Garlic Butter Zucchini Grilled Cheese

$To make the Garlic Butter Zucchini Grilled Cheese, you will need the following: - 4 slices of whole-grain bread - 1 large zucchini, thinly sliced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. Whole-grain bread gives a hearty base. Zucchini adds a fresh taste and texture. Unsalted butter creates a rich flavor, while garlic elevates the taste. Mozzarella offers a melty, gooey goodness. Feta adds a tangy kick. Dried oregano brings in warmth, while salt and pepper balance the flavors. Fresh basil is a perfect finishing touch. This ingredient blend makes for a delightful, tasty sandwich. You can customize it based on your preferences. Feel free to explore! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Making the garlic butter spread First, take a small bowl. Add the softened butter. Then, mix in minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything combines. This mix will give your sandwich a tasty kick. You can adjust the garlic to your liking. - Preparing the zucchini Next, grab your large zucchini. Slice it thinly; aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps the zucchini cook evenly. Set the slices aside on a plate. You will layer them on your sandwich later. - Assembling the sandwich Start with four slices of whole-grain bread. Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice. Then, take two slices and place them buttered side down. On these, add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly. Layer the zucchini slices on top, then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella. Top with the other two slices of bread, buttered side out. - Cooking on the grill pan or skillet Heat your grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes. Press down slightly with a spatula. This helps the cheese melt and the bread to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. - Cutting and garnishing the sandwich Once your sandwiches are golden and the cheese is melted, remove them from the heat. Let them cool for a minute. Use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich in half diagonally. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves on the side. These add color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your garlic butter zucchini grilled cheese! Choosing the right type of bread I love using whole-grain bread for its nutty taste. It adds depth to the sandwich. You can also try sourdough for a tangy flavor. Just make sure it is sturdy enough to hold the filling. Tips for perfecting the garlic butter For a great garlic butter, mix the butter with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes for the flavors to blend. This makes a rich spread that packs a punch. Optimal heat settings Set your heat to medium. Too high, and the bread burns before the cheese melts. Too low, and it takes forever. You want a nice, even heat to cook the sandwich perfectly. Achieving the perfect golden brown Grill each sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Press down gently with a spatula. This helps the bread get that nice golden color. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The goal is a crispy crust and melted cheese inside. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Whole-grain bread adds a nutty flavor and texture that complements the cheese and zucchini beautifully. Prep Zucchini Ahead: For even cooking, slice the zucchini thinly and consider salting it lightly to draw out excess moisture before grilling. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Press for Perfect Grilling: Press down on the sandwich with a spatula while grilling to ensure even melting and a crisp crust. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese. Try using cheddar or gouda for a new taste. Both melt well and add great flavor. If you want a creamier option, use brie. For veggies, zucchini is great, but don't stop there. Add sliced mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition. You can even mix in bell peppers for a colorful touch. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty options that work well. Just check the labels to ensure they suit your needs. If you want a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based spread. Use vegan cheese to keep the cheesy flavor. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste, too. These swaps keep the meal tasty and friendly for everyone. To store leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This keeps the sandwiches fresh and prevents them from drying out. Make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the bread crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the bread may become soft. Heat for about 30 seconds, then check and heat more if needed. You can freeze both raw and cooked sandwiches. For raw sandwiches, assemble them without grilling. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To freeze cooked sandwiches, let them cool completely first. Then wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, just like the raw version. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. Can I grill these in an oven? Yes, you can grill them in an oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray. Brush each side with garlic butter. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This method gives a nice, crispy texture. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? To keep the bread from getting soggy, use less zucchini. Place the zucchini in a paper towel to absorb extra moisture. Also, use a nice, sturdy bread like whole-grain. Spread the garlic butter well but not too thick. What can I serve with garlic butter zucchini grilled cheese? You can serve this dish with a fresh salad. A simple green salad works well. Tomato soup is a classic side too. You can also add some crispy fries or sweet potato wedges for extra crunch. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for garlic butter zucchini grilled cheese. We covered all the ingredients needed and provided step-by-step instructions for making it. I also included tips for flavor and grilling, variations for dietary needs, and storage advice. This dish is easy to make and can fit many tastes. Enjoy creating it and make it your own. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Butter Zucchini Grilled Cheese

A delicious grilled cheese sandwich featuring zucchini and a flavorful garlic butter spread.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Ingredients

4 slices whole-grain bread
1 large zucchini, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a garlic butter spread.
Heat a grill pan or a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice of whole-grain bread.
On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer half of the mozzarella cheese evenly.
Place the sliced zucchini over the cheese, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
Add the remaining mozzarella on top of the zucchini and then close the sandwich with the other two slices of bread, buttered side out.
Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, pressing down slightly with a spatula.
Once ready, remove from heat and let cool for a minute. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves on the side and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best taste.

Keyword garlic butter, grilled cheese, zucchini