Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Roasted broccoli and sharp cheddar melted between crispy, golden toasted bread. A vegetarian comfort food ready in just 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 Steps:

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 with softened butter.
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 for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The roasted broccoli adds a sweet, nutty flavor that cuts through all that rich cheddar in the best way possible
  • It turns an ordinary lunch into something that feels like a cozy weekend treat without much extra effort
02 -
  • Keep the heat at medium-low or the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt
  • Patting the roasted broccoli lightly with paper towels prevents soggy bread
03 -
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting or the broccoli will steam instead of caramelize
  • Use a knife to spread the butter rather than skipping this step for even better browning
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