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.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how fresh and tasty it was, making it a new favorite meal at home.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roast zucchini:
- Arrange zucchini slices on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes flipping halfway until golden and tender.
- Spread pesto:
- Spread 1/2 tablespoon of pesto on each bread slice.
- Assemble stacks:
- 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.
- Butter sandwiches:
- Lightly butter the outer sides of each sandwich.
- Grill stacks:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Grill each stack for 3 to 4 minutes per side pressing gently until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat let rest 1 minute then slice in half and serve warm.
Save My family enjoys making these together on weekends, sharing laughter and the joy of creating something delicious and wholesome.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving contains approximately 370 calories, 20 grams of total fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Variations
You can swap provolone cheese for mozzarella or Swiss according to preference, or add roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or tomato soup to complement the rich flavors of the grilled cheese stacks.
Save This recipe comes together quickly and makes a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the turkey with another protein?
Yes, chicken works well as a substitute, or you can omit meat entirely and add extra roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- → What type of cheese is best for melting in these stacks?
Provolone is ideal for its meltiness and mild flavor, but mozzarella or Swiss cheese are excellent alternatives.
- → How should I prepare the zucchini for best results?
Slicing zucchini lengthwise into thin strips and roasting them until golden ensures tenderness and enhances their natural sweetness.
- → Is it possible to make this dish nut-free?
Absolutely, use a nut-free pesto made with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin to keep the flavors vibrant without nuts.
- → What bread types work well for these stacks?
Sourdough or whole-grain breads provide sturdy bases and crisp nicely when grilled; gluten-free bread is a good option if needed.