Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese

March 31, 2017

Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese


Guys, today I made something awesome.
Awesome as in, literally awe-inspiring and awe-amazing.
But let’s start from the beginning. Almost three years ago I created what has become the most popular (and copied) recipe on this blog, my worldwide famous Cauliflower Crust Grilled Cheese.
A recipe that made headlines and sparked obsession around the entire globe. If you don’t believe me, read here
So today I decided the time was ripe to make something as incredible as my cauli crust grilled cheese.

Making Zucchini Crust


Enters the Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese.
What I did here was basically to use shredded zucchini instead of riced cauliflower to make the bread slices.
Simple as that. The result is awesome.

Making Zucchini Crust


Green sliced of zucchini “bread” (made of shredded zucchini, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasoning) that are perfect for making a grilled cheese.
And since they’re made with veggies ergo low-carb, gluten-free, and healthy as a green juice, you’re free to indulge in the cheese, something I always do.

Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese


Would you believe me if I say that this Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese is as awesome as my Cauli Crust Grilled Cheese?
No? Then try it and see for yourself.

Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese                                                                                                           Print this recipe!
Zucchini crust adapted from ClosetCooking

Ingredients
Makes 2 grilled cheese sandwiches
Zucchini crust “bread” slices

4 cups shredded zucchini
1 egg
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch of ground black pepper

Grilled cheese

1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
⅓ cup / 3 oz / 85 gr sharp cheddar cheese, grated/shredded, at room temperature

Directions

Zucchini crust “bread” slices

Preheat oven to 450°F (220°C) and place a rack in the middle.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and liberally grease it (alternatively use a silicone baking mat). Set aside.
Place shredded zucchini in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 6 minutes. Transfer to a dishcloth (or tea towel) and twist it to squeeze as much moisture as you can. This is very important. The zucchini need to be dry, otherwise you’ll end up with mushy dough, impossible to use as slices of bread.
In a bowl mix zucchini, egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Spread zucchini mixture onto the lined baking sheet and shape into 4 squares.
Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool 10 minutes before peeling them off the parchment paper (be careful not to break them!)

Assemble grilled cheese

Heat a pan over medium heat.
Butter one side of each slice of zucchini crust bread (preferably the top part).
Place one slice of bread in the pan, buttered side down, sprinkle with the cheese and top with the remaining slice of zucchini crust bread, buttered side up.
Turn the heat down a notch and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes.
Gently flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 2 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition facts

One zucchini “bread” slice yields 155 calories, 10 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of protein.

24 comments:

  1. Wait what?! Why have I never heard of zucchini bread before? This looks absolutely AMAZING!!

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  2. I feel like I've been searching for this recipe since forever. A carbless grilled cheese? No, carbless BREAD. I HAVE to make this. Bookmarked.

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

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  3. This looks amazing!
    Izzy | Pinch of delight

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  4. Mike , you're genius! YOU KNOW THIS! Love this idea

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  5. What if you don't own a microwave?

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    Replies
    1. You can cook the steam (or boil) the shredded zucchini. What matters most is that you squeeze out the moisture afterwards...

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  6. i don't own a microwave, what do i do with the zuchinni instead?

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    Replies
    1. Hey Scott, you can cook the steam (or boil) the shredded zucchini. What matters most is that you squeeze out the moisture afterwards.
      If you make it, please report back! :)

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  7. Wow, great idea!
    I dont need the cheese, and no microwave, but it will be fantastic. (-;
    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Isn't there enough cheese in the 'bread' to do without the cheese in the middle? Maybe just top it with a bit of marinara or dip it in ranch dressing...

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  8. Mike, do you think this would work with broccoli instead of zucchini? I prefer the flavor a little more. Plus, I thought there might be less liquid to have to squeeze out from broccoli than zucchini. Thoughts??

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it should work with broccoli too. I would use my Cauliflower Crust Grilled Recipe (linked in the post) as a base for experimenting.
      If for no other reason that broccoli and cauliflower belong to the same family and have similar cooking properties; hence the ratio broccoli rice to egg/cheese should be almost identical.
      If you do try it, please report back :)

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  9. Have you counted the net carbs? Carbs - Fiber? I bet the carb count could go down even lower if you take into account the zucchini's fiber count :)

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    Replies
    1. I haven't actually, but I believe you're 100% right

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    2. 10g carbs for one 'sandwich' seems high. I'm also curious about the net carb count.

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    3. Net carbs would likely be 3g per slice from my calculations

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  10. Hey, I'm really new to the keep diet, how long so you think this would keep for? :-)

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  11. Can they be done without Parmesan?

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  12. Made it, loved it, you're a genius! Thank you

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  13. Hello! How long would the zucchini bread last in the freezer do you think?? Possible to make a bunch at a time or no???

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  14. I am lactose intolerant, any suggestions as to what to substitute for the cheese or could I leave it out?

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    Replies
    1. I feel like cheese holds it all together; have you ever tried the lactose free cheese?

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  15. made it, loved it! added tomato soup as a side and it was fantastic. Never missed the bread!

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