Get ready for a tasty twist on a classic! This Zucchini Grilled Cheese combines gooey cheese with fresh zucchini slices, all toasted to golden perfection. It’s cheesy goodness with a veggie boost!
I love making this on a cozy afternoon. It’s quick, easy, and makes me feel a bit healthier while still enjoying my favorite cheesy crunch. Pair it with some tomato soup, and you’re good to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchini works best. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a good alternative. You could even try carrots for a different flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick. If you want a milder flavor, use regular cheddar or even mozzarella. For a fancy twist, try Gruyère or smoked cheese.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind the mixture. You can swap it for whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, or even gluten-free flour if needed. Just ensure the texture remains similar.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If it’s not available, Pecorino Romano works well. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option to give a cheesy flavor, too.
Bread: Use any bread you love! Sourdough adds a tangy note, while whole grain gives a hearty feel. Gluten-free bread is perfect if you’re avoiding gluten.
How Do I Get the Zucchini to Release Its Moisture?
To ensure your patties hold together and aren’t soggy, it’s crucial to remove excess moisture from the zucchini. Start by grating the zucchini and sprinkling it with salt. This draws out the moisture.
- Let the grated zucchini sit for 10 minutes. This allows the salt to do its work.
- Then, place it in a clean dish towel or use cheesecloth. Squeeze it gently to dispatch the liquid.
Doing this step properly will make sure your zucchini grilled cheese is crispy and delicious! Trust me, it makes a big difference.
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Mixture:
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice: sourdough, whole grain, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons butter, for frying
- Optional: additional cheese slices for melty layers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Zucchini Grilled Cheese takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying this tasty sandwich in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchini and placing it in a bowl. Sprinkle the grated zucchini with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture. After it’s rested, use a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out any extra water from the zucchini. This step is important for getting that nice crispy texture later!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In the same bowl, add the drained zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. You want to ensure that all the ingredients are nicely blended for the best flavor.
3. Cook the Zucchini Patties:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter. Wait for it to melt and coat the pan evenly. Take a scoop of the zucchini mixture and form it into a patty. Place the patty in the skillet and flatten it slightly with a spatula. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. You might need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough!
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
Once the patties are cooked, it’s time to build your sandwich. Place one or two patties on a slice of bread and add extra cheese slices if you’re in the mood for a gooier, melty layer. Top with another slice of bread to complete your sandwich.
5. Grill the Sandwich:
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and grill the sandwich on both sides. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, which will take about 2-3 minutes per side. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Then, slice it in half and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Grilled Cheese with a smile!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can experiment with grated carrots or yellow squash for a different flavor. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture similarly to how you would with zucchini to avoid soggy patties.
What if I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor, or skip it altogether and add a bit more cheddar cheese to maintain the cheesy goodness!
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes to crisp it back up, or you can microwave it for about 30 seconds, though it might not be as crispy.
Can I Make the Zucchini Patties in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the zucchini mixture and shape it into patties ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When ready to cook, you can pan-fry them straight from the fridge, just give them an extra minute or two to cook through.
