Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Crispy toasted bread with roasted broccoli and sharp cheddar melted together. A comforting vegetarian sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

→ Bread

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

→ Other

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Steps:

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

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • The roasted broccoli adds a sweet, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the sharp cheddar
  • It transforms an ordinary sandwich into something that feels special without much extra effort
02 -
  • Keep the heat medium low so the bread gets crispy without burning before the cheese melts
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for a minute after cooking helps everything set so the cheese does not ooze out when you slice
03 -
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting broccoli or it will steam instead of roast
  • A good cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly and creates the most beautiful golden crust
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