There’s a heat wave across California so the last thing I want to do is cook elaborate meals. Enter: honey ricotta zucchini bites. They pair perfectly with Rustic Bakery crackers and minimal effort.
Heat waves aside, I recommend whipping these up as a fancy afternoon snack, an unexpected happy hour appetizer, or even a brunch side!
Ingredients:
(Serves 2 as the main appetizer/snack)
- 1 zucchini, cut in 16ths
- 1/4 cup ricotta (I use low fat)
- Salt and pepper
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Drizzle of honey
- Rustic Bakery Flatbread Bites (or preferred crackers)
Directions:
- Cut zucchini in half, then each half in 8ths longways. Cook in (grill) pan over high heat for about 5 minutes (till warm and softening— not too long, no zucchini mush)
- Spread 1/4 cup ricotta on a plate using a butter knife. Layer zucchini on top, then drizzle olive oil and honey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- I enjoyed mine atop Rustic Bakery crackers, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
Notes:
On cracker sourcing: We buy our Rustic Bakery crackers at Costco! They tend to be expensive so they’re an amazing thing to buy in bulk.
On grill pans: I highly recommend investing in a grill pan if you either are not confident at grilling outside (me) or simply don’t want to go outside to grill some nights (my dad). You can buy them at a variety of price points: $30 Cravings by Chrissy Teigan at Target, $40 Cuisinart on Amazon, or $100 Staub at Williams Sonoma. I have the last one that I purchased on super sale over Christmas, and my dad has a Cuisinart one he purchased for much less at Costco (cannot find online). To be honest, they seem to work the same!
What am I listening to as I make this? “Heat of the Summer” by Young the Giant
What can I learn while I make this? Zucchinis are high in antioxidants, specifically, carotenoids. Carotenoids are the same antioxidant plentiful in carrots that may help with eyesight. So, next time someone tells you to eat a carrot to help your eyes, suggest a zucchini!
What if I want an easy appetizer but not this one? Don’t worry, I won’t be offended. Check out these options below:
Persimmon & Burrata Salad with Torn Prosciutto
The perfect winter appetizer – think of this as caprese’s cold weather cousin!
Skeleton Cheese Board
Why have a normal cheese board in October when you can have a skeleton one?
Honey Goat Cheese Figs with Hazelnut and Fresh Basil
Five ingredients, 20 minutes, and perfect for your next dinner party or girls’ night.
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