This Focaccia Grilled Cheese turns a simple toasted sandwich into something rich, melty and satisfying. Thick slices of focaccia cradle creamy ricotta, soft mozzarella and savory parmesan, all warmed until the center turns irresistibly gooey.

A garlic tomato spread adds depth while roasted peppers, fresh tomatoes and basil bring brightness that balances each bite. It is a grilled cheese focaccia that feels Italian inspired, full of character and effortlessly comforting.

Focaccia Three-Cheese Italian Grilled Cheese sandwich pieces on a wooden plater - 1
  • What Makes This Recipe So Good
  • What Goes Into Focaccia Grilled Cheese
  • How To Make Focaccia Grilled Cheese
  • Tips For Making Focaccia Grilled Cheese
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • Focaccia Three-Cheese Italian Grilled Cheese Recipe

What Makes This Recipe So Good

This Focaccia Grilled Cheese works because every layer brings something different. The mix of ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan melts into a creamy center that soaks gently into the focaccia bread without making it soggy. It gives you a focaccia grilled cheese recipe that feels indulgent yet balanced.

The garlic tomato spread, roasted peppers and fresh basil add brightness that keeps the sandwich from tasting heavy. Each bite has crunch, melt and just enough acidity to make the flavors pop. It is the kind of grilled cheese focaccia that tastes simple but surprisingly thoughtful.

What Goes Into Focaccia Grilled Cheese

Top shot of ingredients: garlic tomato paste, tomato, roasted red pepper, basil, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and focaccia bread. - 2

This focaccia grilled cheese relies on simple ingredients that melt together into a rich, balanced sandwich.

  • Focaccia Bread: Thick garlic or herb focaccia gives the sandwich structure while staying soft enough for the cheese to melt into. It adds instant flavor without needing extra seasoning.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Light ricotta creates a creamy base that blends smoothly with the mozzarella and parmesan. It keeps the center soft and luxurious without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Garlic Tomato Paste: A small amount adds depth and a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese. It also helps bind the layers so everything melts evenly.
  • Roasted Peppers: Char grilled red peppers bring smokiness and a mild sweetness that balances the creamy cheeses. They add texture and a burst of color in every bite.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Focaccia Grilled Cheese

Preheating the sandwich press. - 3
  1. Preheat Press: Warm sandwich press or heat a pan with a light coat of oil so the focaccia toasts evenly.
Prepared the bread. - 4
  1. Prepare the Bread: Lay out the focaccia slices and get them ready for layering. Make sure the pieces match in size for even grilling.
Spread the Ricotta on the two slices of bread. - 5
  1. Spread the Ricotta: Cover the bottom slices with a generous layer of ricotta. This creates the creamy base that helps all the cheeses melt together.
Arranged the roasted peppers, tomato slices and basil leaves over the ricotta. - 6
  1. Add the Vegetables: Arrange the roasted peppers, tomato slices and basil leaves over the ricotta. Keep the layers even so the sandwich cooks uniformly.
Added the mozzarella and parmesan on top of the vegetables. - 7
  1. Layer the Cheeses: Add the mozzarella and parmesan on top of the vegetables. A balanced layer helps the center turn soft and melty.
Close-up shot of Focaccia Grilled Cheese. - 8
  1. Assemble and Grill: Spread tomato paste over the top, close the sandwiches and grill for a few minutes until toasted and the cheese has melted.

A Focaccia Grilled Cheese goes well with dishes that add contrast without overpowering the sandwich. A bowl of Creamy Pumpkin Soup brings a smooth, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with all that melted cheese. For something fresher, Greek Chickpea Salad adds crunch, brightness and just enough acidity to balance the focaccia. If you want a sweet finish, Cinnamon Raisin Pancakes offer a cozy, comforting dessert that feels playful without being too heavy.

Tips For Making Focaccia Grilled Cheese

  • I’ve found that using a really good focaccia makes all the difference. It crisps beautifully while staying soft in the center.
  • If your focaccia is extra thick, I like to press it gently with my palm so the heat reaches the middle faster.
  • Let the ricotta sit out for a few minutes. It spreads like a dream and melts more evenly this way.
  • I always pat the roasted peppers and tomatoes dry so the sandwich doesn’t slide around when I’m grilling it.

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan gives the creamiest melt and the best balance. You can swap the ricotta for cream cheese if you prefer a richer center.

Pat the roasted peppers and tomatoes dry before layering. This keeps the focaccia bread grilled cheese crisp while the center stays soft and melty.

Yes. Just blot them lightly with a paper towel so they don’t add too much oil to the sandwich.

top view image of Focaccia Three-Cheese Italian Grilled Cheese - 9 Karina in a white and black dress with her hair blowing back, standing in front of her cooktop, cooking salmon in a pan - 10

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IngredientsUSMetric1x2x3x

  • ▢ 4 slices garlic or herb focaccia bread
  • ▢ 4 tablespoons light ricotta cheese divided
  • ▢ 4 tablespoons garlic tomato paste (or normal tomato paste mixed with 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ▢ 6 slices of bottled char grilled or roasted red capsicum/pepper slices drained and divided
  • ▢ 1 medium ripe tomato sliced and divided
  • ▢ 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced or grated divided
  • ▢ 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese divided
  • ▢ 10 leaves fresh basil divided

Instructions

  • Preheat sandwich press, or prepare a frying pan with a small amount of cooking oil spray. Set aside.
  • Spread the ricotta cheese over the focaccia bases. Layer with the peppers/capsicum pieces; tomato slices; mozzarella slices; parmesan cheese and basil leaves. Season with salt (if you wish).
  • Spread the tomato paste over the focaccia tops, and sandwich them over the cheese. Grill in the preheated sandwich press or on the frying pan, (for about 5 minutes for sandwich press; or 4 minutes each side for frying pans), until toasted, heated through and cheese has melted.

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Focaccia Three-Cheese Italian Grilled Cheese sandwich - 11

Focaccia Three-Cheese Italian Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

  • 4 slices garlic or herb focaccia bread
  • 4 tablespoons light ricotta cheese divided
  • 4 tablespoons garlic tomato paste (or normal tomato paste mixed with 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 6 slices of bottled char grilled or roasted red capsicum/pepper slices drained and divided
  • 1 medium ripe tomato sliced and divided
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced or grated divided
  • 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese divided
  • 10 leaves fresh basil divided

Instructions

  • Preheat sandwich press, or prepare a frying pan with a small amount of cooking oil spray. Set aside.
  • Spread the ricotta cheese over the focaccia bases. Layer with the peppers/capsicum pieces; tomato slices; mozzarella slices; parmesan cheese and basil leaves. Season with salt (if you wish).
  • Spread the tomato paste over the focaccia tops, and sandwich them over the cheese. Grill in the preheated sandwich press or on the frying pan, (for about 5 minutes for sandwich press; or 4 minutes each side for frying pans), until toasted, heated through and cheese has melted.

Notes

Nutrition

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