Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

Golden crispy bread filled with sharp cheddar and caramelized roasted broccoli florets for ultimate comfort.

# What You 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

# Directions:

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 12–15 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 - Once broccoli is roasted, assemble the sandwiches: 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 3–4 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 Tips:

01 -
  • The roasted broccoli brings a caramelized, almost nutty sweetness that cuts through the rich cheese
  • Its basically a vegetable and comfort food in one glorious, crispy package
  • The texture contrast between tender florets and melted cheddar is honestly addictive
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is essential, because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has time to melt properly
  • Patting excess oil from the roasted broccoli prevents your sandwich from becoming soggy in the middle
  • Pressing gently while cooking helps the bread make contact with the cheese for that ideal crispy exterior
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, as it distributes heat more evenly and creates the best crust
  • Grate the cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded for superior melting behavior
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