Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

Crispy toasted bread layered with sharp cheddar and caramelized roasted broccoli. A hearty, vegetarian twist on the classic comfort sandwich.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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 ounces)

→ Bread

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

→ Other

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F
02 - Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized
03 - While broccoli roasts, grate the cheddar cheese into uniform pieces
04 - Butter one side of each bread slice with softened butter
05 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on work surface. Top each with half of grated cheddar, then layer roasted broccoli evenly, followed by remaining cheddar. Cover with remaining bread slices buttered side up
06 - Heat large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat until evenly warmed
07 - Place sandwiches in skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side while pressing gently until bread turns golden brown and cheese melts completely
08 - Remove from skillet and let rest 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve warm

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It turns ordinary grilled cheese into something that feels like a real meal without any extra effort
  • The roasted broccoli adds sweetness and crunch that cuts through the rich sharp cheddar
02 -
  • Low and slow is the secret to melted cheese without burning the bread before the inside heats through
  • Pressing the sandwich too hard will squeeze out all the cheese, so use a gentle hand
03 -
  • Grating your own cheese makes a huge difference since pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • Letting the roasted broccoli cool slightly before assembling prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and making the bread soggy
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