Crispy, gooey, and packed with flavor—this Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese isn’t your average sandwich. It’s an elevated twist on the childhood classic, combining creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, garlicky sautéed spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes between golden, buttery slices of sourdough bread. Perfectly satisfying for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this grilled cheese proves that simple ingredients can deliver bold, unforgettable taste.


Every bite offers the perfect harmony of textures: crispy bread, stretchy cheese, and a delicious mix of savory and slightly sweet. It’s the kind of grilled cheese that feels gourmet but takes just minutes to whip up. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it with a bowl of tomato soup for guests, this sandwich is bound to become your new go-to comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese is everything you love about classic comfort food, taken up a notch. The combination of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella creates an indulgent texture, while sun-dried tomatoes and spinach bring richness, brightness, and a touch of sophistication. It’s:
- Quick and easy to make
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a savory snack
- Packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavor
- A great way to use up pantry and fridge staples
What Kind of Bread Should I Use?
The bread makes or breaks your grilled cheese. For this recipe, sourdough is ideal—it’s sturdy, slightly tangy, and gets beautifully crispy when toasted. If you don’t have sourdough on hand, try a rustic country loaf or thick-sliced Italian bread. Just avoid anything too soft or thin, as it may get soggy and fall apart once the cheese melts.
Ingredients for the Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese relies on a handful of wholesome, flavor-packed ingredients that come together to create the ultimate cheesy, veggie-filled bite.
- Sourdough Bread – Provides the perfect crispy exterior and a chewy, tangy base that holds up beautifully when grilled.
- Ricotta Cheese – Creamy and mild, it adds a smooth, luxurious layer that balances the bolder flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully and brings that irresistible cheese pull we all love.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Intensely flavorful with a sweet and tangy bite, they cut through the richness of the cheese.
- Fresh Spinach – Lightly sautéed with garlic, it adds a pop of green and freshness to the sandwich.
- Garlic – Infuses the spinach with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Butter – Helps toast the bread to golden perfection with a rich, buttery crunch.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the ricotta and spinach layers.
How To Make the Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese
Follow these steps to create a grilled cheese that’s loaded with flavor and melty goodness.
Step 1: Prep the Spinach
Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Build the Sandwich
Spread a generous layer of ricotta on one slice of bread. Add the sautéed spinach, a few sun-dried tomatoes, and top with shredded or sliced mozzarella. Place the second slice of bread on top to close the sandwich.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Butter the outer sides of the bread. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Once the sandwich is golden and crispy on both sides, remove it from the pan, slice it in half, and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey.

How to Serve and Store This Grilled Cheese
This Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese is best served hot off the pan when the cheese is perfectly melty and the bread is golden and crisp. It makes a filling meal for 2 people or can be cut into smaller pieces to serve 3–4 as a savory snack or side.
If you have leftovers, allow the sandwich to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to regain its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
What to Serve With Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese?
Pair this gourmet grilled cheese with any of the following sides to turn it into a complete, comforting meal:
Tomato Basil Soup
Classic pairing alert! A warm, velvety bowl of tomato basil soup complements the rich cheese and tangy tomatoes beautifully.
Mixed Green Salad
A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the sandwich and adds a refreshing crunch.
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Use it as a flavorful dip or spread inside the sandwich for an extra layer of smoky sweetness.
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy, cheesy fries with a hint of garlic are a delicious contrast to the gooey sandwich.
Pickled Vegetables
Add a briny, tangy bite on the side to cut through the creaminess of the cheese.
Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms
Earthy mushrooms sautéed with balsamic add depth and umami to your plate.
Sparkling Water with Lemon
Light and refreshing, it helps cleanse the palate and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before sautéing with garlic. This will help prevent a soggy sandwich.
What’s the best way to get super crispy bread?
Use a generous amount of butter on the outer sides of the bread and cook the sandwich over medium heat. Press it gently with a spatula or use a sandwich press to ensure even browning.
Can I make this grilled cheese dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, and a dairy-free butter substitute. The sandwich will still be melty and satisfying.
What other cheese can I use instead of ricotta?
Goat cheese or cream cheese are both great alternatives. They offer a similar creamy texture with unique flavors of their own.
Can I add protein to this sandwich?
Sure! Add cooked chicken breast, turkey slices, or even crispy prosciutto to make it heartier.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sandwich board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra sun-dried tomatoes? Did you swap in kale or arugula for the spinach?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other make every sandwich extra special.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and delicious food ideas on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
This Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese is a modern twist on a nostalgic favorite. With bold Mediterranean flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying crunch, it’s perfect for a cozy lunch or quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a fan of meatless meals or just love a good grilled cheese, this recipe delivers big comfort with minimal effort.
Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving a gourmet sandwich that’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying? This Sun Dried Tomato Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese delivers on all fronts. A perfectly golden crust wraps around layers of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, savory garlic spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s one of those quick lunch or dinner ideas that feels fancy without the fuss—perfect for vegetarians or anyone who loves bold Mediterranean flavors. Ideal for easy recipes, healthy snack options, or food ideas for meatless Mondays, this sandwich ticks all the boxes for comfort and taste.
Ingredients
2 slices sourdough bread
3 tablespoons ricotta cheese
2 slices mozzarella cheese or 1/3 cup shredded
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if in oil)
1/2 cup fresh spinach
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
1/2 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread ricotta evenly on one slice of bread.
4. Layer sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella over the ricotta.
5. Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread.
6. Butter the outsides of the sandwich.
7. Place sandwich in a skillet and cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
8. Slice and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Press the sandwich with a spatula while grilling to get an even, crispy crust.
Use a sandwich press or grill pan for restaurant-style sear marks and crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: quick lunch, vegetarian grilled cheese, Mediterranean sandwich, easy recipe, dinner ideas, healthy snack, breakfast ideas
