Who doesn’t love a gooey grilled cheese? This zucchini twist adds veggies to your favorite comfort food! Melted cheese between two golden slices is simply irresistible.
I love sneaking in those zucchini slices—it’s like a tasty ninja move for healthy eating! Perfect with a side of soup or just on its own for an easy lunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the recipe. Grating it adds moisture without heaviness. If zucchini isn’t available, try using yellow squash for a similar texture and flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for flavor. If you’re looking for something different, feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack if you like a bit of spice.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind the mixture. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond or coconut flour, but keep in mind they have different flavors and textures, so start with less and adjust accordingly.
Butter: Essential for frying to get that nice, crispy texture. You can replace it with olive oil if you want a dairy-free version. Just monitor the heat, as oil tends to burn faster than butter.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Grilled Cheese Patties Don’t Fall Apart?
One of the keys to making perfect zucchini patties is removing excess moisture. If the mixture is too watery, the patties won’t hold together. Here’s how to do it:
- After grating the zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel and twist to wring out as much moisture as possible.
- This step also makes the patties crispier, so don’t skip it!
Also, when you form the patties, keep them slightly thicker, around 1/2 inch, to help them hold together during cooking.
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 cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Additional cheese for layering (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. So, in no time, you’ll be enjoying a warm and cheesy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater. It’s important to squeeze out excess moisture, so place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to remove as much water as possible. This keeps your mixture from being too soggy.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, chopped parsley (if you’re using it), garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, thick mixture that holds together.
3. Cook the Zucchini Patties:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, letting it melt. Take a scoop of the zucchini mixture and flatten it into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Place the patty in the skillet and cook it for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it turns a lovely golden brown and crispy. Keep going with the remaining mixture, adding butter to the skillet as needed.
4. Make it a Grilled Cheese:
Once you have your zucchini patties cooked, take two patties and layer some extra cheese between them to create a sandwich. Return the sandwich to the skillet and cook it for another 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is deliciously melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the zucchini grilled cheese from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting it into halves or quarters. You can garnish with additional herbs if you like, and serve it warm. Enjoy your tasty Zucchini Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar works wonderfully, you can substitute it with other varieties like mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a kick. Just make sure to use cheese that melts well for that gooey texture!
What If My Zucchini Is Too Watery?
If your zucchini is still too watery after squeezing it out, try letting it sit in a colander for an additional 10-15 minutes. You can also sprinkle some salt on the grated zucchini beforehand to help draw out excess moisture, then rinse and squeeze again.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just give it a good stir again before forming the patties. Cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini grilled cheese patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of that crispiness!
