The Low-Carb Melt You Didn’t Know You Needed — crunchy, cheesy, and guilt-free!
📝 Recipe Card
Hook
Crispy Zucchini Grilled Cheese – A golden, low-carb twist on the classic grilled cheese, where zucchini “bread” meets gooey melted cheddar. Comfort food made healthier!
Servings & Timing
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Servings: 2 sandwiches
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Dietary Badges
🥒 Low-Carb | 🌾 Gluten-Free | 🧀 Comfort Food
Ingredients
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2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium, excess moisture squeezed out)
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1 large egg
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2 scallions, thinly sliced
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½ cup finely grated Parmesan
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¼ cup cornstarch
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
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Prep Zucchini: Grate zucchini and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel or cheesecloth.
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Make the “Bread”: In a bowl, mix zucchini, egg, scallions, Parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until a thick batter forms.
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Form & Cook: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop mixture into 4 equal mounds and flatten into rectangles or rounds (these will be your bread slices). Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate.
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Assemble Sandwiches: Place one zucchini “bread” slice back in the pan, sprinkle ½ cup cheddar over it, top with another slice, then add another layer of cheese on top. Cover with the final zucchini slice. Repeat for the second sandwich.
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Melt & Serve: Cook sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until cheese is fully melted. Slice and enjoy warm.
Brief Introduction
This zucchini grilled cheese is a clever swap that satisfies cravings without the carbs. The zucchini “bread” is crispy outside, tender inside, and holds up beautifully to melty cheddar. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or a fun veggie-forward snack.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
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Zucchini: Must be squeezed dry — too much liquid = soggy “bread.”
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Parmesan: Adds saltiness and binding power; swap with Pecorino Romano.
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Cornstarch: Helps crisp up; almond flour can be used for a keto-friendly version.
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Cheddar Cheese: Use mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for spice.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
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Caprese Melt: Add sliced tomato and fresh basil inside.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes in the zucchini batter.
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Breakfast Twist: Add cooked bacon or a fried egg in the middle.
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Serve With: Tomato soup, marinara dipping sauce, or a fresh green salad.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Best in skillet or air fryer for crispiness.
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Freezer: Not recommended — zucchini “bread” may get soggy after thawing.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake the zucchini slices instead of frying?
A: Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: My zucchini bread fell apart — what went wrong?
A: It may have had too much moisture. Be sure to squeeze zucchini very dry.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes — swap cheese with a dairy-free shredded blend and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Personal Note
This recipe is a lifesaver when I’m craving grilled cheese but want to keep it light. The crispiness + gooey cheddar combo hits all the comfort food notes — without the guilt.
Call to Action
If you try this Crispy Zucchini Grilled Cheese, let me know your favorite add-ins! ⭐ Do you keep it classic cheddar, or spice it up with jalapeños, bacon, or herbs?
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