Description
This Tofu Buffalo Grilled Cheese sandwich is a spicy, savory twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Featuring crispy buffalo-seasoned tofu layered with melty cheddar cheese between thick slices of toasted sourdough or challah bread, this recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture in just 30 minutes. Ideal for a quick lunch or casual dinner, it combines the zest of buffalo sauce with the rich creaminess of grilled cheese, complete with optional crunchy celery and tangy blue cheese crumbles for extra flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu Buffalo Filling
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil or avocado oil, for cooking tofu (about 1 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, challah, or sturdy sandwich bread)
- 4–6 slices cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or non-dairy equivalent)
- 2–3 tbsp mayonnaise or softened butter, for grilling
- Optional: finely diced celery
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Press the block of extra-firm tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Slice the pressed tofu into 1/4-inch thick pieces and pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness during cooking.
- Cook the Tofu: Season the tofu slices lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, toss the crispy tofu pieces in buffalo sauce until well-coated.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise or softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices mayo-side down on a clean surface. Layer with slices of cheese first, then the buffalo tofu pieces, optional diced celery and blue cheese crumbles if using, followed by additional cheese slices. Top with the remaining bread slices, mayo-side up.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is essential to remove moisture and achieve crispiness when cooking.
- Use a sturdy bread like sourdough or challah to hold up to the spicy buffalo tofu without becoming soggy.
- Optional add-ins like celery add crunch, and blue cheese crumbles provide extra tangy flavor, complementing the buffalo sauce.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Non-dairy cheese options can be used to make this sandwich vegan.
