Pin this A bold, flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese: spicy roasted cauliflower, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese between crispy golden bread slices.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite after I started adding buffalo wing sauce for extra flavor.
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 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Step 9:
- Let cool for 1 minute, slice, and serve warm.
Pin this This sandwich has become a weekend lunch tradition for my family, especially when we want something hearty yet meatless.
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
Pin this This recipe is a perfect blend of spicy and creamy that elevates simple grilled cheese to a new favorite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you make the cauliflower spicy?
The cauliflower is tossed with buffalo wing sauce after roasting, adding bold heat balanced by smoky paprika and garlic powder.
- → What cheeses are best for melting in this sandwich?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a perfect creamy and melty combination that complements the spicy cauliflower.
- → Can I use a different bread type?
Sourdough or country-style bread works best for a crispy texture, but any sturdy bread suitable for grilling will work well.
- → Is there a way to make it vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute plant-based cheeses, a vegan ranch alternative, and dairy-free butter to keep the same flavor profile.
- → How to add extra freshness to the sandwich?
You can include sliced green onions or baby spinach inside to brighten the flavors and add a fresh crunch.
- → What cooking tools are essential?
A baking sheet for roasting cauliflower and a skillet or griddle for grilling the sandwich are necessary for best results.