Save A bold, flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese: spicy roasted cauliflower, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese between crispy golden bread slices.
This sandwich quickly became a family favorite with its perfect balance of spicy and creamy textures and crispy bread.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3:
- Roast cauliflower for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from oven, toss with buffalo wing sauce, and roast 5 more minutes. Set aside.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with chives and dill if using.
- Step 5:
- Lay out bread slices. Spread ranch mixture on one side of each slice.
- Step 6:
- 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.
- Step 7:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the outer sides of each sandwich.
- Step 8:
- Grill sandwiches 3 to 4 minutes per side pressing gently until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Step 9:
- Let cool for 1 minute, slice, and serve warm.
Save We enjoy these sandwiches on weekend afternoons together; they always bring smiles and satisfied appetites.
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 (per serving)
Save Enjoy this hearty sandwich warm for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Guide
- → How is the buffalo cauliflower prepared?
Cauliflower florets are tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then roasted before being coated with buffalo wing sauce and roasted again for a spicy finish.
- → What gives the sandwich its creaminess?
The ranch spread, made with dressing and optional fresh herbs, adds a smooth and tangy contrast to the spicy cauliflower and melted cheese.
- → Which cheeses are used in the sandwich?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are layered inside, providing a perfect balance of sharpness and meltiness.
- → Can this be adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets?
Yes, substitute gluten-free bread and use plant-based cheese, butter, and ranch alternatives for dietary preferences.
- → What is the best method to achieve crispy bread and melted cheese?
Grill the sandwiches in a buttered skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.
- → Are there suggestions to customize heat levels?
For extra spice, add additional buffalo sauce before serving or incorporate sliced green onions or baby spinach for freshness.