This Balsamic-Roasted Broccoli and Red Pepper Grilled Cheese For Grown-Ups Is So Delicious

As much as I try to eat healthily, sometimes certain foods just really hit the spot. Most often, those foods are something that remind me of fun times in my life or childhood. Grilled cheese is always my favorite because it does both.

While I do change it up a bit from what I had as a kid by using multiple kinds of cheese and perhaps adding spinach so it feels healthy, I am always on the hunt for an even more grown-up version. Luckily, this one is not only totally different from normal grilled cheese, but also gives you a good serving of veggies, so you can feel better about eating it.

The recipe for this balsamic-roasted broccoli and red pepper grilled cheese comes from Thumbtack chef Niko Paranomos, and you may be surprised at how easy it is once you see just how fancy and delicious it looks. The recipe makes four sandwiches, so it would be perfect for serving if you have guests over, or, you know, if you just really like grilled cheese. 

Take a look at the full recipe:

Balsamic-Roasted Broccoli and Red Pepper Grilled Cheese

Time: 25 minutes

Yield: Four sandwiches

Ingredients:

Roasted vegetables:

• 1 pound broccolini

• 1 red bell pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sandwiches

• 8 slices rustic sourdough bread

• 8 Havarti cheese slices

• 4 tablespoons chopped parsley

• 1 (or more) tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop veggies into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.

2. Transfer the prepared veggies to a large, rimmed baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, balsamic and salt. Bake until you see a deep-brown, roasted color, about 20 minutes, tossing halfway.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add a generous pat of butter. Carefully place two pieces of bread down, and add the cheese then the veg. Cover with a second layer of bread.

4. Flip once golden brown. Add another pad of butter. Once golden brown on both sides, put them on the baking sheet you already used and place back into the oven to melt the cheese fully. Enjoy with your favorite pickles, chips and hot sauce.

There are plenty of other recipes you can follow to jazz up your sandwiches. If you like bacon and pickles, this dill pickle bacon grilled cheese might be more your thing. Or, if you’re a fan of Bloody Marys or red wine, there are even grilled cheeses for that.

Will you be making this grown-up balsamic-roasted broccoli and red pepper grilled cheese?