Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining crispy garlic butter zucchini patties with melted cheddar cheese. This low-carb option is perfect for lunch, snack time, or even a light dinner. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for various occasions from casual get-togethers to cozy family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb Delight: Enjoy the flavors of grilled cheese without the carbs, making it a great option for keto diets.
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of total time, you can whip up this delicious sandwich in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the zucchini mix.
- Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of garlic butter and melted cheddar creates a mouthwatering texture and taste that everyone will love.
- Healthy Alternative: Packed with zucchini, this recipe provides essential nutrients while keeping the indulgence factor high.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Zucchini Grilled Cheese, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cheesecloth or kitchen towel
- Skillet
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients thoroughly to achieve the right texture.
- Cheesecloth or kitchen towel: Helps remove excess moisture from the grated zucchini, ensuring your patties are crispy.
- Skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked zucchini patties.

Ingredients
For the Zucchini Patties
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 T Fresh Churned Garlic Butter
For the Sandwich
- 1–2 cups shredded Cheddar
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Squeeze Out Moisture
Squeeze moisture out of grated zucchini using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel. This step is crucial for achieving crispy patties.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place dry zucchini in a mixing bowl. Add egg, Parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well with a fork until combined into a dough-like texture.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Heat garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 4: Form Patties
Scoop half the zucchini mixture into the skillet and shape it into a patty; repeat this process for the second patty.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden
Cook each patty for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Add shredded cheddar cheese on top of one patty. Place the second patty on top to form a sandwich. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 7: Serve Your Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious low-carb Zucchini Grilled Cheese!
How to Serve Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a delicious and unique twist on the classic sandwich. It’s not only low in carbs but also full of flavor, making it a fantastic option for lunch or a light dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Pair with a Salad
- Mixed Greens: Fresh mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the grilled cheese.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar with crisp romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing complements the cheesy goodness perfectly.
Add Dipping Sauces
- Tomato Basil Sauce: A warm tomato basil sauce offers a comforting dip that pairs well with the zucchini patties.
- Avocado Cream: Smooth avocado cream adds a creamy texture and vibrant flavor that enhances every bite.
Include Fresh Veggies
- Cucumber Slices: Cool cucumber slices add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the warm sandwich.
- Carrot Sticks: Crunchy carrot sticks provide a healthy side that is easy to prepare and fun to munch on.
How to Perfect Zucchini Grilled Cheese
To achieve the best Zucchini Grilled Cheese, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your cooking experience.
- Use Fresh Zucchini: Choose firm zucchinis for better texture and flavor in your patties.
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: Ensure you remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini for crispier patties.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to customize salt and pepper levels according to your taste preferences.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your patties while cooking to prevent burning; golden brown is ideal!
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your sandwich right after cooking for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Zucchini Grilled Cheese pairs wonderfully with various sides that add nutrition and flavor. Here are some great options to consider.
- Chips: Crunchy vegetable chips lend a satisfying crunch alongside your cheesy creation.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, balancing out the savory grilled cheese.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a tangy contrast that complements the richness of the sandwich.
- Pickles: Serve dill or bread-and-butter pickles for a zesty bite that enhances each mouthful.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer both color and nutrients, making your plate more appealing.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries are a hearty side that pairs beautifully with the flavors of zucchini grilled cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Zucchini Grilled Cheese even more delicious.
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Not draining the zucchini properly: Failing to remove excess moisture can lead to soggy patties. Use a cheesecloth or kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing.
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Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting salt and pepper can dull the flavor of your grilled cheese. Always season your mixture to enhance its taste.
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Overcooking the patties: Cooking them for too long can result in burnt edges. Aim for a golden-brown color and flip them at the right time, usually around 3-4 minutes per side.
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Using low-quality cheese: Poor-quality cheese won’t melt well or provide the desired flavor. Opt for a good quality shredded cheddar for the best results.
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Not allowing it to cool slightly: Cutting into your grilled cheese immediately can cause the melted cheese to ooze out. Let it cool for a minute before slicing to keep everything intact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Zucchini Grilled Cheese in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Zucchini Grilled Cheese
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Zucchini Grilled Cheese
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, but be cautious as this may make it soggy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, covering with a lid to help melt the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about making Zucchini Grilled Cheese.
Can I use other cheeses for my Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for varied flavors and textures.
What can I serve with Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, tomato soup, or even pickles for added crunch and flavor.
Is Zucchini Grilled Cheese keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is low in carbs, making it suitable for those following a keto diet.
How do I customize my Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Feel free to add herbs, spices, or even vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into your zucchini mixture to boost flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini Grilled Cheese is not only a tasty twist on a classic favorite but also versatile. You can customize it with various cheeses and veggies according to your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a scrumptious, low-carb twist on the classic sandwich that brings together the delightful flavors of crispy zucchini patties and gooey melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for lunch, snacks, or even a light dinner, showcasing how you can indulge without the carbs. With its mouthwatering garlic butter notes and customizable ingredients, Zucchini Grilled Cheese is sure to become a favorite for gatherings and cozy family meals alike. Enjoy it fresh off the skillet for the ultimate cheesy experience!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 2 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Squeeze out excess moisture from grated zucchini using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine dry zucchini with egg, Parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until you achieve a dough-like texture.
- Heat garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Shape half of the zucchini mixture into a patty and place it in the skillet; repeat for the second patty.
- Cook each patty for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Top one patty with shredded cheddar cheese and place the second patty on top to create a sandwich. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
