Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Zucchini Galette is a rustic, savory pastry that’s bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors. The tender, flaky crust is filled with thinly sliced zucchini, tangy cheese, and a mix of herbs, making it the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory. It’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special equipment, making it an easy yet impressive dish for dinner, lunch, or a light appetizer. The best part? You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether you’re a zucchini lover or new to this vegetable, this galette is sure to become a go-to recipe!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

• 3-4 tablespoons ice water (more if needed)

For the Filling:

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.

   • Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. You may need to add a little more water, but be careful not to overwork the dough.

   • Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

2. Prepare the Zucchini:

   • While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   • Place the zucchini slices on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Afterward, pat them dry with the towel.

3. Assemble the Galette:

   • On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven—rustic is the goal!

   • Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.

   • In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, olive oil, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border around the edges.

   • Arrange the zucchini slices on top of the cheese mixture, slightly overlapping them in a spiral pattern, or arrange them in rows, depending on your preference.

4. Fold the Edges:

   • Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the zucchini, creating a rustic, free-form crust. The center will remain open.

   • Brush the edges of the dough with a beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish when baked.

5. Bake the Galette:

   • Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the zucchini is tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

6. Serve:

   • Once baked, remove the galette from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 slices

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Cook time: 40 minutes

• Chill time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary in place of thyme for a different flavor profile.

• Cheese Variations: Swap the ricotta for goat cheese or cream cheese for a tangy twist, or add feta for a briny flavor.

• Additional Vegetables: Add thinly sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions to the filling for extra flavor and color.

• Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover galette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the galette in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in place of zucchini?

Yes, you can use a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, or summer squash. Just be sure to slice them thinly and salt them to remove excess moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

How do I prevent the zucchini from making the crust soggy?

Salting the zucchini before assembling the galette helps draw out moisture. Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels to remove any excess water before adding it to the galette.

Can I use store-bought pie dough for the crust?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie or puff pastry dough. However, making your own dough gives it a flakier texture and more flavor.

Can I freeze the galette?

Yes, you can freeze an unbaked galette for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, just place it directly in the oven (no need to thaw), and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What is a galette?

A galette is a rustic, free-form pie or tart made with a flaky pastry crust and a variety of fillings. It’s typically open-faced with the edges of the dough folded over the filling, giving it a charming, rustic look.

Conclusion

This Zucchini Galette is the perfect combination of crispy, flaky crust and fresh, flavorful zucchini filling. Whether served for a weeknight dinner, brunch, or as an appetizer for guests, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both simple and elegant. With endless variations for the crust and filling, it’s a great recipe to customize based on your preferences or what’s in season. A delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

---

Print