Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden toasted bread layered with melted cheddar and tender roasted broccoli. A satisfying vegetarian sandwich ready in 35 minutes.

# 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 (approximately 3.5 ounces)

→ Bread

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

→ Other

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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 - 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 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.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The roasted broccoli adds a sweet, nutty flavor that perfectly balances sharp cheddar
  • It transforms a simple sandwich into something that feels substantial and satisfying
  • The crispy, golden bread creates the most comforting texture contrast
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is essential because high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt properly
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for one minute after cooking prevents the cheese from oozing out when you slice them
  • Grating your own cheese makes a huge difference compared to pre-shredded bags
03 -
  • Use a box grater for the cheese instead of a food processor to avoid gummy texture
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting broccoli or it will steam instead of caramelize
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