Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- ½ cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon olive or canola oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/16 teaspoon black pepper (or 1/8 teaspoon if preferred)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
Bread & Butter
- 10 to 14 slices of bread (depending on size)
- Approximately 2 tablespoons softened butter
Instructions
- Blend Cottage Cheese: If using large curd cottage cheese, blend it until mostly smooth to achieve a creamy base for the sandwich filling.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the softened cottage or ricotta cheese together with olive oil until well incorporated.
- Add Seasonings and Parmesan: Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly to infuse flavor into the cheese mixture.
- Incorporate Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture and combine all ingredients evenly for a rich and cheesy consistency.
- Prepare Bread: Lightly butter one side of each bread slice. Place half of the slices on a skillet or griddle with the buttered side down, ensuring even heat contact.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Evenly divide the cheese mixture on top of the bread slices in the skillet. Top each with another slice of bread, buttered side facing up, to enclose the filling.
- Cook Sandwiches: Cook over medium heat until the bottom bread slices are lightly browned. Carefully flip each sandwich and cook the other side until bread is golden brown and cheeses are fully melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Notes
- Blending the cottage cheese smoothens its texture, making the spread creamier and easier to combine with other cheeses.
- Adjust black pepper according to your taste preference; some may like a little more kick.
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best grilling results as it holds up better and crisps nicely.
- Cooking over medium heat prevents burning while allowing cheese to melt thoroughly.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried basil and oregano if desired, using about three times the amount.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
