This Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic! It features crispy zucchini slices layered with gooey cheese, all grilled to melty perfection.
Who knew veggies could be this cheesy and delicious? I love making this for lunch, and it’s a great way to sneak in some greens! Don’t forget to add a side of your favorite dipping sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this recipe. Grating it helps it cook evenly. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots or squash can work as substitutes. They add a slightly different flavor but still blend well with the cheese.
Cheese: Cheddar and Parmesan give a nice mix of flavor and meltiness. You can try mozzarella for a gooier texture or use dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the zucchini mixture. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or coconut flour can be great alternatives, but be aware they may require more liquid to adjust the texture.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can really brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh ones, you can use dried herbs. Just reduce the amount to about 1/3 to avoid overpowering the flavors.
How Do You Properly Remove Moisture from Zucchini?
Removing moisture from zucchini is key to getting crispy grilled cheese. Follow these steps:
- After grating the zucchini, mix it with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This pulls out excess water.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze the zucchini. This step is important! Squeeze until you have no more water coming out.
Doing this will help your zucchini mixture hold together and give you that perfect crispy texture in your grilled cheese.
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Mixture:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice, such as sourdough or whole grain)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- Optional: fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to cook, making the total time around 25-27 minutes. You’ll be enjoying warm, cheesy sandwiches in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis into a large bowl. Sprinkle the salt over them and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out moisture. After 10 minutes, take a clean kitchen towel, place the zucchini in it, and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This step is very important to keep your sandwiches from getting soggy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In the same bowl with the squeezed zucchini, add in the flour, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure there are no dry pockets of flour left!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the bottom of the skillet.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take two slices of bread. Spread butter on one side of each slice. Place one slice of bread butter-side down into the skillet. On top of that slice, spread about 1/2 cup (or more if you like!) of the zucchini mixture. Then, place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
5. Cook the Sandwiches:
Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, until it’s also golden brown and the cheese has melted through.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once both sides are cooked, transfer the grilled cheese to a plate. Repeat the cooking process for any remaining bread and zucchini mixture. Allow the sandwiches to cool for a minute before slicing them in half. If you want to add a little something extra, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Grilled Cheese sandwiches!
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables for Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can use other grated vegetables like carrot or cauliflower. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture as you would with zucchini to keep the mixture from becoming too watery.
What If I Don’t Have All-Purpose Flour?
No worries! You can use whole wheat flour, gluten-free flour, or even almond flour as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different depending on the flour you choose.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat to help preserve the crispiness of the bread rather than using a microwave.
Can I Add Extra Cheese or Different Types of Cheese?
Of course! Feel free to mix in different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for added flavor. Just ensure that the total amount of cheese doesn’t exceed 1 cup to keep the mixture cohesive.
