A vegan 3-cheese zucchini grilled cheese sandwich is what dreams are made of. Who doesn't love classic grilled cheese? Well, this is a twist on the American classic, with 3 types of vegan cheese, vegan sausage, pickled jalapeno, and of course zucchini.
Where did the grilled cheese start?
The exact origins of the grilled cheese sandwich are not well-documented, but variations of melted cheese on bread have been enjoyed by various cultures for centuries. The modern grilled cheese sandwich, as it is known today, is a result of the evolution of these culinary traditions.
Historically, similar dishes can be found in different cultures:
Ancient Times: The concept of combining bread with cheese dates back to ancient times. The ancient Romans, for example, enjoyed a dish called "placenta," which consisted of flatbread topped with cheese and honey, and sometimes even with bay leaves.
Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, cooks began to experiment with grilled or toasted bread combined with cheese. It was a simple and affordable way to create a satisfying meal. This type of dish was commonly prepared in monasteries.
French Influence: The French have a long tradition of making "croque monsieur," a grilled or toasted ham and cheese sandwich. This dish was popularized in Paris cafes in the early 20th century.
American Evolution: The modern grilled cheese sandwich gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression. With limited resources and ingredients, people turned to simple and inexpensive meals. During this time, sliced bread and American cheese became widely available, making it easy to create a quick and satisfying meal by melting cheese between slices of bread.
The term "grilled cheese sandwich" became more commonly used in the 1920s, and it has since become a staple comfort food in many American households. It has also evolved over time with various ingredients, cheeses, and flavor additions being incorporated to create a wide range of variations.
The grilled cheese sandwich's enduring popularity is likely due to its simplicity, versatility, and the warm, gooey comfort it provides. It has transcended its humble origins to become a beloved classic enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
Variations/Notes:
Mediterranean Twist:
Use sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives instead of pickled jalapenos.
Add a spread of dairy-free pesto to one side of the bread for an herby kick.
Southwestern Delight:
Replace the zucchini with thinly sliced bell peppers and red onions.
Swap the pickled jalapenos for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Include a layer of smashed avocado for creaminess.
Breakfast Edition:
Opt for a vegan breakfast sausage and add a layer of sautéed mushrooms.
Top with a drizzle of dairy-free hollandaise sauce for a brunch-inspired treat.
Vegan Reuben Style:
Substitute the zucchini with sauerkraut for a tangy and crunchy element.
Use vegan thousand island dressing or Russian dressing instead of pickled jalapenos.
Asian Fusion:
Swap the vegan cheese for a slice of dairy-free kimchi or kimchi-style slaw.
Add a touch of sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
Remember, these variations are just starting points – feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own signature vegan sandwich masterpiece!
About Silver Hills:
Silver Hills is a family-owned and family-focused company with a profound mission to empower individuals through the provision of healthy food choices. Crafting plant-powered foods with utmost care and purpose, they utilize organic sprouted whole grains and a minimal list of ingredients. Their commitment is to share the nutrient-dense benefits of sprouted foods and their significant contribution to a wholesome lifestyle across diverse locations.
Every ingredient used in Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery products undergoes voluntary third-party testing to ensure it remains free of glyphosate, a common herbicide. This rigorous testing has resulted in the certification of all Silver Hills products as Glyphosate Residue-Free, proudly displaying the Bio-Checked Non-Glyphosate Certified seal.
The process of sprouting whole grains is at the heart of our approach: Organic whole grains are meticulously cleaned, rinsed, and immersed in water until they begin to sprout, unlocking valuable nutrients during this transformation. Their 30 years of experience have led to a perfect sprouting process, carefully controlling conditions to initiate germination with the ideal balance of moisture and warmth. This process not only facilitates steady blood sugar levels but also provides sustained energy for a full day of activities.
In recent times, Silver Hills has introduced a comprehensive redesign of its product packaging, a visual representation of our longstanding commitment to inspire healthier living through better choices. While the new packaging retains its bold and vibrant colors, it now prominently showcases our signature sprouted whole grains through a transparent window. This window provides a glimpse into the colors, textures, and wholesome grains that define our products, symbolizing our dedication to transparency and nourishment.
Silver Hills was kind enough to sponsor this recipe.
Ingredient Breakdown
Silver Hills Omega-mazing bread:
This whole-grain sprouted bread provides essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Whole grains are linked to improved digestive health and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Zucchini (sliced thin):
Zucchini is low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and dietary fiber.
Adding zucchini provides a fresh and mildly sweet flavor, as well as a pleasant texture to the sandwich.
Vegan cheddar and provolone slices:
Vegan cheeses made from plant-based ingredients offer a source of protein and can mimic the melty, creamy texture of dairy cheese.
They provide a savory and rich flavor, adding a cheesy element to the sandwich.
Vegan feta (sprinkle):
Vegan feta contributes a tangy and salty flavor to the sandwich.
It adds a crumbly texture and complements the other flavors with its distinctive taste.
Vegan sausage (homemade or store-bought):
Vegan sausage is a source of protein and can provide a savory, meaty element to the sandwich.
It adds a hearty and satisfying component, making the sandwich more substantial.
Pickled jalapenos (1 tbsp):
Pickled jalapenos add a burst of tanginess and a hint of spiciness to the sandwich.
They provide a contrasting flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Vegan butter (1 tbsp):
Vegan butter adds a luxurious and buttery flavor to the bread.
It helps achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior when the sandwich is grilled.
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen for its unique taste, texture, and nutritional benefits. The combination of whole grains, vegetables, plant-based cheeses, and proteins creates a well-rounded and flavorful sandwich that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs. Additionally, this recipe showcases how creative plant-based ingredients can be combined to make a delicious and satisfying meal.
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