This zucchini grilled cheese is a fun twist on a classic! It’s made with ooey-gooey cheese between slices of crispy bread, with tasty zucchini hiding inside for extra flavor.
Who knew veggies could be so cheesy and delicious? I love making this for lunch—it’s a sneaky way to get my greens while enjoying a nice melty sandwich!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Grating zucchini helps it blend into the mixture. If you can’t find zucchini, you could use yellow squash as a substitute, as it has a similar texture.
Cheese: Cheddar is a great choice for its melting quality. Feel free to swap it out for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. For a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding.
Fresh herbs: While optional, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can really elevate the flavor. They add brightness that complements the cheese and zucchini beautifully.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Just Right?
Draining zucchini properly is crucial to avoid a soggy mixture. Start by grating the zucchini and sprinkling it with salt. The salt draws out water, so let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After resting, make sure to pat it dry. This step prevents excess moisture from making your patty mushy.
- Grate zucchinis and sprinkle them with salt.
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes in a colander.
- Pat dry with a towel to remove any remaining moisture.
Take your time with this step; it’s key to achieving that perfect, crispy texture!
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Mixture:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining zucchini)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice: sourdough, whole grain, etc.)
- Butter or oil for grilling
- Fresh herbs (optional, for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes, including about 15 minutes of prep time for grating and draining the zucchini and another 15 minutes for cooking the patties and grilling the sandwiches. It’s an easy way to make a tasty and healthier grilled cheese in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis and placing them in a colander. Once in the colander, sprinkle the grated zucchinis with salt and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture, making sure your grilled cheese isn’t too soggy.
2. Dry the Zucchini:
After the zucchini has drained, take a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels and gently pat the zucchini dry to remove any extra moisture. This helps keep your patties firm and crispy.
3. Mix the Zucchini Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined, making sure all the ingredients stick together nicely.
4. Cook the Zucchini Patties:
Heat a little butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet, flattening them slightly to form small patties. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
In the same skillet, lay down slices of bread. On one slice, place a zucchini patty, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and top with another slice of bread. This will create a delicious sandwich filled with cheesy goodness!
6. Grill the Sandwich:
Grill the sandwich in the skillet, flipping it once, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make more sandwiches!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, cut each sandwich in half and serve warm. You can optionally garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese with all the zucchini goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a great choice, you can use any melting cheese you prefer, like mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Just make sure it’s grated for even melting!
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make your Zucchini Grilled Cheese gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that your bread is also gluten-free to keep the entire sandwich safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I Store Leftover Zucchini Patties?
Yes! Store any leftover zucchini patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick option.
What Can I Use Instead of Salt for Draining Zucchini?
If you prefer not to use salt, you can use a light squeeze of lemon juice or even skip this step altogether. Just be aware that this may result in a slightly more watery mixture, so patting the zucchini dry well is even more important!
