Pin A bold, flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese: spicy roasted cauliflower, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese between crispy golden bread slices.
This grilled cheese became an instant favorite the first time I made it, impressing everyone at the table with its unique blend of flavors.
Ingredients
- For the 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
- For the Ranch Spread: 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
- For the 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) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cauliflower:
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread on the baking sheet.
- Roast Cauliflower:
- Roast for 15 minutes stirring halfway through. Toss with buffalo wing sauce and roast 5 more minutes. Set aside.
- Make Ranch Spread:
- Mix ranch dressing with chives and dill if using.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Spread ranch mixture on one side of bread slices. On four slices sprinkle half cheddar and mozzarella. Top with buffalo cauliflower and remaining cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices ranch-side down.
- Prepare to Grill:
- Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on outer sides of sandwiches.
- Grill Sandwiches:
- Grill 3 to 4 minutes per side pressing gently until bread is golden and cheese melted.
- Serve:
- Cool for 1 minute, slice, and serve warm.
Pin This recipe has brought my family closer as we've enjoyed sharing this flavorful sandwich together on cozy evenings.
Tips for Serving
Pair this grilled cheese with a crisp lager or a citrusy IPA to balance the spicy and creamy flavors.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Variations
Add sliced green onions or baby spinach for a fresh twist or drizzle extra buffalo sauce for more heat.
Pin This sandwich delivers exciting flavors with each bite, perfect for elevating your grilled cheese game.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you prepare the buffalo cauliflower?
Cauliflower florets are tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then roasted. After initial roasting, they’re coated with buffalo wing sauce and roasted a bit longer for fullness of flavor.
- → Can I make the ranch spread from scratch?
Yes, you can mix mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs like dill and chives, and seasonings to create a fresh homemade ranch spread as an alternative to store-bought.
- → What breads work best for grilling?
Sourdough or country-style breads are ideal for their sturdy texture and ability to crisp evenly, providing a satisfying crunch.
- → How do I get the cheese melted perfectly?
Grill the sandwich over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently to ensure even melting without burning the bread.
- → What can I add for an extra flavor boost?
Try drizzling extra buffalo sauce before serving or adding sliced green onions or baby spinach for freshness and texture variety.