Imagine biting into a crispy, golden sandwich where gooey melted cheddar meets tender, vibrant broccoli - a culinary masterpiece that transforms the classic grilled cheese into an irresistible gourmet experience. This isn't just another sandwich; it's a delicious adventure that combines the nostalgic comfort of melted cheese with the wholesome goodness of fresh broccoli, creating a meal that's both indulgent and surprisingly nutritious.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli until tender-crisp. If using fresh broccoli, cut into small florets and steam for 3-4 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the steamed broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution in the sandwich.
- Butter one side of each bread slice generously. This will create a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
- Place a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Allow it to warm up for 1-2 minutes.
- Place two bread slices butter-side down in the skillet.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on each bread slice.
- Distribute the chopped broccoli evenly over the cheese.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add another layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the broccoli.
- Cover with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom slice turns golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat, let cool for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose the right bread: Use a sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough or artisan white bread that can hold up to the moisture of the broccoli and cheese.
- Moisture management is key: Always pat your steamed broccoli dry to prevent a soggy sandwich. Excess water can make your bread soft instead of crispy.
- Temperature control matters: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
- Don't rush the flip: Wait until the first side is golden brown before carefully turning the sandwich.
- Let it rest briefly after cooking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- Experiment with cheese varieties: While cheddar is classic, try mixing in some gruyère or adding a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 65mg
