Did you know that April is National Grilled Cheese Month? I always loved grilled cheese sandwiches when I was a child. I remember real butter spread on regular white bread, stuffed with American cheese slices and grilled in a skillet until it had a perfect, beautiful golden color along with a delicious crunch when I took the first bite. When I was a child, we never, ever served grilled cheese sandwiches without applesauce! We still don’t! That crisp sandwich with melted cheese was always cut in half and dipped in sweet applesauce for the perfect lunch. Yum! If you haven’t tried it- trust me, you won’t ever eat your grilled cheese sandwich without the applesauce again! What are your childhood grilled cheese sandwich memories?
So the month of April is almost over (can you believe it?!) and I am going to share one of my favorite, more “grown up” grilled cheese sandwiches with you. These creamy Broccoli, Provolone & Ricotta Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are great for lunch or dinner and even go well with a glass of wine! 🙂 The melted provolone cheese and warm ricotta blend perfectly with the fresh and tender broccoli inside two perfectly grilled buttery Italian bread slices. If you would like to add more vegetables to your sandwich, fresh spinach and red peppers are great additions to this sandwich. Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month with this delicious sandwich this weekend!
Ingredients
- 8 pieces of Italian style bakery bread sliced thin
- 1 head of fresh broccoli florets, cooked until just tender (I like to cut my florets in half so I can lay them flat on the sandwich)
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 12 oz. ricotta cheese
- butter
Instructions
- Butter the outside of your bread and place it in your skillet.
- Layer 2 slices of provolone cheese onto the bread, then spread a few Tbsp. of ricotta, then an even layer of broccoli, a few more spoonfuls of ricotta, then one more slice of provolone cheese and cover with the other piece of bread.
- Repeat for remaining three sandwiches.
- Grill until golden brown on both sides.
- Makes 4 sandwiches.
*Linking up at :
Sinea Pies says
Shannon, this looks soooo good! I have featured it as one of the 10 best grilled cheese sandwiches. My post goes live tomorrow on Ducks ‘n a Row!
Sinea Pies recently posted…Toys That Teach ABC’s
Shannon says
Hi Sinea! Thanks so much for including this recipe in your 10 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Round Up! I’ll have to stop by and check out the others. I love grilled cheese sandwiches! 🙂
Jill says
I love broccoli in grilled cheese! I’ve made one too, though I’m definitely going to try your version. Also, I’ve always associated tomato soup with grilled cheese, but I really like your applesauce side idea… my kids I’m sure would prefer it 🙂
http://www.foodtasticmom.com/2013/10/01/leftover-broccoli-grilled-cheese/
Jill recently posted…Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza
Shannon says
I can’t wait to head over and check out your version! I love anything that’s broccoli and cheese and am always willing to try a new recipes! I hope you try the applesauce idea- I think your family will like it:) Have a great week Jill!
Julie says
We love grilled cheese, but I have never added veggies to them. Broccoli and cheese are a great flavour combo, so this must be delicious. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Shannon says
Thanks Julie! You’ll have to let me know if you gave it a try:) Have a great week!
cathy says
sign me up 🙂 I can eat a grill cheese and have something good for you tucked inside! Perfect! loving this to celebrate national grill cheese month! Found this recipe on project inspired link party!
Cathy
Shannon says
Thanks so much Cathy! 🙂
Dalila G. says
WoW!
This grilled cheese sandwich looks so cheesy & yummy!
I’m always on the lookout for new ideas on grilled cheese sandwiches.
Throwing in the broccoli is one way to get my hubby to eat his greens. 🙂
I never eaten applesauce with my grilled cheese sandwiches, hmmm….looks like something new is going to be added at lunch time.
Thanks for your idea Shannon! 🙂
Have a nice day!
Shannon says
Thanks Dalila 🙂 I hope you enjoy these and the applesauce with a regular grilled cheese! Have a wonderful weekend!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
These sound yummy Shannon. I’ve never put ricotta on sandwich but hey it’s sounds awesome.
Have a great weekend!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments recently posted…Cookie Dough Pretzel Parfaits
Shannon says
Thanks Melanie! I think it’s pretty good:)