Spinach & Ricotta Grilled Cheese

By PineyCook

This is a grilled cheese sandwich that has taken it to a whole new level! Think the best part of a lasagna, the cheese and spinach layer, sandwiched between two slices of bread with gooey mozzarella!

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese (I used reduced-fat)
• 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• Sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste
• Dried Italian mixed herbs, to taste (Oregano and basil mix)
• 1/4 cup grated light mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced)
• 4 thick slices sourdough bread
• 1 tablespoon butter (light or reduced-fat spread)
• 1/2 cup of your favourite pasta sauce

Details

Adapted from cafedelites.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium sized pan/skillet, fry the garlic in a small amount of olive oil (or cooking oil spray), until just fragrant (about 30-60 seconds) over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; add the garlic to a small bowl; set pan/skillet aside.

Add the ricotta cheese, spinach, parmesan cheese, salt/pepper and Italian herbs to the pan-fried garlic and mix until well combined.

Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter. Divide the ricotta mixture in half and spread it on the un-buttered sides of two slices of bread; divide the mozzarella cheese in half and add it over the ricotta mixture; top with remaining bread - buttered side up (to create a sandwich).

Return the pan/skillet to the stove over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook, turning once, until the cheese has melted and both sides are golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).

Sprinkle with extra Italian herbs and serve with the pasta sauce (optional)