Name: Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 bell peppers, any color; 1 Tbsp olive oil (15 mL); 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 15-oz tub ricotta cheese (425 g); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan (56 g); ½ cup sliced green onions (about 4 green onions); ½ cup chopped fresh basil; 1 handful chopped flat-leaf parsley; 1 tsp each dried rosemary, dried thyme, fennel seed, and salt; ½ tsp pepper; 2 large eggs; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 Tbsp oil

If you’re dreaming of a vibrant, comforting meal that looks as lovely as it tastes, Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers fit the bill perfectly. Imagine tender roasted peppers filled to the brim with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all peppered with a garden’s worth of fresh herbs. With every bite, you’ll taste the marriage of soft cheeses, aromatic greens, and a satisfyingly crisp breadcrumb topping. This is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is breezy enough to make on a weeknight. It’s no wonder Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are a household favorite in my kitchen!

Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers is refreshingly straightforward, yet each component serves a special purpose—whether it’s amping up the flavor, adding texture, or bringing a splash of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient deserves its spot in this show-stopping recipe.

Bell Peppers: Choose any color; they’re the edible vessels that add sweetness and visual appeal.
Olive Oil: Helps tenderize the peppers and gives a luscious finish to the roasted veggies.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color and sneaks in extra nutrition, making the filling earthy and light.
Ricotta Cheese: The star of the filling, providing a creamy, dreamy texture that hugs the herbs deliciously.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the mixture for stretch and a mild, gooey bite.
Grated Parmesan: Brings a salty, nutty balance to all the softer cheeses in the filling.
Green Onions: Lend a fresh zip and pretty little flecks of green throughout the stuffing.
Fresh Basil: Offers sweet, peppery notes for a classic Italian essence.
Flat-Leaf Parsley: Italian parsley adds grassy brightness and a somewhat peppery taste.
Dried Rosemary, Thyme, Fennel Seeds, and Salt: Layer in woodsy, herby flavors that give the dish its truly “herby” kick—don’t forget to roughly smash the fennel seeds!
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle bite to round out the flavor profile.
Eggs: Help bind everything together so the filling bakes up rich and cohesive.
Breadcrumbs: The crowning glory that turns golden and crunchy on top.
Extra Olive Oil: Coats the breadcrumbs to ensure a perfectly toasted finish.

How to Make Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and ribs—this creates the perfect “cup” for our herby ricotta filling. Arrange the pepper halves, cut side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush every nook and cranny with olive oil. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. This helps soften the peppers and gives them a sweet, roasted edge. Once done, carefully tip out any water pooling inside, and remember to turn your oven down to 350°F (176°C) for the next round.

Step 2: Make the Herby Ricotta Filling

While peppers are roasting, wilt your spinach in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds until it shrinks down, then give it a rough chop. In a large bowl, bring together the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, green onions, fresh basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, smashed fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, and eggs. Add in the spinach and mix everything until you’ve got a unified, fragrant, and flecked mixture. It should look like the filling of your savory dreams—creamy and speckled with herbs!

Step 3: Fill the Peppers

Spoon the herby ricotta mixture into each of the softened pepper halves, distributing it evenly so each bite is packed with flavor. Don’t worry about making them perfect—rustic is beautiful here, and an overstuffed pepper means more delicious filling for everyone!

Step 4: Topping Time

Mix your breadcrumbs with a little olive oil in a small bowl. This helps them crisp up and turn golden in the oven. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture generously over each of the stuffed peppers, creating a rustic, crunchy topping that bakes up irresistibly.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Place your stuffed and topped peppers back in the oven (now set at 350°F/176°C) for about 30 minutes. If you crave extra crispy tops, switch on the broiler for a minute or two at the end—but keep a close eye! The Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are ready when they’re golden, bubbling, and smell absolutely heavenly.

How to Serve Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

For that final flourish, try a shower of additional chopped basil or parsley over your Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers. A fine grating of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil takes things to the next level, adding fresh, fragrant, and glossy notes. If you love some heat, scatter a few flakes of red chili on top.

Side Dishes

These peppers can shine as both a main or a side, but they’re at their best next to a crisp green salad or a pile of garlicky roasted potatoes. They also play beautifully with a side of rustic bread to soak up every last bit of melted cheese and herb-laden juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, crowd-pleasing touch, arrange your Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers on a big platter with lemon wedges and a tumble of extra fresh herbs. Or, go mini by using small sweet peppers for appetizer-sized bites—perfect for parties and gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making them even more delicious the next day. Just be sure to let them cool before packing them away.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked (and fully cooled) stuffed peppers. Tuck them into a freezer-safe container and store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (176°C) oven until heated through—usually about 15-20 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil at the end and let them sit under the broiler for just a minute or so.

FAQs

What makes Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers different from traditional stuffed peppers?

Traditional stuffed peppers often feature a meaty, tomato-laced filling with rice, but these Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are all about creamy cheeses, leafy greens, and bold herbs. The end result is lighter, more aromatic, and perfect for vegetarians or anyone craving something a little different!

Can I make Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping—the recipe works beautifully, and you won’t miss any crunch or flavor.

Is it possible to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, using frozen spinach is a smart shortcut. Just make sure you thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before stirring it into your filling to keep things from getting soggy.

Can I add extra protein to this recipe?

Definitely! Stir in some crispy tofu cubes or a few handfuls of cooked chickpeas to the ricotta mixture if you’re looking to up the protein content or make the dish even heartier.

How do I keep the peppers from getting watery?

Roasting the peppers before stuffing helps a ton, but remember to tilt out any excess water after the initial roast. Keeping the filling from being too wet (by draining spinach well) is also key to perfect Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers.

Final Thoughts

When you’re in the mood for something colorful, comforting, and packed with the flavors of fresh herbs, Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers truly deliver. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for a dinner party, and guaranteed to brighten up your table. Give them a try—you may find yourself making them again and again!