Mediterranean Healthy Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares
These Mediterranean Healthy Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares take the comfort of grilled cheese and give it a fresh, lighter twist. Instead of bread, the base is a savory zucchini “crust” packed with herbs, Parmesan, and a little egg to keep it sturdy. The crust bakes into something tender but firm enough to hold the cheese without falling apart. The cheese filling melts into a creamy layer that pairs perfectly with the zucchini. The Mediterranean notes come from oregano, garlic, olive oil, and optional feta in the filling. They make a great snack, lunch, or appetizer. You can cut them into small squares for parties or keep them as sandwich-style pieces. They taste familiar but lighter and brighter, with enough structure to satisfy even without bread.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Zucchini Crust
2 medium zucchinis, grated
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of salt
Cheese Layer
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional but adds flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: pinch of dried basil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean towel.
Add the egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, pepper, and salt.
Mix until it forms a cohesive mixture.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the baking sheet, shaping it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until the edges start to turn golden.
Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella, feta, and basil evenly over one half of the crust.
Fold the empty half over the cheese layer like a sandwich. Press lightly.
Brush the top with olive oil and return to the oven for 5–7 minutes until melty.
Let it cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Tips
Removing moisture from the zucchini is key. The drier it is, the stronger the crust.
Parmesan helps the crust crisp and adds depth of flavor.
If the mixture looks wet, add a spoonful of breadcrumbs. If it looks dry, add a small splash of olive oil.
Keep the crust thin. A thick crust stays soft and doesn’t fold as neatly.
Use parchment so the crust lifts easily without breaking.
Folding works best when the crust is warm but not too soft.
Press lightly when folding; don’t squeeze or the cheese will spill.
You can toast the cooked squares in a pan for extra crisp edges.
For a cheesier filling, add more mozzarella.
Cut into squares after a short rest. This helps them hold their shape.
Variations
Herb Heavy: Add dill, parsley, or basil to the crust for extra freshness.
Tomato Layer: Add thin slices of tomato inside the cheese layer before folding.
Spinach: Mix finely chopped sautéed spinach into the crust.
Chili Kick: Add red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper for mild heat.
Garlic Lover’s: Add extra minced garlic or roasted garlic.
Pesto: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto inside before adding cheese.
Olive Twist: Add chopped black olives to the filling.
Greek Style: Use mostly feta, add lemon zest, and season with oregano.
Low Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Air Fryer Finish: After baking, toss the squares into an air fryer for 2 minutes to crisp the outside.
Q&A
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini? Yes. Just squeeze out moisture the same way.
Why does my crust fall apart? It usually means the zucchini wasn’t squeezed dry enough.
Can I make it without egg? You can try a flax egg, but the crust may be softer.
Can I prepare the crust ahead? Yes. Bake it and store it chilled for up to a day before assembling.
Can I freeze the squares? Yes. Freeze them after cooking, then reheat in an oven.
What cheese melts best? Mozzarella gives the best stretch.
Can I add meat? Thin slices of turkey or chicken work well inside.
Do I need parchment paper? It’s strongly recommended so the crust doesn’t stick.
Can I skip feta? Yes. It adds flavor but isn’t required.
How do I reheat leftovers? Oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
(per square, approx. based on 12 squares)
Calories: 70
Fat: 4 g
Carbs: 4 g
Protein: 5 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Values vary with cheese amounts and crust thickness.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Healthy Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese Squares take the comfort of grilled cheese and make it lighter without losing any of the joy. The zucchini crust gives you structure and flavor while keeping things fresh and nutritious. The cheese melts into a creamy filling that works with herbs, garlic, and the optional feta. They’re simple to prep, bake quickly, and hold up well as snacks, appetizers, or a light meal. Cut them into small pieces for sharing or keep them sandwich-sized for an easy lunch. They’re warm, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Enjoy every bite fresh from the oven.