Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsWilla'sCharred Broccolini Melt Recipe

Charred Broccolini Melt Recipe

Inspired by Willa's
Time1h
Serves2

Pickled onions, grape tomatoes, and melted gruyere on toasted Cuban bread with a side salad

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

For the Charred Broccolini

For the Pickled Onions

For the Melt

For the Side Salad

Method

Charred Broccolini

  1. 1

    Prepare the Broccolini

    Rinse the broccolini under cold water and trim the ends. Pat dry.

  2. 2

    Season and Char

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccolini, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.

Pickled Onions

  1. 3

    Slice the Onion

    Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a clean jar.

  2. 4

    Make the Pickling Liquid

    In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt are dissolved.

  3. 5

    Pickle the Onions

    Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions in the jar. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Melt Preparation

  1. 6

    Toast the Bread

    In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toast the Cuban bread slices on both sides until golden brown.

  2. 7

    Assemble the Melt

    On one slice of toasted Cuban bread, layer the charred broccolini, pickled onions, grape tomatoes, and gruyère cheese. Top with the other slice of bread.

  3. 8

    Melt the Cheese

    Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

Side Salad

  1. 9

    Prepare the Salad

    In a bowl, combine mixed greens, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

More from Willa's