This Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic favorite! Made with cheesy goodness and crispy zucchini, it’s perfect for a quick meal or snack.
You won’t believe how tasty this is! I love how the zucchini adds a bit of crunch, making every bite extra yummy. It’s a winner for both kids and adults at my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key here for that moist texture. If you don’t have zucchini, yellow squash works too! You can even try using shredded carrots for a different flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the usual choice, but whole wheat flour can add nutty flavor. For gluten-free, consider almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend – just keep an eye on the moisture level.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. You can substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack for a milder or spicy kick. Just remember, the cheese should melt well.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the mixture. To make it vegan, use flax eggs (mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce. The texture may vary a bit, but you’ll still get delicious patties!
How Do I Prevent My Zucchini Grilled Cheese from Being Soggy?
The secret to crispy zucchini patties is all about removing excess moisture from the zucchini. After grating, take a clean kitchen towel and give the zucchini a good squeeze. This step dramatically reduces water content.
- Use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchini.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel, twist, and squeeze firmly to wring out as much liquid as possible.
- Once your zucchini is dry, mix it with the other ingredients as instructed. You’ll notice a big difference in texture!
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Patties:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Butter or olive oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes for a delicious batch of zucchini grilled cheese that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grating the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using either a box grater or a food processor. Once you have about 2 cups of grated zucchini, place it into a clean kitchen towel. Now, twist and squeeze the towel to get rid of as much moisture as you can. This step is super important to avoid sogginess in your patties!
2. Mixing Your Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and the beaten eggs. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and looks nice and combined.
3. Cooking the Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add just a small amount of butter or olive oil to coat the surface. Once it’s hot, use a spoon to drop some of the zucchini mixture onto the skillet. Flatten them gently with the back of the spoon to form nice even patties.
4. Frying Each Side:
Let the patties cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Then, carefully flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until they’re nice and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
5. Cooling and Serving:
Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Serve the zucchini grilled cheese warm, and feel free to add extra melted cheese between layers for a yummy twist. Enjoy these as a delightful snack or a side dish!
Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor profile and melting texture of your grilled cheese bites.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a blend such as almond flour (for a low-carb option). Just ensure that any substitutes you use are labeled as gluten-free to meet dietary needs.
What Should I Do If the Zucchini Mixture Is Too Wet?
If the mixture seems too wet after squeezing out the moisture, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it holds together better. Alternatively, additional zucchini can be squeezed and drained to help balance the moisture level.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until hot. Enjoy your leftovers as a quick snack or side!
