Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of grilling zucchini while experimenting with Mediterranean flavors in my backyard. After perfecting this recipe over the years, it has become a family favorite. Each summer, we gather to enjoy these cheesy slices, celebrating the bounty of fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that brings people together, and I love sharing it with others."

With over a decade of experience in Mediterranean cuisine, I specialize in creating flavorful appetizers that highlight fresh ingredients. My passion for cooking began in my grandmother's kitchen, where I learned the value of quality and tradition. I aim to inspire others to explore the vibrant tastes of Mediterranean cooking.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices served on a plate

Why This Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices Recipe Works

This recipe for Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices works because it highlights the natural flavors of zucchini while adding a cheesy, savory layer that enhances its appeal. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan provides a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the grilled zucchini. Fresh herbs like basil add a burst of freshness that balances the dish perfectly.

Using the right grilling technique ensures the zucchini retains its shape while becoming tender and flavorful. The quick grilling time helps to lock in moisture, preventing the slices from becoming mushy. Adding the cheese during the final moments of grilling creates a perfect melt that complements the zucchini's texture, making each bite satisfying.

💡 Professional Tip

For best results, choose zucchini that is firm and free from blemishes. Avoid overcooking the zucchini to maintain a slight crunch, and let the cheese melt just enough to create a gooey texture without becoming greasy. Don't hesitate to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect combination!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the zucchini slices and season them ahead of time. However, it's best to grill them just before serving to retain their texture and flavor. You can also grill them in advance and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

If you can't find mozzarella, provolone or gouda are excellent substitutes that will still melt beautifully. For a stronger flavor, consider using a sharp cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with each different cheese.

The zucchini is done when it is tender and has nice grill marks. The cheese should be melted and bubbly but not burnt. You can check the doneness by piercing a slice with a fork; it should be easy to pierce without being mushy.

While it's possible to freeze grilled zucchini slices, they may lose some texture upon thawing. It's best to freeze them before grilling. To do this, lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, grill them directly from frozen.

These zucchini slices pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside grilled meats, salads, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita. For a complete meal, they can be enjoyed with a side of quinoa or couscous salad.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. The texture may soften slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious.

You can prepare the ingredients in advance and season the zucchini slices. However, for the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to grill them shortly before serving. If you do grill them ahead of time, ensure they are stored properly and reheated gently.

The best way to reheat grilled zucchini slices is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain their texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may make them soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the zucchini slices turn out dry, it may be due to overcooking or not enough oil.

Solution: To prevent this, make sure to coat the zucchini well with olive oil before grilling and keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the zucchini isn't crispy, it might not have grilled long enough or the heat was too low.

Solution: Ensure the grill is preheated adequately and grill the slices long enough to achieve a nice char without becoming mushy.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked zucchini can become mushy and lose its appeal.

Prevention: To avoid this, keep a close watch on the cooking time, and consider using a grilling basket to allow for even cooking without direct exposure to flames.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the centers of the zucchini slices are undercooked, they may need more time on the grill.

Recovery: To ensure even cooking, slice the zucchini uniformly and grill on direct heat for a consistent cooking process, flipping as needed.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior of the zucchini is burnt, it may be due to cooking at too high of a temperature.

Prevention: Try lowering the grill temperature and cooking the zucchini for a longer period to achieve that perfect balance.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a pinch of salt or an acidic element like lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For overly salty zucchini, serve with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon to cut through the saltiness.

Bland: If the zucchini is bland, consider adding more herbs or spices, or using flavored oils for seasoning.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices

The key ingredients for this recipe include fresh zucchini, which is the star of the dish, providing a mild flavor and satisfying texture. The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, cheesy topping that enhances the overall taste. Olive oil adds richness, while herbs like oregano and basil bring a fresh, aromatic element.

Using high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for organic zucchini when possible, and choose freshly grated cheese for optimal melt and taste. Fresh herbs should be used for maximum flavor impact, enhancing the Mediterranean essence of this recipe.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Zucchini: Select firm, medium-sized zucchini for the best texture. Smaller zucchini tend to be sweeter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for grilling. Avoid larger zucchini, as they can become watery.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect the melting quality, so shredding your own is recommended.
  • Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits. It enhances the dish while also helping to keep the zucchini moist during grilling.
Cooking process for Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Grilling zucchini slices is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. This method allows the zucchini to retain its shape while developing a smoky flavor that complements the cheese. The key is to preheat the grill and ensure the zucchini is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

To achieve perfect results, it is essential to monitor the cooking time closely. Each side should be grilled just long enough to achieve golden-brown grill marks without losing the zucchini's natural crunch. Adding the cheese towards the end of the grilling ensures it melts beautifully without becoming greasy.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices

The most important technique in this recipe is to grill the zucchini slices over medium-high heat. This method ensures they cook evenly while obtaining those beautiful grill marks. It's also crucial to flip the slices at the right moment to avoid burning, which allows the cheese to melt perfectly.

Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
    For drizzling
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
    Chopped

For the Sauce

  • 2 medium zucchini
    Sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    For topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For topping
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    For seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    For seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  2. Prepare Zucchini Slices

    Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

  3. Season Zucchini

    In a large bowl, combine zucchini slices, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat.

  4. Grill Zucchini

    Place the seasoned zucchini slices on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.

  5. Add Cheese

    Once the zucchini is grilled, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the slices.

  6. Final Grill

    Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes.

  7. Garnish

    Remove from the grill and sprinkle with chopped basil and sun-dried tomatoes.

  8. Serve

    Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave. Avoid storing with excess moisture to prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Cheesy Zucchini Slices warm, drizzled with balsamic vinegar. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, grilled meats, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus and pita.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist. Add sliced olives or roasted peppers for additional flavor. For a vegan version, substitute cheese with a plant-based alternative and use olive oil for seasoning.