Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Name: Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tsp harissa, mild or spicy; 2 cups roasted balsamic broccoli, leftover; 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced; 4 Tbsp butter; 8 slices sourdough bread; 1 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp honey; 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 cup grapes, halved; 6 oz mixed greens

Prep: 5 minCook: 30 min4 servingsmediumAmerican

Transform leftover roasted broccoli into a gourmet grilled cheese with tangy harissa mayonnaise and melted cheddar. The crispy sourdough exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy interior studded with caramelized broccoli. Served alongside a fresh grape and mixed greens salad with simple vinaigrette, this comfort food classic gets an twist that makes the most of your meal prep leftovers.

Vegetarian Nut-Free

Ingredients

4 servings

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp harissa, mild or spicy
sriracha or chipotle mayo1:1spicy
different heat profile but similar kick
Full guide →
2 cups roasted balsamic broccoli, leftover(optional)
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced
4 Tbsp butter
8 slices sourdough bread
any sandwich bread1:1
works with white, whole wheat, or multigrain
Full guide →
1 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey
2 ½ Tbsp olive oil
1 cup grapes, halved
6 oz mixed greens
any salad greens1:1
arugula, spinach, or lettuce work well

Instructions

1
Warm broccoli briefly in the microwave
2
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat
3
Soften butter briefly in the microwave
4
Butter one side of each bread slice
5
Place half of the bread slices buttered-side down on work surface
6
Spread each slice with harissa mayonnaise and top with cheese and broccoli
7
Add remaining bread slices buttered-side up
8
Cook sandwiches until bread is golden brown and filling is warm and bubbly
9
Toss mixed greens and grapes with vinaigrette
10
Serve sandwiches with salad on the side

Tips

Tip 1

Use day-old bread for better structure that won't get soggy from the broccoli moisture.

Tip 2

Press sandwiches gently with spatula while cooking for even browning and better cheese melting.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate assembled sandwiches up to 1 day before cooking

Make Ahead

Make vinaigrette and prep salad components up to 2 days ahead

Serve With

Serve immediately while cheese is melted and bread is crispy

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overheat butter or it will brown and smoke

Watch

Avoid high heat or bread will burn before cheese melts

Substitutions

sourdough bread→

any sandwich bread1:1

works with white, whole wheat, or multigrain

Full guide →

mixed greens→

any salad greens1:1

arugula, spinach, or lettuce work well

harissa→

sriracha or chipotle mayo1:1spicy

different heat profile but similar kick

Full guide →

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of leftovers?

Yes, roast fresh broccoli florets at 425F for 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized before using.

What if I don't have harissa?

Mix mayonnaise with sriracha, chipotle paste, or hot sauce to taste for similar spicy creaminess.

How long will leftover sandwiches keep?

Best eaten fresh, but refrigerate up to 2 days and reheat in skillet or toaster oven.