Name: Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers
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 there’s a crowd-pleasing vegetarian dish that can instantly win over even the most steadfast meat lover, it’s Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers. This recipe features vibrantly colored bell peppers overflowing with a creamy, flavor-packed filling of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, loads of fresh herbs, and tender spinach. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth moment wrapped in a golden, crisp topping—perfect as a main dish, impressive for gatherings, and surprisingly easy to prepare on any busy weeknight.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering high-quality ingredients is truly the heart of Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers. Each one brings a special character—colorful crunch, cheesy creaminess, or fragrant herbaceousness—that makes the peppers shine. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Bell Peppers: The perfect edible vessels; use a mix of colors for eye-catching presentation and subtle variations in sweetness.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps soften the peppers as they roast, ensuring a silky bite without toughness.
Fresh Spinach: A leafy green boost sneaked into the filling, lending color, nutrition, and a mellow earthiness.
Ricotta Cheese: The star of the show, bringing a creamy, mild base that soaks up herb flavors beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides those irresistible melting, stretchy cheesy moments.
Parmesan: Just the right salty, savory punch to balance out the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella.
Green Onions: A hint of sharpness and crunch, gently tamed when baked.
Fresh Basil: Brings a fragrant, sweet herbal note that makes every bite pop.
Flat-Leaf Parsley: Brightens and freshens the filling, keeping flavors lively.
Dried Rosemary, Thyme, and Fennel Seed: These dried herbs and spices infuse the filling with a complex, subtly Mediterranean aroma.
Salt and Pepper: Crucial for balancing and enhancing all the fresh flavors.
Eggs: Binds the filling together for a creamy, set texture instead of sogginess.
Breadcrumbs: Create a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft pepper and creamy filling.
Oil (for topping): Gives the breadcrumbs a beautifully crisp finish in the oven.

How to Make Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and white membranes. Arrange the pepper halves cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then brush them thoroughly with olive oil. A quick roast as you prep the filling will soften the peppers and help them release extra moisture—just 20 minutes in the oven will do the trick. Once done, tip out any collected water inside each pepper and reduce your oven temperature to 350°F (176°C).

Step 2: Mix the Herby Filling

While the peppers bake, microwave your spinach for about 15 to 30 seconds—just until wilted. Roughly chop it and pop it into a big bowl. Now comes the fun: mix in the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, fresh basil, chopped flat-leaf parsley, dried rosemary, thyme, slightly smashed fennel seeds, salt, pepper, and eggs. Everything should be stirred together until you’ve got a vibrant, creamy, herb-spiked mixture ready to transform those peppers.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Once the peppers have cooled enough to handle, spoon your ricotta mixture generously into each half. Fill them right to the brim—overstuffing just a touch never hurts, as the filling settles a bit when baked. Ensure the filling is distributed evenly so every bite is loaded with cheesy, herby goodness.

Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of oil. This not only helps them crisp up nicely but also adds a delicious golden color. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the stuffed peppers, ensuring every surface is covered for that irresistible crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Slide your prepared Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers back into the oven, now set at 350°F (176°C). Bake for about 30 minutes—just enough time for the filling to set and marinate into the peppers. If you crave extra golden color and crunch on top, finish under the broiler for just a minute or two, watching closely so perfection isn’t lost to over-browning. Let them settle for a few minutes before serving hot and bubbling.

How to Serve Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

Finish your Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers with a shower of fresh chopped basil or parsley to brighten the plate. A few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving ramps up both aroma and elegance—turning a family meal into a restaurant-style experience.

Side Dishes

These peppers are hearty on their own but pair wonderfully with light sides. A fresh arugula salad, classic garlic bread, or some roasted new potatoes complement the creamy filling and deliver a well-rounded meal. For a cozy dinner, try serving them with a rustic tomato soup or buttery orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice the Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers into smaller wedges and serve as finger-friendly appetizers on a platter with toothpicks. Or, use a mix of mini bell peppers for a colorful, bite-sized presentation—they’re almost too cute to eat and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers store beautifully. Simply pop them into an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers after baking. Cool them completely, wrap each pepper tightly in foil or plastic, then place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat stuffed peppers in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 15 minutes. This preserves the crispy topping and avoids sogginess. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but consider blasting the peppers under the broiler for a minute afterward to revive that golden crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble and stuff the peppers a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate them. When ready to eat, just add the breadcrumb topping and bake as usual for a stress-free meal that tastes freshly made.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Frozen spinach works great here—just make sure it’s completely thawed and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This keeps the filling creamy, not watery, so your Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers come out perfect every time.

Are these peppers gluten-free?

They can be! Simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the regular ones in the topping, and all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. It’s an easy swap with no sacrifice in flavor or crunch.

Can I add more protein to the filling?

Definitely. Feel free to add crispy cubes of tofu or a handful of cooked chickpeas right into the ricotta mixture for an extra protein punch. It’s a tasty way to make the dish even more satisfying, especially for those with heartier appetites.

What’s the best way to smash fennel seeds?

A quick way is to use the back of a spoon or a mortar and pestle—just press or lightly crush them. This helps release their aromatic oils, infusing your Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers with that subtle, wonderful anise flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are everything you want in a homemade meal: colorful, cozy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to gather around the table and linger just a little longer. I hope you’re inspired to try them soon—your taste buds (and everyone you share them with) will thank you!