Description
A deliciously cheesy and comforting Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese sandwich, featuring a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and flavorful herbs, served with a side of your favorite pasta sauce for dipping. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 1/3 cup ricotta cheese (reduced-fat recommended)
- 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt and cracked pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian mixed herbs (or oregano and basil mix)
- 1/4 cup grated light mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced)
Sandwich
- 4 thick slices sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon butter (light or reduced-fat spread)
To Serve
- 1/2 cup of your favourite pasta sauce (Passata or Tomato Sauce for U.S readers)
Instructions
- Fry the Garlic: In a medium-sized pan or skillet, fry the crushed garlic in a small amount of olive oil or cooking oil spray over medium-high heat until just fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from heat, transfer the garlic to a small bowl, and set the pan aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Add ricotta cheese, thawed chopped spinach, grated parmesan, sea salt, cracked pepper, and dried Italian herbs to the bowl with the fried garlic. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On the unbuttered sides of two slices, spread half of the ricotta and spinach mixture on each. Then, evenly distribute mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture. Top each with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outward to create a sandwich.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Return the skillet to medium heat on the stove. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted inside.
- Serve: Sprinkle extra Italian herbs over the sandwiches for added flavor and serve warm with your favourite pasta sauce on the side for dipping (optional).
Notes
- Using thick sourdough bread helps hold the filling well and crisps nicely.
- Reduced-fat cheeses can be substituted to lower calories without sacrificing taste.
- Ensure spinach is fully thawed and drained to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use a non-stick skillet or add a light spritz of oil to prevent sticking.
- If fresh garlic is unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder as an alternative.