Save A bold, flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese: spicy roasted cauliflower, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese between crispy golden bread slices.
I first served this to my family on a chilly evening and it instantly became our favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
- Buffalo Cauliflower: 3 cups small cauliflower florets, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- Ranch Spread: 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
- Sandwiches: 8 slices sourdough or country-style bread, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cauliflower:
- In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast Cauliflower:
- Roast cauliflower for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from oven, toss with buffalo wing sauce, and roast 5 more minutes. Set aside.
- Mix Ranch:
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with chives and dill if using.
- Prepare Bread:
- Lay out bread slices. Spread ranch mixture on one side of each slice.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- On four slices, sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella. Top with buffalo cauliflower, then the remaining cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices, ranch-side down.
- Butter Bread:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the outer sides of each sandwich.
- Grill:
- Grill sandwiches 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 1 minute, slice, and serve warm.
Save My kids love gathering around the table for this sandwich; it has become our cozy weekend tradition.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, Mixing bowls, Skillet or griddle, Spatula, Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread), Milk (cheese, butter, ranch). Ranch dressing may contain eggs or soy; check labels if sensitive. For gluten-free use gluten-free bread. For vegan use plant-based cheese butter and ranch.
Nutritional Information
Calories 430. Total Fat 27 g. Carbohydrates 35 g. Protein 13 g.
Save This sandwich is perfect for game day or any casual meal, delivering bold flavors with every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I roast cauliflower for best flavor?
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper before roasting at 425°F. Roast for 15 minutes, stir, then roast 5 more minutes after adding buffalo sauce to develop maximum flavor.
- → Can I use a different type of bread?
Sourdough or country-style bread work best for crispiness and structure, but other sturdy breads like ciabatta or rye can be used.
- → Is it necessary to butter the sandwich before grilling?
Spreading butter on the outer bread surfaces ensures a golden, crispy crust and helps cheese melt evenly during grilling.
- → What can I add to increase the spice level?
Drizzle additional buffalo sauce on the cauliflower before assembling or add sliced jalapeños inside for extra heat.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the cheese and ranch?
Yes, plant-based cheeses and vegan ranch dressings can be substituted to maintain creamy textures while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.