This Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic! It features gooey cheese melted between crispy, golden-brown zucchini slices instead of bread. Perfect for veggie lovers!
I can’t help but smile when I make this! It’s a tasty way to sneak in some greens, and who doesn’t love extra cheese? Serve it with a side of tomato soup for a cozy treat! 🥒🧀
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: It’s essential for flavor and texture in this dish. If you don’t have zucchini, try using yellow squash or shredded carrots for a lighter twist!
All-purpose flour: This helps bind everything together. If you’re gluten-free, consider substituting with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is great, but you can mix it up! Mozzarella or Pepper Jack add different flavors. For a vegan option, try a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Egg: This acts as a binder for the mixture. If you’re vegan or allergic, substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce.
Herbs: Fresh parsley is optional, but I love adding chopped chives or basil for an extra flavor kick!
How Do I Remove Excess Moisture from Zucchini?
Removing moisture is super important to avoid soggy patties! Here’s a simple method:
- After grating, bundle the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist and wring out as much liquid as you can. Don’t rush this – the drier the zucchini, the better your grilled cheese will be!
- Pat it dry with more paper towels if needed before mixing it with other ingredients.
This step makes a huge difference in texture, so don’t skip it!
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you should set aside about 35-40 minutes to prepare your delicious zucchini grilled cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater. Once it’s all grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel. Give it a good squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is super important so your grilled cheese doesn’t turn out soggy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini with the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and your shredded cheese. Give it a good mix to make sure all the ingredients are well blended.
3. Add the Egg:
In a small bowl, beat the egg until it’s a little frothy. Pour the beaten egg into the zucchini mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined. If you like, toss in the fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color!
4. Heat the Skillet:
Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet. Let it warm up until it’s nice and hot.
5. Form and Cook Patties:
Using about 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture, form a patty and gently place it in the skillet. Repeat this with more mixture, but make sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want to give each patty space to cook evenly!
6. Fry Until Golden:
Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until it’s golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip it over and do the same on the other side. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. Keep an eye on those delicious patties!
7. Drain the Oil:
Once the patties are cooked, take them out of the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. This will keep them nice and crispy.
8. Assemble the Grilled Cheese:
Now it’s time to build your grilled cheese! Place a slice of cheese between two zucchini patties, then return them to the skillet. Grill them for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
When everything is ready, serve your warm zucchini grilled cheese immediately. Enjoy this delicious and healthy twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with grated carrots or even shredded potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture as you would with zucchini to maintain the right texture.
What Cheese Can I Use in This Recipe?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella, Gouda, or even Pepper Jack can work. Just keep in mind that the flavor and melting properties might differ, so choose one that you enjoy!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time and Reheat Later?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini patties in advance and refrigerate them. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pan-fry them again for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven for a crispy texture. Avoid the microwave as it may make them soggy!
