Ricotta Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a light meal or appetizer. This recipe combines creamy ricotta cheese with fresh herbs, all packed into tender bell peppers baked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes carefully.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Stuff each bell pepper with the ricotta mixture, filling them generously but without overstuffing.
4. Step 4: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding cooked quinoa or rice to the ricotta mixture for a heartier filling.
• Use different herbs like oregano or chives to vary the flavor.
• For a golden top, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the peppers before baking.
• If you prefer a richer taste, mix in a beaten egg with the ricotta to help the filling set.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, soft cheeses like cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as substitutes, but ricotta’s mild flavor and texture work best for stuffing.

Should I blanch the peppers before stuffing?

Blanching is optional but can help soften the peppers slightly. Baking alone usually makes them tender enough.

Ricotta Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 52 reviews

This Ricotta Stuffed Peppers recipe features sweet bell peppers filled with a creamy, herb-infused ricotta cheese mixture, then baked to perfection until tender and slightly golden. It’s a simple and delicious vegetarian dish perfect as a light main course or appetizer.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)

Filling

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the peppers.
2. Prepare the peppers: Wash the bell peppers, slice off the tops, and remove the seeds and membranes carefully to create hollow cavities for the filling.
3. Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley and basil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
4. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly into each hollowed bell pepper, filling them generously but avoiding overstuffing.
5. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through with slight golden spots on top.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These peppers pair well with a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Notes

• You can customize the filling by adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked quinoa for extra texture and nutrition.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the peppers for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Leftover stuffed peppers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
• Use a mix of bell pepper colors for a visually appealing dish.

Keywords: ricotta stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, vegetarian stuffed peppers, Italian appetizer, bell pepper recipe