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There's just something special about how sweet peaches get all soft and gooey next to sharp white cheddar and smooth ricotta, all tucked inside two slices of crispy, golden bread. Drizzle a bit of honey and bite into that warm, buttery crunch—this grilled cheese is my summer go-to, and it never sticks around long at home.
The first time I whipped this up, it was a sunny day and peaches had popped up at the market. My husband thought it sounded weird, but he ended up saying it was hands-down the best grilled cheese he ever had.
Ingredients
- Bread (sourdough, white, challah, or multigrain): Thick slices work best for a nice crunch and hold
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and smooth, it balances the flavors—go with full-fat if you can for richness
- White cheddar cheese: Melts well and packs a tangy punch—extra-sharp has more flavor
- Peaches (peeled and sliced): Use peaches that are ripe but still a little firm so they stay sweet but hold up
- Honey: Gives a shiny finish and natural sweetness, especially raw honey for more flavor
- Unsalted butter: Makes the outside perfectly crisp and stops sticking—key for grilling
- Bacon (optional): Toss in for extra crunch and salt—choose good bacon and fry it up crispy
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds major garden freshness—pick the best smelling leaves
- Balsamic glaze (optional): Brings tangy-sweet zip—go for a thick, high-quality glaze if you have it
Easy Directions
- Serve It Up:
- Slice the sandwich while it's still hot for extra cheesy pull and dig in right away—the warm gooeyness is worth it
- Add Fun Toppings:
- If you want extra stuff like bacon or basil, gently lift the top bread after grilling and layer them on, then pop the top back
- Grill Everything:
- Pop your built sandwiches on a hot skillet or a panini grill over medium-low, press down and let them sizzle till golden outside and melty inside—go lower on heat if things brown too fast
- Butter Up the Bread:
- Spread butter over all of the outside parts of your bread so every bit gets super crisp
- Build Your Sandwich:
- Lay peach slices over some of the ricotta bread, drizzle with some honey, then cover with cheddar on top and cap with the other bread
- Get Ricotta Ready:
- Use a spoon to smudge ricotta all across one side of each bread slice—going all the way to the edge helps everything stick together
- Prep the Peaches:
- Carefully peel then slice peaches thin so they soften just right and don't fall out
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White cheddar reminds me of chilly days at my grandma's house, with toast smells drifting from her kitchen. Peaches and honey bring a bright, summery spark to that cozy vibe and now I love making these with my kids on slow Sunday mornings.
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra sandwiches cool right down before wrapping them up tight in foil and popping them in your fridge. Warm them up in a skillet or the toaster oven to get that crispy bite back. Skip the microwave—it’ll just turn the bread limp.
Swap Ingredients
If you’re out of peaches try nectarines or slim pear slices. No ricotta? Soft goat cheese works great, too. Want nuttier flavor? Melt on some Gruyere or Swiss in place of cheddar.
Fun Ways to Serve
Slice on a diagonal and serve with a handful of berries or a little green salad on the side. Cold tea is my favorite for a laid-back summer meal.
Background & Influences
This sandwich mixes classic American comfort food with that Mediterranean thing where sweet fruit and creamy cheese go together. Using ripe local peaches and a drizzle of honey makes it feel both special and super homey all at once.
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Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Just butter the slices well and cook on medium-low so the bread gets crunchy and any extra moisture cooks away.
- → Can I use a different bread?
Yeah, go for any thick bread you like—multigrain, challah, whatever you have. It’ll all work and hold the good stuff inside.
- → What pairs well as a side?
Try a fresh green salad, a cup of soup, or some roasted veggies—those all go great with these sweet and savory flavors.
- → How thin should I slice the peaches?
Go for thin slices so they warm through fast and mix in easily with every bite.
- → Is bacon necessary?
Nope, bacon isn’t a must. Add some crispy bacon if you’re after salty crunch, but skip if you want it sweet only.
- → Can I omit honey or add alternatives?
Leave the honey out if you want, or swap for some maple syrup for a new layer of sweet.