Save A bold, flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese: spicy roasted cauliflower, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese between crispy golden bread slices.
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
- 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.
Save Notes
For extra heat, drizzle with more buffalo sauce before serving. Add sliced green onions or a handful of baby spinach for a fresh twist.
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 vegan use plant-based cheese, butter, and ranch.
Save This Buffalo Cauliflower Ranch Grilled Cheese is the perfect balance of spicy and creamy It makes a delicious vegetarian main dish that everyone will love
Cooking Guide
- → How is the buffalo flavor added to the cauliflower?
Cauliflower florets are tossed with olive oil and spices, roasted, then coated with buffalo wing sauce before a final roast to infuse bold, spicy flavor.
- → What cheeses complement this dish best?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide the perfect balance of sharpness and meltiness to complement the spicy cauliflower and creamy ranch spread.
- → Can the ranch spread be made ahead?
Yes, mixing ranch dressing with fresh chives and dill ahead of time allows flavors to meld, making assembly quicker.
- → How do you achieve a crispy crust on the sandwich?
Spreading softened butter on the outer sides of the bread before grilling creates a golden, crispy crust while keeping the interior soft and melted.
- → Are there options for dietary restrictions?
Gluten-free bread and plant-based cheese and spreads can be substituted to accommodate gluten-free and vegan diets.