With just 4 ingredients and an easy method that takes just minutes, this Veggie Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a favorite kids meal. It works as an easy lunch or dinner that adults can dig into, too. So good!
I am not going to tell you that you need to add or sneak in veggies to every single thing that you make for your kids, but I do like to offer ideas on how to incorporate them in yummy ways that the kids might like.
Because the more we offer veggies that taste good, the more likelihood there is that the kids will learn to like them.
And this grilled cheese sandwich is a favorite option to serve up a little mashed sweet potato smack in the middle of a classic gooey sandwich.
You could even pair this with Vegan Tomato Soup if you wanted to, or try my green version: Spinach Grilled Cheese.
(You may like my Vegetarian Quesadillas, Best Vegetarian Protein Options, and Vegetarian Hummus Wraps.)
Why this Recipe Works
The thin layer of sweet potato puree adds flavor, helpful moisture, and nutrients to the filling in this easy-for-any-age meal.
Your toddler won’t eat? Help is here!
Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent your way!
Ingredients You Need
To make this Veggie Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you’ll need just 4 ingredients including:
- Bread: I use sourdough here, but any sandwich bread your family likes will work.
- Cheese: I prefer sliced cheddar, but use what you like including Fontina, mozzarella, Gruyère, or Colby Jack.
- Mashed Sweet Potato: Plan to make this ahead if using homemade, or use jarred or canned unsweetened sweet potato puree from the store.
- Butter: Unsalted is the type I recommend here so you can control the salt level of the sandwich.
Ingredient Substitutions
- You can swap in Carrot Puree, Mashed Butternut Squash, or finely minced cooked veggies like broccoli if you prefer.
- Dairy-free: Use a favorite nondairy sliced or shredded cheese that melts well and either a vegan butter or a neutral cooking oil.
- Gluten-free: Swap in a favorite gluten-free sandwich bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this Veggie Grilled Cheese Sandwich so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Spread the sweet potato on a piece of toast. Add the cheese to another piece.
Step 2. Butter the outside of the sandwich and cook to toast the undersides of each slice of bread.
TIP: You can cut the sandwich in half, into sticks, or dice it up for a younger eater.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make grilled cheese vegan, use a dairy-free sliced cheese and either a vegan butter or a neutral cooking oil in place of the butter,
I like sweet potato and butternut squash, but you can do almost any cooked veggie including minced broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, or kale. You could even add some shredded baby spinach.
You can dice it up for babies eating finger foods, cut into strips for toddlers able to take bites (usually around 16/18 months), or just in half like a regular sandwich.
How to Store
This kids meal is best right after you make it, but you could make it ahead of time or store the leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.
Then, before you want to serve it, place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and warm for 4-6 minutes in a 375 degree oven, on a nonstick skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warm, or in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Best Tips for Success
- Use a smooth veggie puree such as Mashed Sweet Potato—either homemade, or canned or jarred baby food puree from the store.
- Try other flavors by using Carrot Puree, Mashed Butternut Squash, Broccoli Puree, or finely minced broccoli.
- Cut the cooked sandwich in half, into strips, or dice up into small pieces as a baby finger food. (Try using kitchen scissors, which makes this part easy.)
- Serve with a simple side of diced fruit or another quick side you like.
I’d love to hear what your family thought of this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!
-
Add the butter to a nonstick or cast iron pan set over medium heat.
-
Spread the sweet potato onto 1 piece of toast. Place the cheese on the other. Place both pieces of bread, toppings side up, onto the buttered pan. Swirl gently to coat the bread with butter. Cook for about 3 minutes.
-
Place the 2 sides of the sandwich together and press down slightly with a spatula. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, flipping as needed until both sides are golden brown.
-
Remove the pan from the heat and cut the sandwich in half, into sticks (good for toddlers), or dice up Into little pieces (good for older babies).
- Use a smooth veggie puree such as Mashed Sweet Potato.
- Try other flavors by using Carrot Puree, Mashed Butternut Squash, Broccoli Puree, or finely minced broccoli.
- I usually melt the butter right in the pan, but you can also spread it right onto both slices of bread.
- Cut the cooked sandwich in half, into strips, or dice up into small pieces as a baby finger food. (Try using kitchen scissors, which makes this part easy.)
- Serve with a simple side of diced fruit or another quick side you like.
- Gluten-free: Use gf bread.
- Dairy-free: Use a favorite nondairy cheese.
Calories: 316kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 33mg, Sodium: 443mg, Potassium: 150mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 2443IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 157mg, Iron: 3mg
This post was first published October 2021.