Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe

I absolutely love this Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together so easily. You get tender bell peppers bursting with a creamy, herb-packed ricotta filling that’s both comforting and fresh. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve guests without stressing out.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors meld together—the fresh basil and parsley really brighten the whole dish, and the combo of cheeses makes every bite heavenly. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your meal with that spinach folded right in. You’ll find that once you make this Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe, it becomes a go-to for when you want something satisfying but not heavy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe plays its part to balance creaminess, freshness, and a touch of crunch. Using fresh herbs gives the dish that bright garden-fresh taste that makes it stand out.

• Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers for a vibrant dish and to balance the rich filling with their natural sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Brushing the peppers before baking helps soften them and adds a subtle richness.
• Fresh Spinach: Wilting spinach brings earthiness and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy base of the filling; opt for whole milk ricotta for the best texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds melty stretch and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with ricotta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty punch to the filling.
• Green Onions: For a gentle onion crunch and freshness.
• Fresh Basil & Parsley: These herbs are key to making the filling bright and herby.
• Dried Rosemary, Thyme & Fennel Seeds: Crushed fennel seeds add a subtle anise note that surprises in the best way.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
• Eggs: Bind the filling so it holds together perfectly after baking.
• Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for a golden, crispy finish.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe quite a bit, and it’s fun to mix up the herbs or add extra ingredients to match your mood or what’s in your fridge. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Protein: I sometimes stir in cooked, crispy tofu or rinsed chickpeas to bulk it up for a heartier meal.
• Gluten-Free: Swapping regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones works beautifully with no loss in texture.
• Spinach Swap: Frozen spinach is totally fine if you thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing in.
• Cheese Variations: Using goat cheese instead of ricotta or adding a sprinkle of feta on top introduces a tangy twist I adore.

How to Make Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Peppers for Baking

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut your bell peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds and ribs — I like to leave about a quarter-inch of flesh for sturdiness. Place them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then brush them with olive oil all over. Pop them into the oven for about 20 minutes until they start to soften but aren’t mushy. When they’re done, drain any liquid that pooled inside so your filling stays perfect. Then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (176°C) to get ready for stuffing.

Step 2: Prepare the Herby Ricotta Filling

While the peppers bake, wilt your fresh spinach by microwaving it for 15 to 30 seconds — just until softened. Chop it roughly and mix it in a large bowl with your ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, sliced green onions, and a generous handful of chopped basil and parsley. Don’t skip smashing the fennel seeds a bit; it really wakes up the flavor! Season the mix with dried rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and crack in the eggs that help bind everything together.

Step 3: Stuff and Top Your Peppers

Fill each pepper half evenly with the ricotta mixture, mounding it slightly but keeping it tidy. Next, toss breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the peppers—this step is what gives you that irresistible crispy topping.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Put your stuffed peppers back in the oven at 350°F (176°C) and bake for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the tops—if they’re not golden by then, pop on the broiler for a minute or two, but watch closely because it happens fast! When they’re perfectly browned on top and bubbling, it’s time to dig in.

How to Serve Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish these with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. A quick drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving also adds a lovely silky finish that I love.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a light quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or a simple grain like couscous makes a nice complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the stuffed peppers in individual shallow dishes layered with a colorful ratatouille. Arranging the halves in a circle on a large platter with some fresh herb sprigs adds a beautiful, inviting feast vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the peppers from getting rubbery and preserve that crispy topping.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these stuffed peppers successfully—just wrap each one tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is the oven because it helps keep the peppers tender and the breadcrumb topping crispy. Heat them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, and you’ll barely tell they’re leftovers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe has become such a comforting staple in my kitchen—I love how it feels both fresh and indulgent at the same time. It’s the kind of meal that’s deceptively simple but impressive enough to serve anytime. I hope you’ll give it a try and find, like me, that these stuffed peppers become one of your favorite easy dishes to make over and over. Happy cooking!

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