This elegant French-inspired grilled sandwich combines creamy goat cheese and sautéed zucchini, tucked between slices of crisp, buttery bread. It’s a sophisticated twist on the traditional grilled cheese, offering a balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Zucchini & Goat Cheese Sandwich is perfect for a light lunch, brunch, or an easy dinner. The soft, melty goat cheese pairs beautifully with tender zucchini, while the crispy, golden bread adds the perfect crunch. It’s quick to prepare, vegetarian-friendly, and delivers gourmet flavor with simple ingredients.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 slices country-style or sourdough bread
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated or finely sliced
- 6 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
directions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté grated zucchini (and garlic if using) for 3–5 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Spread goat cheese evenly on four slices of bread.
- Top with the sautéed zucchini and optional fresh herbs.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
- Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich.
- Grill in a panini press or skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp and the cheese has melted.
- Slice and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add a protein: Include slices of prosciutto or smoked salmon for a heartier sandwich.
- Use another cheese: Swap goat cheese with feta, brie, or mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili oil to the zucchini for a kick.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free goat cheese alternative.
- Change the bread: Try ciabatta, multigrain, or a rustic French loaf for variety.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat and warm until the bread is crisp and the cheese is heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?
Make sure to cook the zucchini thoroughly and let any excess moisture evaporate before assembling the sandwich.
Can I prepare the zucchini in advance?
Yes, you can sauté the zucchini ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What type of goat cheese works best?
Use a soft, spreadable goat cheese (chèvre) for best texture and flavor.
Is this sandwich good served cold?
It’s best served warm, but if chilled properly, it can be eaten cold as a picnic option.
Can I bake the sandwich instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What herbs go well with this sandwich?
Fresh parsley, basil, thyme, or chives all complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I use a different vegetable?
Yes, thinly sliced mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or spinach can be used as alternatives or additions.
Is this sandwich freezer-friendly?
It’s not ideal for freezing due to the texture change of zucchini and goat cheese after thawing.
Can I use pre-shredded zucchini?
Yes, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before cooking.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
A crusty sourdough or country-style loaf holds up best and offers great flavor.
Conclusion
The Grilled Zucchini & Goat Cheese Sandwich (Croque Courgette et Chèvre) is a refined and flavorful take on the classic grilled cheese. Easy to make yet rich in taste, it’s a wonderful meal for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening or serving it at a casual brunch, this sandwich brings a taste of French café comfort to your table.
Print
Grilled Zucchini & Goat Cheese Sandwich (Croque Courgette et Chèvre)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A French-inspired grilled sandwich combining creamy goat cheese and sautéed zucchini between slices of buttery, golden bread. It’s a melty, savory twist on the classic grilled cheese with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
- 8 slices country-style or sourdough bread
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated or finely sliced
- 6 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté grated zucchini (and garlic if using) for 3–5 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Spread goat cheese evenly on four slices of bread.
- Top with sautéed zucchini and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.
- Cover with the remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.
- Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich.
- Grill in a panini press or skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp, and cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin zucchini slices.
- Add a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast.
- Best served immediately while warm and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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