Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Grilled Cheese (Print)

Crispy toasted bread meets roasted broccoli and melted sharp cheddar in this comforting vegetarian sandwich.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Pinch of salt
04 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Cheese

05 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated (approximately 3.5 oz)

→ Bread

06 - 4 slices hearty sandwich bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat

→ Other

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F.
02 - Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
03 - Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
04 - While broccoli roasts, grate the sharp cheddar cheese.
05 - Butter one side of each bread slice with softened butter.
06 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a work surface. Layer each with half the cheddar, roasted broccoli, and remaining cheddar. Top with remaining bread slices buttered side up.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
08 - Place sandwiches in skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
09 - Remove from skillet, let rest 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted broccoli adds a caramelized sweetness that makes this feel like more than just a sandwich.
  • Sharp cheddar melts into every little floret, creating pockets of creamy, tangy goodness.
  • It cooks up in about half an hour, but tastes like you put in way more effort.
  • You get that crispy, buttery crunch on the outside with a soft, warm center that pulls apart beautifully.
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is non-negotiable, rushing this on high heat will give you burnt bread with cold cheese in the middle.
  • Layer cheese on both sides of the broccoli so it acts like glue, otherwise your sandwich falls apart when you bite into it.
  • Let the broccoli cool for a minute before assembling, too hot and it steams the bread from the inside.
03 -
  • Use a heavy skillet or cast iron for the most even browning and heat distribution.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid for the first two minutes on each side to help the cheese melt faster without burning the bread.
  • Cut your broccoli smaller than you think you need, big chunks make the sandwich hard to bite through cleanly.
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