Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese
Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni turned into Grilled Cheese. Yes, this is real life and happening. Right.now.
Do you ever have a craving you just need to fill before it breaks you? But you don’t have time for stuffing and baking…and waiting. Because that’s what this is. This is a Cannelloni craving — hit hard.
Only, this was better, because buttered toasted crunchy fresh bread filled with melted Parmesan and Mozzarella cheezus and all those Spinach Cannelloni flavours in less than 10 minutes beats any pasta. Hands down. And to continue beating the craving…I dipped it into pasta sauce.
You’re welcome.
This is so easy to make I nearly cried tears of joy. I mean, Cannelloni (sort of), in under 10 minutes?!
Mixing the classic Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni ingredients into a bowl just enough for two people; spreading it eagerly onto the bread and buttering both sides was way too much excitement happening in one morning.
And then listening to them sizzling in the frying pan and smelling nothing but rustic pasta aromas.
One of those so messy, but so worth it moments. I mean, melted cheese.
There’s no secret here how much I love and respect the art of melted cheese. Focaccia Three-Cheese Italian Grilled Cheese; Cheesy Pizza Pull Apart Bread; Steak Fajita Grilled Cheese; and so many more grilled cheese recipes on here. I can’t help it.
But this one went to a whole other insane place. Because dipping it into the sauce takes it to a whole other cannelloni addicts dimension.
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Weight Watchers: 9pp per grilled cheese!
- 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 (Passata or Tomato Sauce for U.S readers)
- 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)
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Raeanne says
This recipe is a keeper and we will definitely make it again. Delicious and easy!
Cherie Doherty says
Amazing! My 6 year old boy LOVED it and so did I! Holy moley!!
Karen says
This looks amazing. My hubby just bought me an air fryer which I haven’t opened yet. This sandwich might work great in it, crisping up the bread and melting the cheese.
Diane says
Made this last night but skipped the tomato sauce and went for Ina Garten’s roasted tomato soup instead. What a combo!
Hubby asked if we could have it again soon! high praise from my pickiest eater!
Sharon says
This was soooo good,I used a grain bread,cottage cheese and fresh spinach because thats what i had in house.Turned out great
Laura M says
How on earth did you get the bread looking that good? I say no way it was just sourdough and butter. From the photos I;m guessing you sprinkled some Parmesan or something on the bread? Care to let us in on the secret? If you do, I am living on grilled cheese sandwiches for the rest of my life!
Karen says
This side of heaven, I think there is nothing that meets the eye as good as this!
Karina says
Thanks Liza!
Liza Paizis says
Karina this was SO delicious, quick and easy to make – thanks for posting !!
Doreen says
Hands-down the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had!
Karina says
Hi Helen! Aw thank you! That means a lot to me. I’m so happy you like it! Xx
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Oh my gosh. I fell in love with this on Instagram just now and came to check it out. I’m still swooning. 🙂
Karina says
Yes, Yes you do. 🙂
Chrissy says
Um. I don’t even crave cannelloni but I think I need this in my life.