Description
Craving a savory, elegant dish that’s perfect for showcasing summer zucchini? This Zucchini Ricotta Galette is your go-to! Featuring a creamy ricotta filling infused with fresh dill and garlic, topped with thinly sliced zucchini and wrapped in a flaky crust, this galette delivers rustic charm with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Zucchini Ricotta Galette. Each ingredient adds to the creamy, savory, and veggie-packed magic.
- All-Purpose Flour (for work surface): Prevents sticking when rolling out the crust.
- Pie Crust (7 oz package): Forms the flaky, golden base (use keto or gluten-free crust for dietary needs).
- Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Creates a creamy, rich filling.
- Eggs (2): One for the filling to bind, one for the egg wash to crisp the crust.
- Fresh Dill (2 Tbsp, chopped): Adds bright, herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic Clove (1, minced): Infuses savory depth.
- Black Pepper (1¾ tsp, freshly ground, divided): Adds bold, peppery heat.
- Zucchini (1 large, thinly sliced): Provides fresh, low-carb veggie topping.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Enhances zucchini flavor and texture.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Seasons the filling and zucchini.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup): Adds nutty, cheesy crust topping.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pie Crust: Use a keto-friendly crust (e.g., almond flour or fathead dough) or gluten-free crust for dietary needs.
- Ricotta Cheese: Swap with mascarpone, cottage cheese (blended smooth), or dairy-free ricotta for vegan.
- Dill: Replace with fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for different herbaceous notes.
- Zucchini: Substitute with yellow squash, eggplant slices, or asparagus for variety.
- Parmesan: Swap with pecorino, asiago, or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
- Egg: Use a flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 Tbsp water) for the filling in a vegan version; omit egg wash or use milk.
- Add-Ins: Include ¼ cup sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions in the filling.
- Keto Adjustment: Use a keto crust (e.g., almond flour), reduce zucchini to limit carbs, and ensure ricotta is full-fat.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the ricotta mixture
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out a 7 oz pie crust into a 10-inch circle.
- Transfer the crust to the prepared baking sheet.
Tip: Roll evenly to ensure a uniform crust; keep flour minimal to avoid toughness.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, and ¾ tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch border uncovered.
Tip: Ensure the ricotta mixture is smooth for easy spreading; don’t overfill to prevent leakage.
Step 3: Prepare the Zucchini
- In another medium bowl, toss 1 large thinly sliced zucchini with 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Arrange the zucchini slices evenly over the ricotta filling, overlapping slightly if needed.
Tip: Slice zucchini thinly (use a mandoline if available) for even cooking; pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Step 4: Shape the Galette
- Fold the uncovered edge of the pie crust up and toward the center, partially covering the filling, creating a rustic border.
Tip: Fold gently to avoid tearing; slight cracks are okay for a rustic look.
Step 5: Add Egg Wash and Parmesan
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1 Tbsp water to make an egg wash.
- Lightly brush the egg wash over the folded crust edges.
- Sprinkle ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the crust edges.
Tip: Brush lightly to avoid pooling; distribute Parmesan evenly for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the crust is very golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheet before slicing and serving.
Tip: Check for doneness by ensuring the crust is crisp; cooling helps the filling set for clean slices.