Zucchini Grilled Cheese is the perfect solution for those craving a cheesy, comforting sandwich without the carbs. This delightful twist on the classic uses crispy garlic butter zucchini patties instead of bread, making it suitable for lunch or a quick snack. The melted cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor that complements the zucchini beautifully. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty dish while keeping their meals wholesome and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb Delight: Enjoy all the cheesy goodness with fewer carbs, making it great for keto diets.
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from prep to plate, it’s perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful Twist: The garlic butter adds a unique taste that elevates each bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch.
- Single Serving: This recipe makes one sandwich; perfect for solo lunch breaks!
Tools and Preparation
To make your Zucchini Grilled Cheese, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cheesecloth or kitchen towel
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy texture we love.
- Mixing bowl: It’s vital for combining ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
- Cheesecloth or kitchen towel: This tool is key for squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini, preventing sogginess in your patties.

Ingredients
Zucchini Grilled Cheese made with crispy garlic butter zucchini patties and melted cheddar cheese is a low-carb twist on the classic sandwich.
For the Patties
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 T Fresh Churned Garlic Butter
For the Sandwich
- 1–2 cups shredded Cheddar
How to Make Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Squeeze moisture out of grated zucchini using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel.
- Place dry zucchini in a mixing bowl and add egg, Parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well with a fork until combined into a dough-like texture.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
- Heat garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop half the zucchini mixture into the skillet and shape into a patty; repeat for the second patty.
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich
- Add shredded cheddar cheese on one patty.
- Place the second patty on top to form a sandwich.
- Cook for 3 more minutes until cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Now you have a delicious Zucchini Grilled Cheese that’s sure to satisfy your cravings! Enjoy this tasty dish anytime you want something comforting yet healthy.
How to Serve Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the traditional sandwich, offering both flavor and texture. Here are some creative ways to serve this dish for an enjoyable meal experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens – A light salad with a variety of greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the grilled cheese.
- Caesar Salad – This classic salad pairs well, adding crunch and creaminess that balances the flavors.
Add a Side of Soup
- Tomato Basil Soup – The acidity of tomato soup enhances the cheesy goodness of the sandwich.
- Vegetable Broth – A warm bowl of vegetable broth keeps it light while providing comforting flavors.
Serve with Dips
- Garlic Aioli – Enhance your zucchini grilled cheese with a creamy garlic dip for extra flavor.
- Salsa Verde – A vibrant salsa adds freshness and zest, making each bite more exciting.
How to Perfect Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Perfecting your Zucchini Grilled Cheese can elevate this dish to the next level. Here are some tips to ensure your sandwich turns out wonderfully every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly grated zucchini and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Squeeze Out Moisture – Removing excess moisture from the zucchini prevents sogginess and helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Preheat Your Skillet – Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding butter and zucchini patties for even cooking.
- Cook Slowly – Cooking over medium heat allows the patties to crisp up without burning while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
- Experiment with Cheeses – Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavors and textures.
Best Side Dishes for Zucchini Grilled Cheese
To round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with Zucchini Grilled Cheese. Each option brings its own unique flair to your plate.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, making them a perfect complement.
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool contrast to the warm sandwich.
- Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture while balancing out the richness of the grilled cheese.
- Roasted Veggies – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color and nutrients, enhancing your overall meal.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
- Quinoa Salad – This protein-packed salad adds heartiness while keeping it healthy and satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Zucchini Grilled Cheese, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not squeezing out moisture: Failing to remove excess water from the grated zucchini can lead to soggy patties. Always squeeze the zucchini thoroughly using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel.
- Skipping seasoning: Bland patties can ruin the taste. Remember to add salt and pepper to the mixture for flavor enhancement.
- Inconsistent patty size: Unevenly shaped patties can cook unevenly. Use a measuring cup or your hands to create uniform patties for even cooking.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too many patties at once can lower the pan’s temperature. Cook in batches if necessary for a crispy texture.
- Not allowing cheese to melt properly: If you rush this step, you’ll miss out on gooey goodness. Give it enough time on low heat so that the cheese melts perfectly between the patties.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Zucchini Grilled Cheese
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Zucchini Grilled Cheese
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This method is quick but may result in less crispiness.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side, covering with a lid to help melt the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Zucchini Grilled Cheese.
What type of cheese works best for Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Cheddar is a great choice due to its melting properties, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
Can I make Zucchini Grilled Cheese vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture and use vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based version.
How do I prevent my zucchini from becoming mushy?
Squeezing out moisture is key. Make sure you thoroughly drain your grated zucchini before mixing it with other ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to my Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or onions can be added for extra flavor and nutrients.
How do I store leftover Zucchini Grilled Cheese?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering both flavor and versatility. You can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or veggies. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!
Zucchini Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
Zucchini Grilled Cheese is a delightful, low-carb alternative to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Using crispy garlic butter zucchini patties instead of traditional bread, this recipe is perfect for lunch or a quick snack without compromising on flavor. The melted cheddar cheese adds a rich taste that pairs beautifully with the zucchini, making each bite satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic butter
- 1–2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a kitchen towel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry zucchini with the egg, Parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Heat garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Form two patties from the mixture and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Assemble your sandwich by layering shredded cheddar cheese between the patties and cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or spices for added flavor. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique tastes. Pair with a side salad or soup for a complete meal experience.




