Description
Crispy Zucchini Grilled Cheese with Garlic Butter is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Juicy sautéed zucchini combined with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all nestled between slices of garlic buttered bread, creates a savory and crispy meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Bread and Cheese
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or whole-grain recommended)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Butter and Oils
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchinis using a box grater and transfer the shreds to a colander. Sprinkle with salt, toss gently, and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Squeeze out moisture: After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini to ensure a crispy texture.
- Sauté the zucchini: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add grated zucchini and black pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly golden. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Make garlic butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic in a small bowl until combined. Spread garlic butter generously on one side of each bread slice.
- Heat skillet and arrange bread: Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place two slices of bread, butter side down, onto the skillet.
- Add cheese and zucchini: On each bread slice in the skillet, layer shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then evenly spread the sautéed zucchini over the cheese layer.
- Top the sandwich: Add remaining cheese on top of the zucchini layer and cover with another slice of bread, butter side up.
- Grill the sandwich: Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Rest the sandwich: Remove from pan and let rest for a minute to firm up for easy cutting without losing melted cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the sandwiches before serving for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Pressing out zucchini moisture is key to prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Use a good quality bread like sourdough to hold the sandwich well and add flavor.
- Adjust the cheese blend based on taste preferences or availability.
- Cooking times may vary depending on skillet heat and bread thickness.
- Letting the sandwich rest helps maintain the melted cheese integrity when cutting.
