Save A vibrant and flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese, featuring layers of roasted zucchini, sliced turkey, melty cheese, and fresh pesto, all stacked and grilled for a deliciously gooey, healthy sandwich alternative.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick strips 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Proteins & Dairy: 8 slices deli turkey breast (about 200 g) 4 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella or Swiss)
- Spreads & Sauces: 4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Bread: 4 slices sourdough or whole-grain bread
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Arrange zucchini slices on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Step 3:
- Spread 1/2 tablespoon of pesto on each bread slice.
- Step 4:
- To assemble each stack On a bread slice, layer roasted zucchini, 2 slices of turkey, 1 slice of cheese, and another drizzle of pesto if desired. Top with a second slice of bread, pesto side down.
- Step 5:
- Lightly butter the outer sides of each sandwich.
- Step 6:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Grill each stack for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Step 7:
- Remove from heat, let rest 1 minute, then slice in half and serve warm.
Save Required Tools
Baking sheet Parchment paper Nonstick skillet or grill pan Spatula Knife
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (bread), Dairy (cheese, butter), Tree nuts (if pesto contains nuts) For nut or gluten allergies, choose appropriate bread and nut-free pesto. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 370 Total Fat: 20 g Carbohydrates: 28 g Protein: 20 g
Save A deliciously gooey, healthy twist on grilled cheese that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the turkey with other proteins?
Yes, chicken works well as a substitute, or exclude meat for a vegetarian option by adding extra roasted vegetables.
- → What type of bread is best for grilling these stacks?
Sourdough or whole-grain bread works best due to their sturdy texture and flavor, holding the layers well during grilling.
- → How can I make a nut-free pesto for this dish?
Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts when preparing or purchasing pesto to keep it nut-free.
- → What is the best way to roast zucchini for this preparation?
Slice zucchini lengthwise about 1/4 inch thick, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until tender and golden.
- → How do I achieve a crispy and melty grilled stack?
Butter the outer sides of the sandwich and grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently until golden and cheese melts.