Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic! This sandwich features melty cheese tucked between slices of grilled zucchini instead of bread. It’s light and super tasty!
Honestly, who knew veggies could be this cheesy? I love it when my lunch is sneaky healthy. Just add some tomato soup, and you’re in for a happiness hit! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is your star ingredient! Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you don’t have zucchini handy, you could use yellow squash or carrots, but the texture will be different. I love zucchini for the subtle flavor it adds!
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a rich taste, but feel free to swap it out! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even goat cheese can work well. Each cheese will give a unique flavor, so choose what you love most!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind the ingredients. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or chickpea flour are great alternatives. I’ve tried both and appreciate the nutty flavor they add to the patties.
Green Onions: They add a nice sharpness. If you don’t have them, use regular onions or chives for a similar taste. I prefer green onions for their mild flavor; they really brighten up the dish!
How Do You Properly Squeeze Out Zucchini Moisture?
A big part of getting the right texture lies in removing excess moisture from the zucchini. If it’s too watery, your patties could turn mushy. Follow these steps:
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel.
- Wrap it up tightly and twist to wring out as much liquid as you can. This only takes a minute, but it’s essential for crispiness!
Taking this step really helps keep the patties firm and allows them to brown nicely. Trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Patties:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these delicious zucchini grilled cheese patties in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is important to prevent your patties from being too watery.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, shredded cheese, flour, egg, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, making sure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, scoop about 1/3 cup of the zucchini mixture and place it in the skillet. Flatten it slightly with a spatula to form a nice patty. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
4. Flip and Cook Through:
Carefully flip the patty to cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and make sure the cheese inside has melted nicely. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, adding more butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all the patties are cooked, stack them with extra cheese in between if you’d like! Serve them hot and enjoy your delicious zucchini grilled cheese patties that are both cheesy and packed with flavor!
Can I Use Different Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! While zucchini gives a great flavor and texture, you can substitute it with other grated vegetables like yellow squash or carrots. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to keep your patties from becoming soggy!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before cooking as some moisture may separate. Alternatively, you can also cook the patties and freeze them for later use!
