the 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces, ensuring they spread evenly across the sandwich.
Finely chop 1 cup of fresh spinach. This ensures even distribution in the sandwich and allows it to wilt slightly when cooked.

Pro Tip: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor, but make sure to drain them well to avoid soggy bread.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Take 4 slices of sourdough bread and spread a generous layer of the seasoned ricotta cheese on one side of each slice.
On two of the bread slices, sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach evenly over the ricotta.
Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spinach and tomatoes. The mozzarella melts into a gooey layer, holding the ingredients together.
Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, creating two sandwiches with all the delicious layers inside.

Step 3: Cook the Grilled Cheese

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. The combination of oil and butter ensures the bread gets crispy without burning.
Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Flip when the bread turns golden brown, and the cheese starts to melt.
As the sandwiches cook, press down gently with a spatula to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the ingredients are heated through.

Pro Tip: Avoid cooking on high heat to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts. Medium heat ensures even cooking.

Step 4: Serve the Sandwiches

Once the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, remove them from the skillet.
Let the sandwiches cool for a minute before cutting them in half. This gives the cheese time to set slightly, making the sandwich easier to cut and serve.
For an extra kick, sprinkle the sandwiches with red pepper flakes if desired.