This Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic! It features gooey cheese melted between crisp slices of zucchini instead of bread, making it delicious and light.
I love how easy it is to whip up for a quick meal. Pair it with a side of your favorite soup, and sit back with a smile. Who knew veggies could be so cheesy? 🧀🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Using medium zucchinis is great for this recipe. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash works well too. This adds a different color and a similar flavor.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice sharp taste, while cheddar melts beautifully. You could swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor or use mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but if you need a gluten-free option, try using crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I love using panko for extra crunch!
Bread: Sourdough gives a lovely tang, while whole grain adds extra nutrition. You could even use gluten-free bread or a bagel for a unique twist.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Patties to Hold Together?
Getting zucchini patties to hold together can be tricky due to their moisture content. The key is to draw out as much moisture as possible by salting them. Here’s how to ensure they hold up:
- After grating, salt the zucchini and let it sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes. This helps release moisture.
- Before mixing, squeeze the zucchini in a kitchen towel to eliminate as much liquid as you can.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly. The egg acts as a binder, so don’t skip that!
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Patties:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough or whole grain recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Additional cheddar cheese for layering (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll spend around 30-35 minutes making these delicious zucchini grilled cheese sandwiches—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by placing the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture. After the time is up, take the zucchini and squeeze out any leftover moisture with your hands or a clean kitchen towel. This step is important to keep your patties from getting soggy!
2. Make the Zucchini Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture will be the filling for your grilled cheese sandwiches.
3. Cook the Zucchini Patties:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and coat the pan. Take about 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture and form it into a patty. Place the patty in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown. If you like extra cheese, sprinkle some on top during the last minute of cooking to melt.
4. Continue Cooking Patties:
Once the first zucchini patty is cooked, remove it from the skillet and repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more butter to the skillet if needed. Set all the cooked patties aside when done.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
In the same skillet, add a little more butter and place your slices of bread in the pan. Layer each slice with a zucchini patty and sprinkle on additional cheese if you’re using it. Top with another slice of bread to create your sandwiches.
6. Grill the Sandwiches:
Grill each sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Make sure to press down slightly with a spatula for even grilling.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your sandwiches are ready, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy, crispy zucchini grilled cheese sandwiches!
Can I Substitute the Zucchini with Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you don’t have zucchini, you can use grated carrots or even finely chopped spinach. Just ensure that any vegetable you choose is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture, similar to how you treat the zucchini.
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! Other great options include mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a little heat. If you’re dairy-free, vegan cheeses can also work well, just keep an eye on the melting point to ensure they warm nicely in the skillet.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or pop them in the toaster oven for a crispy texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the bread crispy!
Can I Make the Zucchini Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini mixture ahead of time! Just cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, give it a good stir to recombine before forming and frying the patties.
