Here’s a mouthwatering and slightly healthier twist on a comfort food favorite: Garlic Butter Zucchini Grilled Cheese. It’s crispy, cheesy, buttery, and packed with flavor — and yes, it sneaks in veggies without sacrificing indulgence.
🧄🧈 Garlic Butter Zucchini Grilled Cheese
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 2 sandwiches)
-
1 medium zucchini, grated
-
¼ tsp salt
-
4 slices of bread (sourdough or your favorite)
-
1½ tbsp butter, softened
-
1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
-
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey jack, or a mix)
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning
👨🍳 Instructions
-
Prep zucchini:
-
Grate zucchini using a box grater.
-
Place in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
-
Squeeze out as much moisture as possible — this is key to avoiding a soggy sandwich.
-
-
Make garlic butter:
-
Mix softened butter with minced garlic (or garlic powder). Set aside.
-
-
Assemble the sandwich:
-
In a bowl, mix the drained zucchini with shredded cheese and a bit of pepper (and optional seasoning).
-
Spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread.
-
Place two slices, butter side down, in a skillet.
-
Top with the zucchini-cheese mixture, then place the other bread slices on top, butter side up.
-
-
Grill:
-
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
-
Grill sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly, until bread is golden and cheese is melty.
-
-
Serve hot with a side of tomato soup, marinara for dipping, or a simple salad.
🧠 Tips & Variations
-
Add-ins: Thin tomato slices, cooked bacon, or a smear of pesto.
-
Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF bread.
-
Low-carb option: Use thick zucchini slices instead of bread and sandwich the cheese between them!