Zucchini and Ricotta Balls

Name: Zucchini and Ricotta Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 20
Ingredients: Zucchini 2 ¾ cups; Cow's milk ricotta cheese 0.8 cup; Breadcrumbs &frac13; cup; Eggs medium 1; Basil 3 leaves; Grana Padano PDO cheese to grate 1.8 oz; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste

it de br fr es

344

Calories per serving

Vegetarian

Energy Kcal 344
Carbohydrates g 15
of which sugars g 5.6
Protein g 13.4
Fats g 14.5
of which saturated fat g 6.71
Fiber g 2.9
Cholesterol mg 90
Sodium mg 539

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Makes: 20 pieces
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Leyla Farella

Zucchini ricotta meatballs—really a treat—are a beloved dish in Southern Italy. They're light, yet incredibly tasty. Super super good. These bites are different from your usual meatballs, you know? They focus on creamy ricotta and fresh zucchini that blend together for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Some folks love frying them until they're golden and crispy—which is great—while others go for baked zucchini meatballs for a lighter vibe that still packs all the flavor. Pretty much. Either way, they have a soft center with a touch of crust, making them perfect as finger food with a few dips on the side. I mean, each Italian family has its own twist—some prepare them alla pizzaiola, simmered in tomato sauce for a rich, saucy flavor. But look, the real star is always the fresh veggies and creamy cheese combo.

These vegetarian meatballs are a fantastic choice if you’re hunting for a healthy meatball recipe without losing out on taste. Honestly, kids love grabbing and dipping them, and adults often find them, well, irresistible. They pop up at parties or as a quick easy vegetarian dinner that feels satisfying but not heavy. And the best part? Their filante texture—when the inside becomes stretchy and cheesy thanks to the ricotta. Compared to other zucchini recipes, these meatballs offer a more delicate flavor, pairing well with tomato sauce, yogurt dips, or even on their own. So here's the thing, in regions like Campania and Sicily, they often appear as a twist on classic meatless meatballs, really showing off the simple ingredients. Whether fried or baked, zucchini ricotta meatballs always hit the spot, offering something soft, a bit crispy, and absolutely delicious for everyone to enjoy together. They bring a taste of Italy to your table—seriously good—inviting you to savor every bite with friends and family.

How to prepare Zucchini and Ricotta Balls

To prepare the zucchini and ricotta balls, first put the ricotta in a strainer and let it drain. Meanwhile, wash the zucchini, remove the ends, and grate them using a large-holed grater: you'll need 300 grams (approximately 10.5 oz) of grated zucchini 1. Transfer the grated zucchini to a bowl and add the drained ricotta 2 and the grated Grana Padano PDO cheese 3.

Add the breadcrumbs 4, the egg 5, and the chopped basil 6.

Salt 7, pepper, and mix everything together using a spoon 8. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, take a spoonful of dough at a time and shape it between the palms of your hands to form a ball weighing about 30 grams (approximately 1 oz), then flatten it slightly 9.

As they are ready, place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then drizzle with a little olive oil 10. With these quantities, you should obtain about 20 balls. Bake in a preheated static oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking 11. Once cooked, serve your zucchini and ricotta balls right away 12!

Storage

It is recommended to consume the zucchini and ricotta balls as soon as they are made. Alternatively, they can be stored in the refrigerator for one day in an airtight container, or you can freeze them raw and cook them directly from frozen, extending the cooking time.

Tip

You can replace basil with mint or thyme to flavor your zucchini and ricotta balls! For a crunchy crust, you can roll them in breadcrumbs before cooking.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Zucchini and Ricotta Balls

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Zucchini and Ricotta Balls

Storage

Tip

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