Italian Style Grilled Cheese with Spinach

Grilled Cheese - the name lights up many faces right from kids to adults. Its a simple and satisfying one for any time of the day. Along with a bowl of soup, it makes a perfect and healthy lunch or dinner. A nice crusty bread, some butter, and a couple of slices soft melting cheeses brings heaven to your plate. Also, this can be made in 30 minutes, which helps in a quick and easy fix for weeknight dinner. Plus, everyone will love it too!

Bread makes a difference in the grilled cheese turns out. I have observed that even regular slices of buttermilk or whole wheat bread are enough to bring big smiles on the kids' faces. It is a sumptuous breakfast and without any confrontations, your day begins with all awesomeness. Or it is a great snack after a tiring day in school.

Grilled cheese is so versatile that you can try n different varieties of the same. A couple of fillings with melting cheese would enhance the taste. I have tried many versions with different cheese types and with added filling sometimes (though many times it is plain simple grilled cheese).

Some foods bring nostalgic memories to the table. Grilled cheese is one among them. When I was making this one, the kids were discussing their favorite cheese that was used to make when they were young to their favorite mac and cheese grilled cheese. Wow! a wonderful conversation begins and flows filling happiness in their heart. This feeling alone is enough to make more grilled cheeses :-).

In this particular recipe, I have used a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. This is similar to any cheese mix used for lasagna. Its another favorite in our home and so is this grilled cheese. Added little sun-dried tomatoes and sauteed spinach to make it even healthier. The kids love measuring and mixing the different cheeses which are always fun. Remember, cheese brings a smile on kids' faces.  I have to admit the fact that I get very little time to click a picture as it gets taken by another member. I just have to be very quick in clicking :-). I guess I will stop my ramblings here and go to the recipe.

Heat a tsp of olive oil in a pan, add garlic and saute for a minute. Take care not to burn the garlic. Add the chopped spinach immediately and continue to saute for about 2-3 min. Cool the spinach mixture a little. In a bowl, add ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and salt. Add the sauteed spinach - garlic to this and mix.

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Spoon about 2 tbsp of the spinach-cheese mixture on to the non-buttered side of a slice of bread and spread. Cover with another slice of bread with the buttered side facing up. Toast them on a cast iron pan over medium heat. 

After one side is done, flip and cook the other side till it is crisp and golden brown, and the cheese inside melts.

Optionally, sprinkle the grilled cheese with a little parmesan and serve.

Tips

Instead of spreading butter on the outside of the bread, melt the butter on the pan and toast your grilled cheese.

I prefer using a cast iron pan for these for a perfect crispy grilled cheese.