Save to Pinterest A bold, flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese: spicy roasted cauliflower, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese between crispy golden bread slices.
I first tried this recipe when I wanted a vegetarian sandwich that packed a punch and it instantly became a family favorite.
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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss 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 sandwiches:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the outer sides of each sandwich.
- Grill sandwiches:
- Grill sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 1 minute, slice, and serve warm.
Save to Pinterest This sandwich always brings smiles at our family gatherings and is a perfect vegetarian crowd-pleaser.
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 to Pinterest This buffalo cauliflower ranch grilled cheese combines comfort and excitement in every bite and is sure to become your new favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the cauliflower prepared for this dish?
Cauliflower florets are tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then roasted until tender. They are coated with buffalo wing sauce and roasted briefly again to infuse flavor.
- → What cheeses are used in the sandwich?
A combination of shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses provides a rich, gooey melt with a balanced flavor.
- → Can I use gluten-free bread for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free bread works well and maintains the structure needed for grilling while accommodating dietary needs.
- → How do I get the sandwich bread crispy but not burnt?
Use medium heat on a skillet or griddle and spread softened butter evenly on the outside of the bread. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently until bread is golden brown.
- → What are some extra flavor options to enhance this meal?
Adding extra buffalo sauce drizzle before serving or including sliced green onions or baby spinach offers a fresh twist to the flavors.
- → Is this suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it contains no meat and focuses on vegetables, cheese, and dairy-based spreads suitable for vegetarians.