Smashed Veggie Cheese Sandwiches

Elevate your sandwich game with these irresistible Smashed Veggie Cheese Sandwiches—where wholesome sautéed vegetables meet gooey melted cheddar in a perfectly crispy, buttery bread embrace. This quick and satisfying recipe is loaded with vibrant ingredients like carrots, zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers, lightly smashed to create a savory, textured filling. Seasoned with garlic, a pinch of chili flakes, and melted cheddar cheese, each sandwich delivers a flavorful and nutrient-packed bite. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a comforting snack, these toasted delights come together in just 35 minutes and pair beautifully with a warm bowl of soup or a crisp side salad. Whether you're looking to sneak in extra veggies or satisfy a cheesy craving, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to delight.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup carrot, diced small
• 0.5 cup zucchini, diced small
• 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced small
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 pieces bread slices
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender.

Step 5

Mix in the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Step 6

Season the veggies with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir well and use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to lightly smash the veggies. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 7

Spread a layer of the sautéed veggie mixture on a slice of bread. Top with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese, then place another slice of bread on top to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining bread and filling.

Step 8

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.

Step 9

Place the sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 10

Remove from heat and let the sandwiches cool for 1 minute before slicing in half. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(902.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1848.3

Total Fat 118.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 244mg	0%
Sodium 3503.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 150.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.8g	0%
Total Sugars 30.7g
Protein 57.7g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1273.3mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 1737.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.3%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 31.6%