Za’Atar Crusted Grilling Cheese with Sumac Asparagus and Couscous

Have you ever thought you could grill cheese directly in a pan-no sandwich required? Just a thick slab of cheese sizzling until golden and melty on the inside. It’s surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious. This recipe takes that concept and elevates it with a fragrant za’atar crust, then pairs it with tender couscous and broiled vegetables dusted in tangy sumac.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special, this dish brings together Middle Eastern flavors in a satisfying, veggie-forward meal. The creamy, salty grilling cheese contrasts beautifully with the bright, herby couscous and charred veggies. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a delightful way to explore new textures and tastes.

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Ingredients

1 unit Veggie Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 cup Israeli CouscousView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce AsparagusView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Grilling CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Grape TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SumacView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Za'atar SpiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat the broiler to high. Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel and cut the red onion into 1-inch-thick wedges; mince one wedge. Trim and halve the zucchini lengthwise, then thinly slice lengthwise into long wedges. Halve the grape tomatoes. Zest and quarter the lemon. Roughly chop the cilantro.
2. Heat a drizzle of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced onion and Israeli couscous. Cook, stirring, until the onion is softened and the couscous is lightly toasted, 2-3 minutes. Add 1 cup water (2 cups for 4 servings) and the veggie stock concentrate. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until the couscous is tender, 6-8 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to use.
3. Meanwhile, toss the zucchini wedges and onion wedges on a baking sheet with a large drizzle of oil, sumac, salt and pepper. Broil, tossing halfway through, until lightly charred, 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
4. While the vegetables cook, slice the grilling cheese into four large pieces (eight pieces for 4 servings). Place the za’atar spice on a plate. Coat the cheese pieces in the spice, pressing to adhere. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cheese and cook until browned, 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl. Stir in the tomatoes, lemon zest, half of the broiled vegetables, half of the cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Divide the couscous mixture between plates. Top with the remaining broiled vegetables and the za’atar-crusted grilling cheese. Garnish with the remaining cilantro. Serve with the remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

What is grilling cheese and where can I find it?

Grilling cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a high melting point, often made from cow’s milk. It holds its shape when heated, developing a golden crust while staying soft inside. Look for it in the specialty cheese section of well-stocked grocery stores or Middle Eastern markets.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Grilling cheese is essential to this dish, but you can try using a firm dairy-free cheese alternative designed for grilling. However, the texture and flavor will differ significantly.

What can I serve with this dish?

This recipe is a complete meal with couscous and vegetables. For a heartier dinner, add a side of warm pita bread or a simple green salad.