Zucchini Grilled Cheese: Perfect Pairing For A Summer Lunch

Zucchini grilled cheese is a fun and easy recipe for those days when you have a few zucchini to use up. This recipe is for those who want to enjoy a warm, melty grilled cheese sandwich while getting a serving of vegetables. The bread in this recipe is made with grated zucchini, eggs, almond flour, and grated parmesan cheese. The zucchini slices can be cut thin or shredded, and it is important to squeeze out the excess water before cooking. The zucchini grilled cheese sandwich can be served with a side of grilled zucchini with parmesan, which complements the sandwich well.

How to make zucchini grilled cheese

Ingredients:

• Zucchini
• Scallions
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Shredded cheddar
• Eggs
• Finely grated Parmesan
• Cornstarch

Method:

• Squeeze the excess moisture out of the grated zucchini with a clean kitchen towel.
• In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini, egg, scallions, Parmesan, and cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour oil into a large skillet over medium heat to coat the bottom.
• Scoop about 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture into the skillet and shape it into a small square. Repeat to form another patty.
• Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden. Transfer to a paper towel and let drain. Repeat with the remaining zucchini mixture.
• In the same skillet, arrange two zucchini patties side by side. Top the patties with shredded cheddar and place two more zucchini patties on top to form sandwiches.
• Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted.
• Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining zucchini patties and cheese.

Tips:

• Ensure you remove as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. This will help the mixture hold together and fry well.
• You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, fontina, or provolone.
• For a dairy-free option, replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and choose a vegan cheese.
• To make the recipe in a frying pan, form patties with the zucchini dough and fry them until golden brown. Then, add the cheese and cook until it melts.

Enjoy your zucchini grilled cheese!

What to serve with zucchini grilled cheese

Zucchini grilled cheese is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for when you're craving something warm and cheesy but want to skip the bread. If you're looking for some side dishes to round out your meal, here are some ideas to get you started:

Soups

Zucchini grilled cheese pairs well with a variety of soups. For a classic combination, try serving it with a cup of tomato soup. If you're looking for something a little heartier, a beef bean pasta bake or a slow cooker lemon garlic chicken soup could be a perfect match.

Salads

For a lighter option, pair your zucchini grilled cheese with a crisp green salad or a keto Caesar salad. This will help balance out the richness of the sandwich and provide a refreshing contrast.

Dips and Condiments

Take your zucchini grilled cheese to the next level by serving it with some tasty dips and condiments. Try a small bowl of balsamic vinegar for dipping the crusts, or spread some mayonnaise or Dijon mustard on the bread before grilling. If you're feeling adventurous, add a splash of hot sauce to your sandwich for an extra kick.

Vegetables

If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, grilled red peppers or eggplant slices would be a great choice. You could also include some sliced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, or cucumber. If you're feeling really fancy, why not try making some pickled vegetable slaw to accompany your sandwich?

Meat

For a heartier meal, consider adding some meat to your zucchini grilled cheese. Salami, parma ham, chorizo, grilled chicken, or pulled pork would all be delicious options.

Drinks

To wash down your delicious zucchini grilled cheese, you might want to consider a refreshing beverage. A crisp white wine or a cold beer would pair nicely with the sandwich. If you're looking for something non-alcoholic, a glass of iced tea or lemonade could be a perfect choice.

With these ideas in mind, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal to enjoy your zucchini grilled cheese. Bon appétit!

How to season zucchini grilled cheese

Zucchini grilled cheese is a fun and tasty recipe that can be seasoned in many ways. Here are some tips on how to season zucchini grilled cheese:

Preparing the Zucchini

The first step is to prepare the zucchini. Grate the zucchini, and then squeeze out the excess moisture using a kitchen towel, muslin cloth, or cheesecloth. This step is important as it ensures that your zucchini "bread" holds together and fries well. You can also add an egg to the zucchini mixture to help bind it.

Seasoning the Zucchini

Now, it's time to season the zucchini. You can add various ingredients to enhance the flavor:

• Cheese: Grated Parmesan, shredded cheddar, Gruyere, fontina, or provolone cheese are all excellent options. You can also get creative and use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, gouda, or Edam.
• Spices and Herbs: Black pepper, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt are great choices to elevate the flavor of your zucchini grilled cheese.
• Other Ingredients: You can also add scallions, cornstarch, or breadcrumbs to the zucchini mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Assembling the Sandwich

Once your zucchini mixture is seasoned to your liking, it's time to assemble the sandwich. You can use zucchini "bread" slices and fill them with your favorite type of cheese. If you prefer a more traditional approach, simply add zucchini slices or shreds to your favorite grilled cheese sandwich recipe.

Cooking and Serving

Cook your zucchini grilled cheese in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place them buttered-side down in the pan. Cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. For an extra flavor boost, serve your zucchini grilled cheese with a side of balsamic vinegar for dipping.

How to cook zucchini grilled cheese

Ingredients

• Zucchini
• Eggs
• Almond flour/regular flour
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Seasonings: Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• Cheese of choice: mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or gruyere
• Butter or olive oil

Method

First, grate the zucchini in a food processor or with a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a muslin cloth or fine tea towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.

Next, combine the zucchini with the eggs, flour, parmesan, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

For the breaded zucchini option, divide the mixture into small portions and form them into patties or bread-shaped slices. Fry these in a pan with some butter or olive oil until golden brown on both sides.

If you prefer to bake the zucchini, press the mixture into a baking pan so it forms a level layer about 1/4 inch thick. Bake in the oven until golden. Once cooked, slice the zucchini bread into squares.

Now it's time to assemble the grilled cheese! Place cheese in the middle of one zucchini slice and grill until melted. You can also add toppings like tomato or extra shredded zucchini if desired. Top with another zucchini slice and serve.

Enjoy your zucchini grilled cheese!

Variations of zucchini grilled cheese

Zucchini grilled cheese is a versatile dish that can be modified in numerous ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for variations to the classic zucchini grilled cheese:

Bread alternatives

For a gluten-free, grain-free, and keto-friendly option, consider using zucchini "bread". This can be made by combining grated zucchini with eggs, almond flour, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. The mixture is then baked until golden and used as bread slices for the grilled cheese. This option is not only healthier but also adds a crispy texture and extra flavour to the sandwich.

Cheese variations

The type of cheese used in zucchini grilled cheese can be varied to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For the best stringy cheese filling, pre-sliced cheese works well. Cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, gruyere, fontina or provolone cheese are all excellent choices that melt well and add a salty or nutty flavour to the sandwich. For a more sophisticated sandwich, consider using Camenbert, Brie, or Roquefort cheese. Vegan cheese slices can also be used to make a dairy-free version.

Meat additions

To make a heartier meal, consider adding some deli meat to your zucchini grilled cheese. Salami, parma ham, chorizo, grilled chicken, or pulled pork would all make excellent additions. Bacon is another popular choice that can be used inside the sandwich or on the side.

Vegetable additions

In addition to zucchini, other vegetables can be added to the grilled cheese for extra flavour and nutrition. Grilled red peppers, eggplant slices, sliced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, or cucumber slices can all be included. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some garlic or caramelized onions to the zucchini mixture.

Condiments

To take your zucchini grilled cheese to the next level, experiment with different condiments. Dijon mustard pairs well with pork or salami, while mayonnaise complements any melted cheese sandwich. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce.

Frequently asked questions