Roasted zucchini, yellow bell peppers, and onions come together, along with a smear of goat cheese, to make a summer sandwich that is perfect for picnics or an easy lunch!

roasted zucchini, pepper, onion and goat cheese sandwiches

Sometimes I want to cook dinner without actually cooking dinner. Does that make sense?

IMG_0223

I mean, it’s not like I want take-out of anything. Ewww. No.

I just also don’t want to stand in front of the stove for ten hours or chop five trillion things or clean six hundred dishes. All of which come along with home-cooked meals.

IMG_0231

Last week was especially bad, namely because I had to contend with a big deadline that had me making and photographing three recipes almost every day.

Not to mention the refrigerator crisis of August 2013 (which should not be confused with the refrigerator crisis of May 2013..because only in student housing do you go through three fridges in the span of four months).

In which we discovered that the outlet to which ours was attached just…stopped supplying electricity to it. Always fun to discover when you walk in the door at 8:30 pm.

Apparently it was the “wrong” outlet.

Okay, fine, we thought. So we will plug it into the “right” outlet. No biggie.

IMG_0234

Big biggie.

Because apparently back in May during our former refrigerator crisis, we were given the “wrong” refrigerator and so it was too wide to actually plug into the “right” outlet. Which is on the wall to the right of it and so there is not enough room to the side of the fridge to actually fit a plug in there as well.

WHO WOULD DESIGN A KITCHEN LIKE THIS?!?! Numskulls. That’s who.

Anyways so rather than just get someone to change the “wrong” outlet to the “right” outlet, it was decided (not by me) that it would be much easier for me to take the morning off from work to empty my fridge and watch three men struggle to change out the “wrong” fridge for the “right” fridge. And then refill my fridge.

IMG_0239

Which all got done in a moderately timely fashion. But after that, I was not so into the idea of cooking. Suffice it to say.

Luckily, sandwiches are not really cooking and these sandwiches in particular are kind of a set it and forget it kind of deal. You whisk together some goat cheese and mint, which takes but seconds. And then you slice a zucchini, quarter a pepper, and throw ’em all onto a baking sheet along with a bit of onion. Put the entire mess of veggies into the oven.

And then sit down with a glass of wine because you.are.done.

Perfect for Mondays or even kinda stressful Fridays. We can do this.

IMG_0222

One year ago…Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie

Two years ago…Chocolate Cake with Raspberry-Nutella Filling and Chocolate Ganache, Roasted Eggplant, Tomato and Tapenade Pizza with Goat Cheese

Three years ago…Italian Sausage and Summer Squash Pasta

Four years ago…Carrot Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Roasted Zucchini, Pepper, Onion and Goat Cheese Sandwiches
 
Roasted zucchini, yellow bell peppers, and onions come together, along with a smear of goat cheese, to make a summer sandwich that would be perfect for picnics or an easy lunch!
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 4 oz soft goat cheese
  • ½ tbsp milk
  • 2 tsp thinly sliced fresh mint
  • 1 lb zucchini
  • 2 thick slices red onion
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, quartered
  • 5½ tbsp olive oil, divided
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese, milk and mint. Set aside.
  3. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into ¼-inch or ½-inch thick slices. If the zucchini is super long, you might want to cut it in half crosswise as well. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet (or two) in a single layer. Also add the pepper quarters and onion to the pans. Brush the veggies with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes or until zucchini is just tender.
  4. Brush the bread slices with remaining olive oil and put in the oven to toast for 5-10 minutes, depending on just how toasty you want it.
  5. To assemble the sandwiches, spread ¼ of the goat cheese mix on each of four slices of bread. Distribute the zucchini, bell pepper quarters, and onion among them. Top with the remaining bread slices. Cut in half and serve.
Notes
Adapted from Ripe
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 sandwich

IMG_0238

blog_share_subscribe
Share →

89 Responses to Roasted Zucchini, Pepper, Onion and Goat Cheese Sandwiches

  1. Yikes. What a nightmare. We’ve only had one major kitchen incident in our apt (broken stove), but nothing that bad.

    So funny that we’re blog twins today! 🙂

  2. That is such a bummer about your fridge – I have just been through the most fridge-crisis-y three months of my life, so I can totally relate. Sandwiches are always a good idea, and this one sounds fancy and delicious.

  3. Recipes like this are the BEST. I love the veggies you chose for this, and of course, I love the goat cheese!
    Sorry about the fridge. Ugh!!!!!

  4. Chewthefat says:

    I get SO stressed out by stuff like that it is unreal. Life is too complicated as it is to deal with contractors/repairpersons/ malfunctioning appliances! And I used to feel like a bad food blogger because I cannot cook when I am in an anxious state–now I just don’t care!

  5. Bahaha i love how many fridges you’ve gone through this year…for an outsider it’s hilarious! But poor you…excited to hear why you’ve been recipe developing so much!! Details woman!

  6. What a pain with the whole fridge situation! The sandwiches look yummy though. Great way to use up lots of summery veg.

  7. Gorgeous an delicious looking, as usual. It’s not even 8:00 a.m. and I wish I had one of these in front of me – what a way to start my week!! Great post!

  8. Tracey says:

    OMG, fridge drama!! I don’t blame you for wanting a night off from the kitchen after that. Just reading it made me stressed out! These sandwiches were the perfect solution, though – I love roasted veggies and goat cheese.

  9. Lynn says:

    I wish I had one of those sandwiches right now! I’m salivating.

    And I laughed out loud at the “numskull” remark. 🙂

  10. SallyBR says:

    Not sure you read my blog post a year ago about our lab move – we packed the – 70 C freezer last and unpacked it first, only to find out the plug did not fit the outlet on the wall

    talk about a crisis! All ended well, but I tell you, it was stressful… so glad the lab move is over and I won’t ever do it again (hopefully)

    I also make sandwiches for dinner last night, an improvised Croque Madame. and a little salad. So simple, but so good!

  11. Megan says:

    That sandwich sounds incredible. I love the simplicity of it but all the wonderful flavor in there.

  12. Velva says:

    These sandwiches are perfect for a fast weekday meal or a picnic…heck it is perfect for lunch at my desk. Very nice.

    Hope the refrigerator issues have worked them selves out and you can enjoy a fully stocked one without worries.

    Velva

  13. Natalie says:

    Great sandwich recipe and so easy to whip up!

  14. Jeanette says:

    These would be perfect for our road trip when we drop my son off at college!

  15. Sues says:

    We can do this. Just the motivation I need today 🙂 And this looks like the perfect dinner to me!

  16. I’m kind a sandwich fail. I can never think of anything besides tomatoes and cold, raw veggies. This sandwich blows my standard way out of the water. Can’t wait to eat this.

  17. that sucks 🙁 on a side note, those sandwiches look so cute and whipped goat cheese yum yum yum

  18. Delicious sandwich! There are some days I would rather serve sandwiches as a meal anyway….Great idea… So now I am not cooking for the rest of the week! Lol…..

  19. Jessie says:

    Is it wrong that I want to cuddle with that adorable sandwich? I completely understand wanting to take time away form the stove and oven after such a fiasco with the refrigerator. A little break is just what you need to recover after a busy week, and this sandwich looks incredible, anyway!

  20. Jenna says:

    Ooh, this is going on my “My Kids Are At School And I’m Sad So I Want to Eat My Feelings But Be Smart About It Health-Wise” list. 😉

  21. GAH that would have driven me crazy! I would have felt ready to just truck in a load of ice and stop using the refrigerator out of pure stubbornness.
    I’ve been eating sandwiches for dinner more often than I’d like to admit lately, but roasted veggies haven’t had their time yet- this needs to be fixed, asap. Thanks for this!

  22. What refrigerator drama! I’d want a sandwich like this after all that.

  23. Nutmeg Nanny says:

    Oh wow, this sandwich is so incredible!! I love it 🙂

  24. what a fabulous little-cook dinner. much better than take out!

  25. Amy says:

    Love love love sandwiches for dinner. And also when it’s 105 degrees. Hello August in Sacramento, of course, when the pools closed *shakes head* That’s almost worse than a broken refrigerator. Almost.

  26. Yikes, what a pain! Sandwiches make everything better ;}

  27. I love no bake dinner’s like these sandwiches.

  28. That sentiment makes complete sense! Sorry to hear about the fridge-mess. On the flip side, these are so cute. I’m all over anything with goat cheese!!

  29. Cooking dinner without cooking dinner is my holy grail. These sandwiches look delicious (and infinitely adaptable), so will be going in the rotation…mmm…now.

  30. Eileen says:

    Oh man, what a frustrating-sounding day! I think a sandwich chock-full of easy but tasty veg sounds like the perfect remedy. 🙂

  31. That’s as close as I’ve come to a “Dagwood” sandwich in years. It looks positively delicious! I’ll have to give it a try. Have a great day. Blessings…Mary

  32. What a day with all the mess!
    These sandwiches look so yum with all the summer produce and goat cheese.

  33. dervla says:

    yup i want a gorgeous dinner without all the work, although some days i’m in the mood for the work… but not most stressful mondays anyway, hope that fridge works itself out. What a weird situation.

  34. Tahnycooks says:

    Oh, Joanne, how I wish we were neighbors so I could steal your dinner. This looks fabulous. Deadlines bring me stress…I hate it! But, manage to get it done than I’m a pleasant person to be around again.

  35. Suzie says:

    I love no cook dinners. Caprese salad is one of my go-to’s. This sandwich sounds great. The goat cheese alone makes me happy 🙂

  36. Karen says:

    Love the sound of this… zucchini, goat cheese, peppers… I’m in!

  37. Beth says:

    Sorry about your refrigerator woes, but not sorry that it meant you shared this recipe with us. It looks amazing!

  38. There are so many days when I want dinner without cooking it, and I almost never eat out. Like never because it’s always better at home. These sandwiches would make an awesome no cook dinner. I hear you on the refrigerator thing. We got a new one a few months ago, and it was sooo much more work to switch than I thought it would be. Of course, your situation sounds waaaay worse. Hopefully no more refrigerator issues for you!

  39. Juliana says:

    What a mess with the fridges…
    The sandwich looks great Joanne, I would love to have this for lunch…
    Have a great week my dear 😀

  40. Pam says:

    Oh, that’s not fun with the fridges! What a nightmare! Your sandwiches are the perfect solution to not cooking! They look delicious.

  41. Kathryn says:

    We’ve had a year of fridge crises too – I hope yours are over and done with! I can totally understand why you wouldn’t feel like cooking in those circumstances; these sandwiches look like a total life saver.

  42. Fridge drama! I hear you – my go to when I don’t want to cook is a huge salad with something on top!

  43. such a unique sandwich, and so delicious and flavorful. would have never though of roasting zucchini and adding it to a sandy. YUM!

  44. kellypea says:

    Hey look at you all gussied up in this gorgeous new design. LOVE it! And I also love sandwiches. My Elevensies today was smashed avo, fresh mozza, mustard, heirloom tomatoes, and red onion. It hit the spot just like I know this one would. Hopefully, your fridge woes are permanently behind you…

  45. Yay for simplicity in the kitchen! Even if it was spurred by refrigerator woes. You reminded me of a fun word. I will use numskulls more often, haha.

  46. I love eating sandwiches for dinner. Sorry about the fridge. That’s a major pain in the ass!!!

  47. debbie says:

    That is one good looking sandwich. I would definitely roast up lots of veggies to have on hand for leftovers. Very good for summer when it’s hot out there!

  48. Yum! Now this is my kind of sandwich!!! Looks incredible!

  49. Sorry about your fridge, mama 🙁 That’s so sh*tty! You can come over for dinner at my place any time 😉

    Just bring a few of these sandwiches… 😉 xo

  50. Christine says:

    I don’t know which is worse, a fridge on the fritz or a toilet backing up. Glad the workmen were done in a timely manner! This looks nummy and since I’m going to make this, this week (high 90’s + 100’s), quick question. Did you use a knife, vegetable peeler or mandolin to slice the zucchini? Thanks!

  51. That definitely sounds like a situation that deserves a sandwich. What a disaster, I can’t even imagine!
    But this sandwich is making me so hungry right now. Yum!

  52. Hotly Spiced says:

    That is so frustrating. Unbelievable! I would have very high blood pressure if that happened to me. And your sandwich looks amazing (it’s lunch time in Sydney and I’m starving after a 3km swim squad on an empty stomach). I thought you had ham in that sandwich at first! xx

  53. Monet says:

    I have been having sandwiches for dinner quite often lately. Not quite cooking…but still time spent in the kitchen with delicious results. These look great Joanne. Thank you for sharing them!

  54. Ugh, I can’t imagine having refrigerator problems. Knock wood that I won’t have to deal with that. This is perfect for those days when you don’t want to “cook” dinner. I know I have those days…. Love this…looks absolutely scrumptious Joanne!

  55. Veronica says:

    I love veggie sandwiches! And hopefully the fridge thing is handled for good now.

  56. I hear you on fridge crises. Or rather, freezer crises, which is what we’re contending with at the moment. There are definitely nights when sandwiches for dinner are called for!

  57. CCU says:

    Fridge crises are common at our place – do not worry my friend!
    Simply eat this sandwich, utterly gorgeous 🙂

    Cheers
    CCU

  58. Blond Duck says:

    I’m making these for art class!!!!!!!!

  59. Chaya says:

    Hope the sandwich made up for all the frustration with the fridge. It sure looks good.

  60. Every so often, I just want a veggie sandwich. A big ol’ smear of goat cheese and lots of veggies… yum. This looks lovely!

  61. It makes so much sense. Most of the time I wish I just had a chef to cook for me. If I didn’t have a blog I’d probably eat baguette and cheese everyday. Adding courgettes to a sandwich is such a great idea; I’ve never done it before!

  62. Susan says:

    Egad! I had when things like that happen to an appliance that is so crucial to daily life!

    As for the sammie – I love no-cooking cooking in the summer. Delicious!

  63. cquek says:

    Such a beautiful, simple and summery dish! I love it.

  64. Beautiful sandwiches! I love the idea of putting roasted vegetables in them.
    Oh my goodness. That sounds like a nightmare what happened with your fridge. I can’t even imagine. O_O
    Gorgeous pictures, too.
    These sandwiches are so summer and perfect! Pinning! 🙂

  65. Bummer about the fridge – do you got it all sorted out yet? I sure hope so..

    Lovely photos, this sandwich reminds me of summer!

  66. Pam says:

    What an ordeal! I am sorry you had to deal with that but glad you ended up making these sandwiches. They look tasty.

  67. Ok seriously I do not know how you do everything you do. 3 recipe in one day plus your work and workouts?! You’re amazing, really. And so is this sandwich.

  68. my goodness!
    I still remember the flood you had, this past winter!
    We’ve been eating a lot of sandwiches and burritos; with this last blast of summer, I’m not cooking!

  69. Candace says:

    What a mess! So frustrating when things like that happen. I love having sandwiches in the summer; but I want them to be interesting and full of flavor. This sandwich definitely qualifies.

  70. Hannah says:

    You deserve an award for keeping your cool in the midst of that insanity. Sandwiches are the answer to all meal time woes, especially perfect at a time like this.Way to make the most of those lovely summer vegetables, too.

  71. sara says:

    Love! These look so so delicious (and yes, sandwiches are the PERFECT meal when everything around you is craziness)

  72. well this looks fun and delicious and creative and i want it!

  73. Kate says:

    Yay for dinner sandwiches!

  74. Oh man, the fridge thing would have had me seething! I think I will try this as a salad as bread is out for me at the moment 🙂

  75. How did you maintain a level of sanity during this refrigerator debacle? My head is spinning just reading. But I feel you. We lost our electricity last summer and while it wasn’t half as bad as losing it twice in months (EEP!), we still lost everything in the fridge, along with my will to live (July power loss = the worst). These sandwiches would have totally gotten me through. They look absolutely delicious and totally satisfying!

  76. gloria says:

    This sándwich is perfect really delicious. I bookmarked:)

  77. That is so my kind of sandwich…especially with all the fresh vegetables available now.

  78. Mmmm! I have a tiny bit of goat cheese left over that I couldn’t bring myself to throw away. Now I know what I am going to do with it!

  79. Reeni says:

    This is my kind of comfort food! Well-deserved after such a trying time. Love everything you stuffed in there especially the goat cheese! So yummy with roasted veggies.

  80. Shannon says:

    yum. what a disaster with the fridges… i hope all is settled now? sheesh i hope so!!

  81. Ashley says:

    Mmmm… wine and sandwiches. Sign me up!! 🙂

  82. Exactly the kind of sandwich (and dinner) I like. Love the mint/goat cheese combo. 😉

    Refrigerator hassles are about the worst–so messy and time consuming.

  83. Chris says:

    That is such a chilling story about your refrigerator. (yes, I actually just said that.)

  84. Mmm, this sounds really good. I think I’d also stick it in my panini press!

  85. Noelle Pion says:

    I can’t see the temperature to roast the zucchini… am I just missing that?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *