Patrick Oconnell
Zucchini grilled cheese is a healthy, low-carb alternative to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The bread in this recipe is made from grated zucchini, and it can be paired with a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar. This dish can be served with a salad or soup, and it can also be made in the oven. With its innovative use of zucchini, this recipe offers a satisfying and indulgent experience without the carbs.
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What You'll Learn
Zucchini grilled cheese nutrition facts
Zucchini grilled cheese is a healthy, low-carb alternative to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The "bread" in this recipe is made from grated zucchini, also known as courgette, which is combined with eggs, cheese, and seasonings to create a crispy, golden brown base for the sandwich.
Nutrition Facts for Zucchini Grilled Cheese:
One zucchini "bread" slice has approximately 155 calories, with 10 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein. The exact nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients used and the size of the zucchini slices.
When making zucchini grilled cheese, it is important to remove excess moisture from the zucchini by squeezing it with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step ensures that the mixture will hold together better during cooking and achieve the desired crispy texture.
Zucchini grilled cheese can be served with a variety of sides, such as soup, salad, or even on its own as a small lunch or snack. It is a creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich.
Additionally, zucchini grilled cheese can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it is recommended to use an oven or frying pan to regain the crispness of the zucchini bread and melt the cheese.
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How to make zucchini grilled cheese
Zucchini grilled cheese is a low-carb, gluten-free, and healthy dish. It is a creative way to enjoy the classic comfort food, grilled cheese, without the bread. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make zucchini grilled cheese:
Ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Egg
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or a combination)
- Seasonings (oregano, salt, and pepper)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Optional: cornstarch, scallions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini "Bread"
Start by shredding or grating the zucchini into fine shreds. Transfer the zucchini shreds to a colander and press down to release and drain the excess liquid. This step is crucial as any remaining moisture can prevent the zucchini mixture from holding together and frying well. You can use a clean kitchen towel or your fist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Let the zucchini sit in the colander for up to an hour to ensure it dries out sufficiently.
Next, in a bowl, mix the zucchini with an egg, shredded cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan), and seasonings. You can also add cornstarch and scallions for extra flavour and binding. Spread the zucchini mixture onto a lined baking sheet and shape it into squares or patties. The thickness of the patties will determine their cooking time.
Step 2: Bake the Zucchini "Bread"
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the zucchini "bread" for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before handling.
Step 3: Assemble the Grilled Cheese
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Butter one side of each slice of zucchini "bread" and place one slice, buttered side down, into the pan. Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) on top of the zucchini "bread" slice in the pan. Then, place the second slice of zucchini "bread" on top, with the buttered side facing up.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Turn the heat down slightly and cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown. This should take about 2 to 4 minutes per side. If using a lid, you can cover the pan for about 15 seconds to help the cheese melt. Gently flip the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sandwich is grilled to your liking, transfer it to a serving plate and enjoy while it's still hot and the cheese is gooey! You can pair it with a salad or a bowl of soup, such as low-carb tomato soup or keto mushroom soup.
Storage and Reheating:
Zucchini grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven or a frying pan to crisp up the zucchini "bread" and melt the cheese again.
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Low-carb zucchini grilled cheese
Zucchini grilled cheese is a creative, tasty, and healthy twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It is perfect for those who want to indulge in the comfort food but are looking for a low-carb, gluten-free, and veggie-packed option. Here is a detailed guide on how to make this innovative dish.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need grated zucchini, which will form the "bread" of your sandwich. You can steam or boil the zucchini or shred it into fine shreds using a grater. To bind the zucchini "bread" together, you can add an egg, as well as Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. For the filling, you can use shredded or sliced cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or fresh/white cheese. You may also add butter or olive oil for grilling.
Method
Start by squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the grated zucchini. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture will prevent the zucchini from holding together and frying well. You can do this by pressing the zucchini shreds with your fist or a heavy glass in a colander and letting it sit for up to an hour to drain. Transfer the zucchini to a bowl, and mix in the egg and other seasonings.
Next, spread the zucchini mixture onto a lined baking sheet and shape it into squares or patties. Bake this mixture until lightly golden brown. Once the zucchini "bread" is ready, heat a pan or skillet to medium heat and add butter or olive oil. Place one slice of zucchini "bread" in the pan, top it with cheese, and then place the other slice on top, creating a sandwich.
Cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown, and the cheese is melted. If needed, cover the skillet with a lid for about 15 seconds to help the cheese melt. Gently flip the sandwich halfway through the cooking process.
Your low-carb zucchini grilled cheese is now ready to be enjoyed! It pairs well with a salad or a bowl of soup, and any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness of this healthy twist on a classic comfort food!
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How to make zucchini bread
Zucchini grilled cheese is a healthy, low-carb, gluten-free dish. The bread in the recipe is made with grated zucchini, and it can be paired with soup or salad. Now, here is a detailed guide on how to make zucchini bread:
Ingredients
- Zucchini
- Eggs
- Oil (olive or vegetable)
- Sugar (white or brown)
- Vanilla
- Flour (all-purpose or coconut/almond)
- Cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Walnuts or pecans (optional)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325-350 degrees F (165-177 degrees C).
- Grease and flour two 8x4-inch loaf pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- Grate the zucchini using the larger side of a box grater.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla together until combined.
- In a separate large bowl, sift and combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until the mixture is moistened.
- If desired, add walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake.
- For two 8x4-inch loaves, bake for around 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing or storing.
Storage
Zucchini bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, due to its moist texture, it is recommended to refrigerate or freeze it if storing for longer. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in a freezer bag for up to a year.
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What to serve with zucchini grilled cheese
Zucchini grilled cheese is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make sandwich with a twist. The "bread" in this recipe is made from grated zucchini, making it a low-carb, gluten-free option. This innovative sandwich is a great choice for those looking for a satisfying and indulgent meal without the carbs. So, what are some tasty sides to serve with zucchini grilled cheese?
First and foremost, soup is an excellent pairing. A warm and comforting bowl of soup complements the sandwich perfectly. Opt for a low-carb tomato soup or a hearty keto mushroom soup for a filling lunch. During the spring and summer, a refreshing salad is a great option. Whip up a crisp green salad or a keto Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the sandwich.
If you're looking for a lighter option, grilled zucchini itself can be a fantastic side dish. Season it with salt and pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs for a burst of flavour. Grilled zucchini goes well with a variety of dishes, from summery pesto pasta to veggie burgers and grilled proteins. Its versatility makes it a great choice to accompany your zucchini grilled cheese.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the sandwich with a side of summer pasta or pizza. A pesto pizza or cherry tomato pasta can add a burst of flavour and colour to your plate. If you're craving something more substantial, go for a classic cookout fare like black bean burgers or vegan hot dogs. These options will surely satisfy your hunger and taste buds!
Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative! Zucchini grilled cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to suit your preferences. Experiment with different combinations and find your favourite pairings. Remember, the most important part is to enjoy your meal and indulge in the cheesy, zucchini goodness!
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Frequently asked questions
One slice of zucchini "bread" has 5 grams of carbs.
Zucchini grilled cheese is a sandwich made with zucchini "bread" and cheese. The zucchini "bread" is made from grated zucchini, egg, and cheese.
First, squeeze the moisture out of grated zucchini. Then, mix the zucchini with egg, cheese, and seasoning. Form the mixture into slices and cook them in a pan. Finally, make a sandwich with the zucchini "bread" slices and cheese.
Zucchini grilled cheese can be served with soup, such as low-carb tomato soup or keto mushroom soup, or with a salad.
