Zucchini Grilled Cheese: Irresistible Garlic Butter Recipe
This Zucchini Grilled Cheese recipe delivers an irresistible twist on classic grilled cheese by incorporating moisture-rich grated zucchini combined with Parmesan and cornstarch, then cooked in fragrant garlic butter and stuffed with melted cheddar. The result is a crispy, flavorful, vegetable-packed sandwich perfect for a comforting lunch or snack.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetable Mixture
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh churned garlic butter
- 1–2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- Remove excess moisture: Squeeze the grated zucchini thoroughly using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible, ensuring the mixture will hold together properly.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the dried zucchini into a mixing bowl and add the egg, freshly grated Parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well with a fork until the ingredients form a dough-like texture.
- Prepare cooking surface: Heat the fresh churned garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and infuse the pan with garlic flavor.
- Form zucchini patties: Scoop half of the zucchini mixture onto one side of the skillet, shaping it into a round, flat patty. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture to create a second patty.
- Cook patties: Cook each patty for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown, crisp exterior.
- Add cheese and assemble sandwich: Place shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of one zucchini patty, then cover it with the second patty, forming a sandwich.
- Melt cheese: Cook the assembled sandwich for another 3 minutes to allow the cheddar cheese to melt thoroughly inside.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, let it cool for about 60 seconds, then carefully slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the amount of cheddar cheese depending on your cheese preference—use more for a cheesier result.
- For a crispier texture, you can cook the patties a little longer, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by verifying that the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- Garlic butter adds an aromatic richness, but you can substitute with regular butter or olive oil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Zucchini grilled cheese, vegetarian sandwich, garlic butter grilled cheese, zucchini patties, cheesy zucchini sandwich