Easy Zucchini Ricotta Galette Recipe: Rustic Garden Elegance

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this delightful zucchini ricotta galette that combines rustic charm and elegant simplicity.

Fresh garden vegetables mingle with creamy ricotta in a golden, flaky crust that whispers of homemade comfort.

Each slice promises a delectable blend of herbs and seasonal produce, creating a stunning centerpiece for any meal.

The galette’s free-form shape allows zucchini to showcase its natural beauty and subtle sweetness.

Crisp edges and a tender interior make this dish irresistible to both casual cooks and seasoned chefs.

Serve this impressive galette as a light lunch or elegant appetizer that celebrates fresh, local ingredients.

Zucchini Ricotta Galette with Rustic Italian Charm

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this galette requires basic cooking techniques and simple ingredients anyone can handle.
• Versatile Meal Sensation: Enjoy as a stunning appetizer, light lunch, or elegant dinner side that impresses guests without complicated preparation.
• Veggie-Packed Delight: Packed with nutritious zucchini and creamy cheeses, this recipe transforms humble vegetables into a mouthwatering culinary experience that even picky eaters will love.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just a few kitchen tools and creating a single rustic dish means less washing up and more time savoring your delicious creation.

All the Essentials for Zucchini Ricotta Galette

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the galette's delicate crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the crust.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
• Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize the dough and provides a subtle tangy note.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough ingredients together.

• Zucchini: A fresh vegetable that adds moisture and light texture to the galette.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy, smooth base for the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add depth of flavor and create a delicious cheesy layer.
• Garlic: Brings a robust, aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces a bright, herbal element to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to cook the zucchini and add a subtle richness.
• Egg Yolk: Helps create a golden, glossy finish on the crust edges.

Galette Assembly and Baking Directions, Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Mix flour and salt in a mixing bowl.

Incorporate chilled butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough crumbs.

Whisk together sour cream, lemon juice, and ice water in a separate bowl.

Pour the liquid into the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least half an hour.

Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook zucchini slices until they become slightly tender.

Remove from heat and allow to cool down completely.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Minced garlic
• Fresh basil leaves

Mix all ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Galette

Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface into a circular shape about 12 inches wide.

Transfer the dough carefully onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Assemble the Filling

Spread the cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.

Arrange the cooled zucchini slices on top of the cheese.

Step 6: Create the Rustic Edges

Fold the outer edges of the dough over the filling, creating gentle pleats.

Brush the exposed dough edges with egg yolk for a golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the galette into a preheated oven at 400°F.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Allow the galette to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for Flaky, Tender Zucchini Ricotta Galette Crust

• Refrigerate pie crust for at least 30 minutes to ensure flaky, tender texture and prevent shrinking during baking.
• Cut zucchini thin and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the galette soggy and compromising the crisp crust.
• Mix different cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a rich, complex flavor profile that complements the zucchini.
• Brush the crust edges with egg yolk to create a beautiful golden-brown shine and enhance the galette's visual appeal.
• Sprinkle fresh basil after baking to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the overall taste and freshness.

Galette Variations with Zucchini and Ricotta Flavors

• Gluten-Free Garden Galette: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and add roasted bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap zucchini for thinly sliced eggplant or summer squash. Incorporate oregano, thyme, and sun-dried tomatoes into the cheese mixture for a Mediterranean flair.
• Vegan Veggie Rustic Pie: Substitute ricotta with cashew cheese or tofu blend. Use coconut oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Add spinach and mushrooms for protein-rich filling.

Slicing and Serving Zucchini Ricotta Galette for Brunch

• Garden Party Showstopper: Serve this galette as a stunning centerpiece at an outdoor gathering, sliced into elegant wedges that showcase the beautiful zucchini and cheese layers.
• Rustic Lunch Companion: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich, creamy cheese and buttery crust of the galette.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Arrange slices alongside olives, hummus, and roasted red peppers for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread that highlights the galette's fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Slice and serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend brunch that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Storage for Zucchini Ricotta Galette Leftovers

• Store leftover galette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place galette on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent crust from burning.
• Heat individual slices for 30-45 seconds. Note that microwaving might soften the crispy crust, so oven reheating is preferred.
• Wrap galette tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating in oven.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling out.

• How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

To keep the crust crisp, pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels before cooking and avoid adding too much moisture to the cheese mixture.

• Can this galette be made vegetarian?

The recipe is already vegetarian. You can add more herbs or roasted vegetables to enhance the flavor profile if desired.

Zucchini Ricotta Galette Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rustic Zucchini Ricotta Galette weaves Mediterranean charm into a flaky pastry canvas, blending garden-fresh zucchini with creamy ricotta. Summer’s bounty meets French-inspired baking, inviting you to savor each golden, herb-kissed slice with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large zucchini
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

Pastry Components:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1 egg yolk

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry dough by combining flour and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate chilled butter until the texture resembles rough breadcrumbs.
2. Create a binding liquid by whisking sour cream, lemon juice, and ice water, then fold into the flour mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and butter to firm up.
4. Sauté zucchini slices in olive oil over medium heat until they become slightly tender and lose excess moisture, then set aside to cool.
5. Craft the cheese blend by mixing ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, and fresh basil until well integrated.
6. On a generously floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circular shape with an even thickness.
7. Transfer the delicate dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading the herbed cheese mixture across the surface while maintaining a 2-inch perimeter.
8. Artfully arrange the cooled zucchini slices atop the cheese layer, ensuring even distribution.
9. Gently fold the exposed dough edges inward, creating rustic pleats that partially cover the filling.
10. Brush the folded edges with egg yolk to achieve a rich, golden finish.
11. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust transforms into a deep golden-brown color.
12. Allow the galette to rest and cool slightly before slicing to help set the filling and maintain structural integrity.

Notes

• Customize the dough by swapping all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Ensure butter is extremely cold when cutting into flour to achieve a flakier, more tender crust that separates beautifully when baked.
• Pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent excess moisture from making the galette soggy and compromising the crisp crust texture.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta and reduce cheese quantities, maintaining the delicious flavor profile while cutting down on calories.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg