Cheesy Zucchini Dreams Grilled Cheese Reinvented
Recipe Introduction: Ditch the Bread!
Ever get that craving for a Classic Grilled Cheese , but feel a bit, you know, naughty about all the carbs? Honestly, I do all the time! That's where this little beauty comes in.
We're making Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares , a game changer. It's basically a healthy grilled cheese recipe !
Hook, Line, and Sinker
Think Zucchini Grilled Cheese is weird? Bear with me! It's surprisingly delicious. The Zucchini Crusted Grilled Cheese is packed with flavour. It's the Low Carb Grilled Cheese you never knew you needed.
The Deets on These Cheesy Wonders
This recipe's got a bit of Italian sunshine baked right in, hailing from the desire to sneak more veggies into comfort food.
It's a medium level challenge, taking about 45 minutes total. You get 8 delicious squares perfect for sharing, or, you know, not!
Why You'll Love These Squares
Okay, so, massive bonus: hidden veggies! This Grilled Cheese with Hidden Vegetables offers a big nutritional boost. Plus, it's a pretty good source of protein.
Need a quick lunch or a fun snack for the kids? These Zucchini Cheese squares are perfect. What makes them special? The surprise factor! Nobody expects a courgette grilled cheese recipe to be this good.
Ingredients & Equipment: Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. We're making Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares . Think classic grilled cheese , but with a healthy twist.
Main Ingredients For Zucchini Grilled Cheese
- Zucchini : 450g (1 lb), about 2 medium. Look for firm, smooth ones. Honestly, you want good quality Zucchini Cheese here.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon , plus more to taste.
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Parmesan cheese: 50g (1/2 cup), grated.
- Mozzarella cheese: 25g (1/4 cup), grated.
- All-purpose flour: 30g (1/4 cup), plus more if needed.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons .
- Cheddar cheese: 100g (3.5 oz), 4 slices.
- Monterey Jack cheese: 100g (3.5 oz), 4 slices.
Seasoning Notes For your Zucchini Crusted Grilled Cheese
Garlic powder and onion powder will elevate Zucchini Cheese . Italian seasoning adds a Mediterranean flair. Red pepper flakes? For some Zucchini Crusted Grilled Cheese .
No, honestly, it is up to you!
If you're feeling fancy, chuck in a pinch of dried herbs. Basil or oregano works a treat. Can't find Monterey Jack? Use another good melting cheese. Havarti works nicely.
Equipment Needed for This Courgette Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Box grater
- Large mixing bowl
- Kitchen towel
- Large skillet
- Spatula
That's it. No need for fancy gadgets. A frying pan is essential. I tried making the Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares once on a George Foreman grill and it was a disaster!
A Word about Equipment
A potato ricer can substitute a towel. Honestly? A bit of elbow grease does the job best. Make sure your skillet is non-stick, or your Zucchini Cheese will be stuck solid!
Cooking Method: Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares
Okay, right then! Let's talk about these Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares . Sounds posh, doesn't it? It's basically a Classic Grilled Cheese , but we're sneaking in some veggies! It´s a Healthy Grilled Cheese Recipe !.
Almost feels like you're being healthy, even when you're indulging in pure cheesy goodness.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place: Grate your 2 medium zucchini (about 450g/1 lb ), cheese, and have everything measured out. This saves time later.
Honestly, it's worth it. Time saving organization tips: Grate the zucchini first. Then, salt it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit in a colander for 15 minutes .
This removes excess water. You know, nobody wants a soggy bottom! Safety reminders: Watch those fingers when grating. Ouch! Also, be careful when flipping hot crusts.
It´s crucial to avoid burns.
step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!
- Squeeze out all the moisture from the zucchini using a clean tea towel. Wring it out like you mean it!
- Mix the zucchini with 1 lightly beaten large egg , 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan, 1/4 cup (25g) mozzarella, and 1/4 cup (30g) flour.
- Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Form them into squares.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the crusts for 5- 7 minutes per side. Aim for golden brown perfection.
- Add cheese slices on 4 crusts, both 4 slices (about 100g/3.5 oz) cheddar cheese and 4 slices (about 100g/3.5 oz) Monterey Jack cheese .
- Top with the remaining crusts. Grill for 2- 3 minutes per side.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game
Expert techniques: Press down gently with a spatula. This helps the cheese melt evenly and gives a nice, even crust.
Common mistakes: Don't skip squeezing the zucchini! Soggy Zucchini Crusted Grilled Cheese is no fun. make-ahead option: You can grate and squeeze the zucchini ahead of time.
Store it in the fridge for up to a day.
This Courgette Grilled Cheese Recipe is a cracking way to get some extra veg into your diet. Plus, it tastes amazing! These Zucchini Grilled Cheese Squares are a fun twist on a Low Carb Grilled Cheese and Grilled Cheese with Hidden Vegetables .
Give it a whirl! I tell ya, you won't regret it! This a very good High Protein Grilled Cheese .
Recipe Notes for Cheesy Zucchini Dreams
Right, so you're about to dive into making these Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares . Honestly, it's easier than it sounds.
I know, anything with "crust" can seem intimidating, but trust me. These notes will make your life so much easier.
Think of it as your cheat sheet to Zucchini Crusted Grilled Cheese heaven!
Ace Your Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you've got these golden Zucchini Grilled Cheese squares. Now what? Presentation matters, doesn't it? I'd say, cut them into triangles for extra fancy points! Dipping them in a bit of warm marinara sauce is a total game changer.
Or, you know, just pile 'em on a plate and dig in like no one's watching. I wont judge.
For sides, a simple green salad is amazing. It balances out the richness. If you're feeling fancy, go for a tomato soup.
It is the ultimate Classic Grilled Cheese companion. For beverages, consider a glass of orange juice or a nice glass of ice cold lemonade.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive
Can you store these? Yes, you can! But they are best fresh. Honestly, who has leftovers of Zucchini Cheese anyways?
If you must, refrigerate leftover squares in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in a skillet over medium low heat.
Give them each side 2- 3 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the crust won't be as crispy.
Freezing is not recommended. They'll get soggy, and nobody wants that.
Supercharge your "Cheesy Zucchini Dreams": Variation Station
Want to spice things up a bit? Let's talk variations!
- Low Carb Grilled Cheese Adventure: Swap the regular flour for almond flour. Then you've got a lower carb Healthy Grilled Cheese Recipe .
- Season Swaps: In the summer, fresh basil from your garden will be amazing in the Vegetable Crust Grilled Cheese . In the winter, throw in some roasted butternut squash puree into the filling for a sweeter taste. And if you want a High Protein Grilled Cheese , add sliced ham or bacon to the filling!
Nutrition Knowledge Nuggets
Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving of these Courgette Grilled Cheese Recipe beauties clocks in around 350-400 calories. But here's the good news: they're packed with about 25g of protein! And the zucchini adds a boost of vitamins and fiber.
It's like eating your vegetables without really eating your vegetables. Which, let's be honest, is a win. Plus this is a great Grilled Cheese with Hidden Vegetables .
Honestly, it's not about being perfect. It's about enjoying good food and having fun in the kitchen. So, go forth and make some Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares ! You've got this! You will now go make some great Zucchini Crusted Grilled Cheese !
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares are soggy. What did I do wrong?
Sogginess is the nemesis of a good zucchini crust! The most likely culprit is excess moisture in the zucchini. Make sure you thoroughly salt the grated zucchini and let it drain for the recommended time. Then, wring it out in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth like you're trying to win the Great British Squeeze Off.
Adding a touch more flour can also help bind the mixture.
Can I make the Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares ahead of time?
You can prep the zucchini crust mixture ahead of time, but I wouldn't recommend cooking the crusts entirely in advance. The pre-made zucchini mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, the crusts are best enjoyed immediately after cooking to maintain their crispiness.
You could cook the crusts most of the way, and then finish the grilling process at the moment.
I'm not a fan of cheddar. What other cheese can I use for these Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares?
Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to get creative! Any good melting cheese will work well in these Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares. Monterey Jack, Havarti, provolone, Gouda, or even a mild Swiss would be delicious. For a spicy kick, try pepper jack or a jalapeño cheddar.
Experiment and find your perfect cheesy combination!
Are there any variations I can try to spice up these grilled cheese squares?
Absolutely! Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for flavour. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the zucchini mixture for a bit of heat. You could also incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. Some herbs like basil or oregano into the mix can also do wonders.
What's the best way to store leftover Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the crust will lose some of its crispness. To reheat, try using a skillet over low heat or a toaster oven to help crisp up the crust again. A microwave will make them edible, but not great.
Are these Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares actually healthy?
Compared to a regular grilled cheese, these are definitely a step in a healthier direction! You're getting a boost of vegetables from the zucchini, which adds fiber and nutrients. Using reduced fat cheese and controlling the amount of oil can further reduce the calorie and fat content.
However, keep in mind that they still contain cheese and flour, so moderation is key. It is a great way to introduce vegetables, though!
Cheesy Zucchini Dreams Grilled Cheese Reinvented
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 15g |
