Vegetable Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are one of our favorite ways to use leftover roasted vegetables. But truthfully? This veggie grilled cheese sandwich is so tasty, I’ve been known to roast a quick pan of vegetables, or saute them on the stove, just so I can make this sandwich.
Veggie Grilled Cheese
For the grilled cheese pictured here, I layered zucchini, red bell peppers, and asparagus into the cheesy sandwiches.
I was pleasantly surprised that my meat-loving family enjoyed the veggie grilled cheese sandwiches exactly as written below. While I’m certainly not opposed to the idea of adding some bacon or ham to the sandwiches next time, the veggie grilled cheese was great on its own.
Want a few more ideas for vegetable combinations? Try these buttery garlic mushrooms with parmesan broccoli, creamy cheesy sauteed corn, or smoked sausage with peppers and onions.
Grilled Cheese Making Tips
Making a grilled cheese sandwich isn’t rocket science, but there are a few steps I recommend following if you want your sandwiches to turn out perfectly every time.
First, use plenty of butter and cheese. This isn’t a recipe where you want to skimp on either of those.
Second, cover the pan with a lid – this is important, so don’t skip this part. Let the sandwich cook undisturbed for at least a minute. Uncover and check to see if the bottom slice of bread has browned. Let cook until golden brown, usually about 3 minutes on medium heat.
Press down slightly on the top slice to help the cheese stick to both slices. Use a thin spatula (I like these flexible turners!) to carefully flip the sandwich over. Don’t forget to cover with a lid again.
Third, if your cheeses aren’t melting as quickly or smoothly as you’d like (especially if you are using pre-shredded cheeses) add one teaspoon of water to the edge of the pan and quickly cover with the lid. This helps steam the cheese and even pre-shredded cheeses will melt beautifully.
Check to see if the second slice of bread is golden brown. It should take about 3 minutes on medium heat. When it is ready, remove the sandwich to a plate and serve warm.
Roasted Vegetable Grilled Cheese
Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, onions, the possibilities are pretty much endless here. If you’re a meat lover, add some chopped ham or sliced roast beef next time you’re making one of these veggie grilled cheese sandwiches.
While I love the added flavor and slight char that roasting vegetables gives to this sandwich, don’t let that stop you if you are in a hurry. Sauteed or steamed vegetables will work just as well.
Once you’ve tasted this, you’ll be sure to roast extra vegetables every time just to have them on hand for this sandwich.
Vegetable Lover’s Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ cup roasted vegetables of your choice
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 1-2 tablespoons butter room temperature (This amount will vary depending on the size of your bread.)
- ⅓-⅔ cup shredded cheese choose your favorite kinds (This amount will vary depending on the size of your bread.)
Instructions
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spread plenty of soft butter on the outside of both pieces of bread. Drop one slice butter side down into the hot skillet. (If your stove runs hot, start at medium-low.) Cover the slice of bread with half of the shredded cheese. Spread the vegetables across the cheese layer and top with the remaining cheese and the second slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cover the pan with a lid – this is important, so don’t skip this part. Let the sandwich cook undisturbed for at least a minute. Uncover and check to see if the bottom slice of bread has browned. Let cook until golden brown, usually about 3 minutes on medium heat.
- Press down slightly on the top slice to help the cheese stick to both slices. Use a thin spatula to carefully flip the sandwich over. COVER WITH A LID once more.
- If your cheeses aren’t melting as quickly or smoothly as you’d like (especially if you are using pre-shredded cheeses) add one teaspoon of water to the edge of the pan and quickly cover with the lid. This helps steam the cheese and even pre-shredded cheeses will melt beautifully.
- Check to see if the second slice of bread is golden brown. It should take about 3 minutes on medium heat. When it is ready, remove the sandwich to a plate and serve warm.
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