This Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic. With cheesy goodness and crispy zucchini slices, it’s the perfect comfort food that won’t weigh you down!
Who knew zucchini could be such a star? I love sneaking in veggies like this. Pair it with a side salad, and you’ve got a great meal that feels just a bit fancy! 🥪🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are the star here, adding moisture and a slight sweetness. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash works too. It’s important to squeeze out the water for a better texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure. For a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free blend can be used, but adjust the quantity to find the right consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds rich flavor. If you prefer something milder, go for mozzarella or Monterey Jack. You could also mix cheeses for a nice variety.
Eggs: They bind everything together. If you want to replace eggs, try flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg).
Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices enhance flavor. You can swap them out for fresh minced garlic and onion if you have them on hand; just use less than the powdered versions, as they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Texture Right for Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
The key to achieving the perfect texture is draining excess moisture from the grated zucchini. Here’s how:
- Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel.
- Squeeze the towel to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial!
- Mix the drained zucchini thoroughly with the other ingredients until you have a thick batter.
Cooking at medium heat ensures even cooking without burning. Adjust your pan’s temperature if it’s cooking too fast. Too high heat can result in a fluffy inside without a golden exterior.
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Mixture:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or olive oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious zucchini grilled cheese in about 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate the Zucchini:
Begin by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is essential to prevent your mixture from being too watery, which can affect the texture of your grilled cheese.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until well combined and a thick batter forms. It should hold together nicely!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Tilt the skillet to coat the bottom evenly. This will help your grilled cheese get that nice, golden-brown crust.
4. Cook the Patties:
For each zucchini grilled cheese, scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture into the skillet. Use a spatula to flatten it out slightly into a patty shape. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Gently flip the patty over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. You want it to be golden brown and the cheese inside melted beautifully. If needed, adjust the cooking time for your stove to ensure even cooking.
6. Repeat the Process:
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and keep them warm on a plate. Continue this process with the remaining batter until everything is cooked. Remember to add more butter or oil to the skillet if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your zucchini grilled cheese warm, and feel free to garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if you’d like. These make a yummy snack or a nice light meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the sharp cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently, so adjust your cooking time as needed.
What If My Zucchini Is Too Watery?
If your grated zucchini is still very watery after squeezing, you can sprinkle a little extra salt on it and let it sit for 10 minutes before squeezing again. This will draw out more moisture, helping your batter hold together better. Pat it dry afterward with a paper towel.
Can I Make These Zucchini Grilled Cheeses in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, give it a good stir and follow the frying instructions. You can also make the patties ahead of time, cool them completely, and freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini grilled cheese patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the microwave. For a crispy texture, try reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
