Cheesy Zucchini Grilled Cheese with a Twist
A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring tender zucchini and melted cheese for a comfort food that feels slightly more responsible.
Ingredients
For the sandwiches
- 4 slices slices of bread, sturdy sandwich bread or sourdough
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese total (half sharp cheddar, half mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more if needed
- 1 small garlic clove, grated or minced (optional but excellent)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional twist add ons: a pinch of red pepper flakes, a smear of pesto, or a few slices of tomato (remove extra moisture)
Instructions
Preparation
- Grate the zucchini, then put it in a clean towel or a few paper towels. Sprinkle with a small pinch of salt and let it sit for 5 minutes. Squeeze to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the squeezed zucchini with the cheeses, a little pepper, and the garlic if using.
- Heat a pan on medium. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Cooking
- Place two slices of bread butter side down in the pan.
- Pile the cheesy zucchini mixture evenly on top. Top with the other slices of bread, butter side up.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula. Adjust heat as needed to ensure crisp bread and fully melted cheese.
Notes
For serving, pair with a simple salad or side. You can prep the zucchini ahead and store it in the fridge. Re-squeeze if it releases moisture before mixing with cheese.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g