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When it comes to celebrity recipes, we have seen it all—from intricate, multi-hour pasta sauces to bizarre late-night snack combinations. But sometimes, the absolute best meals are the most shockingly simple. Case in point: this unbelievably easy 2-ingredient goat cheese sandwich approved by a rock and roll legend.
If you are looking for a satisfying, fuss-free meal that requires almost zero prep, this sandwich is about to become your new best friend. It takes standard bread and cheese and elevates it into something perfectly tangy, creamy, and deeply comforting.
The “Funny Beatle’s” Go-To Comfort Food
Like his legendary bandmate Paul McCartney, iconic drummer Ringo Starr gravitates toward a highly simplified, mindful diet. During a 2021 appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the legendary member of The Beatles was asked about his absolute favorite sandwich.
“Well, I don’t have a lot of them anymore, but cheese,” Starr answered with a smile. However, he quickly clarified that he has one very strict rule for his meals: he doesn’t consume cow’s milk. “It has to be goat cheese now. Because I don’t eat anything from the cow.”
Elevating a 2-Ingredient Goat Cheese Sandwich
While Starr’s preferred sandwich literally only requires bread and cheese, the secret to making a 2-ingredient recipe truly spectacular lies in the quality of those components.
The Cheese: Don’t just settle for a standard crumble! To create a complex flavor profile, try combining two different textures of goat cheese. Spread a creamy, soft chèvre directly onto the bread, then top it with a few slices of an aged, hard goat cheese (like a Goat Gouda or Garrotxa) for the ultimate melt.
The Bread: Ditch the flimsy sandwich bread. You want a robust, crusty vessel like a thick slice of tangy sourdough bread or a fresh French baguette to hold up against the rich cheese.
Expert Cooking Tip for Dietary Rules: If you are going to cook this sandwich in a skillet to melt the cheese, do not use standard dairy butter! Since Ringo strictly avoids cow products, respect the rocker’s dietary rules by grilling your bread in a high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a rich plant-based butter instead.
How to Make Ringo Starr’s Sandwich
You have two choices here: you can eat the sandwich cold and fresh, or you can transform it into the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. We highly recommend the latter!
Prep the bread – Take two thick slices of your preferred bread. If you are grilling it, brush the outside of each slice with olive oil or plant-based butter.
Layer the cheese – Spread a generous layer of soft goat cheese on the inside of the bread, followed by a few slices of hard goat cheese.
Grill – Place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the pan with a lid (this traps the steam and helps the stubborn goat cheese melt).
Flip – Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side until the bread is a deep, golden brown and the cheese is beautifully gooey.
While it is perfect on its own, this sandwich is also a fantastic blank canvas. Once you master the basic 2-ingredient version, try sneaking in some fresh arugula, sliced tomatoes, or a drizzle of hot honey!
2 thick slices high-quality crusty bread (sourdough or French baguette)
2 to 3 oz goat cheese (a mix of soft chèvre and sliced hard goat cheese is highly recommended)
1 tbsp olive oil or plant-based butter (for grilling)
Optional add-ins: Fresh arugula, sliced tomatoes, a drizzle of honey, or fruit preserves
Directions
Prep the Bread: Lay your two slices of bread flat on a cutting board. If you are choosing to grill the sandwich, lightly brush the outside of each slice with olive oil or spread them with plant-based butter.
Add the Cheese: Turn the bread over. Use a butter knife to spread a thick, even layer of soft goat cheese onto the dry side of one slice. Top it with a few slices of hard goat cheese if you are using it. Place the second slice of bread on top (oil side facing out).
Heat the Skillet: Place a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat and let it warm up for a minute.
Grill: Carefully place the assembled sandwich into the skillet. Place a lid over the pan to trap the heat—this is crucial for helping the goat cheese melt properly!
Flip: Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, replace the lid, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Serve: Remove the golden, gooey sandwich from the skillet. Let it sit for one minute so the cheese can set slightly, then slice it in half and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Why No Butter? Ringo Starr explicitly stated that he does not eat products derived from cows. To keep this sandwich authentic to his lifestyle, we use olive oil or vegan butter for grilling instead of standard cow’s milk butter.
Sweet or Savory? Goat cheese pairs phenomenally with sweet flavors. Try adding a smear of fig jam or blueberry preserves to the bread before grilling for an incredible sweet-and-savory bite.
Cheese Melting Tip: Goat cheese does not melt as quickly or smoothly as standard cheddar or American cheese. Keeping the heat low and covering the pan with a lid is the best way to encourage a creamy texture without burning the bread.
