Ah, the grilled cheese—a childhood staple, right? But what if I told you it could be more? Picture this:
layers of gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and savory beef nestled between golden, buttery bread. It’s like your favorite lasagna decided to wear a new hat, and wow, does it look good!
Steps
- Spread half a tablespoon of butter evenly on one side of each bread slice, then flip them over so the buttered side is down.
- On two slices of bread, spread two tablespoons of pasta sauce each. On the other two slices, spread two tablespoons of ricotta or cottage cheese.
- Place tomato slices and a sprinkle of dried herbs on the bread with pasta sauce. Then, layer mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the tomatoes.
- Complete the sandwich by placing the ricotta-covered bread slices on top of the cheese, with the ricotta side facing the cheese.
- Preheat a greased skillet over medium heat, then cook each sandwich side for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese melts.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick bread (your choice of type)
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 2 tablespoons pasta sauce
- 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 4 large slices of tomato (optional)
- 2 slices of mozzarella cheese or 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- Dried herbs (or fresh herbs)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the Lasagna Grilled Cheese?
- Absolutely! While the recipe suggests mozzarella, parmesan, and cottage cheese (or ricotta), you can substitute with any cheese you prefer or have on hand.
- Is there a specific type of bread I should use for this sandwich?
- You can use any type of bread you like. The recipe mentions potato bread, but sourdough, rye, or any crusty bread will work just as well.
- How can I ensure the cheese melts properly without burning the bread?
- If you notice the bread cooking faster than the cheese melting, cover the sandwich with a pan lid while cooking. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Can I add meat to this Lasagna Grilled Cheese recipe?
- Yes, you can add various meats like pepperoni, sausage, ground meat, or meatball slices to make it heartier.
- Are there any suggested variations for the tomato sauce in the recipe?
- While the recipe uses traditional tomato sauce, you can switch it up by using pesto or a white sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Tips
- Optimize Cheese Melting: If you notice the bread browning faster than the cheese melting, cover the pan with a lid. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt more evenly.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to use any type of bread or cheese you prefer. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite version of this sandwich.
- Extra Crispy Exterior: For an added crunch, sprinkle shredded cheese on the buttered side of the bread before grilling. This will create a delicious, crispy cheese layer on the outside.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding your choice of dried or fresh herbs. Consider sprinkling herbs directly over the cheese or incorporating them into the butter for a more aromatic sandwich.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – For cooking the sandwich evenly and preventing it from sticking.
- Spatula – Preferably a heat-resistant one for flipping the sandwich.
- Pan lid – To cover the sandwich and help the cheese melt properly (if you don’t already have an appropriately sized lid).
