Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers (Printable)
Bell peppers filled with creamy ricotta, herbs and cheeses, baked until lightly golden.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), halved and seeded
→ Cheese & Dairy
02 - 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 1 large egg
→ Herbs & Aromatics
06 - 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
09 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Pantry Staples
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
14 - Extra fresh herbs for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold all pepper halves in a single layer.
02 - Arrange bell pepper halves in the prepared dish cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, basil, parsley, chives, garlic, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
04 - Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly into each pepper half, dividing it among all halves. Smooth the tops with a spoon or spatula.
05 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are lightly golden.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The ricotta filling tastes like something you would order at a little trattoria but it comes together with just a bowl and a spoon.
- These peppers look impressive on a plate yet require zero fancy technique, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
02 -
- Skip draining the ricotta and you will end up with a soupy filling that spills over the edges every time.
- The foil step is not optional because it steams the peppers tender, and without it the edges burn before the centers cook through.
03 -
- If you want a golden crust, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the filling during the uncovered baking phase and watch them closely.
- For an egg allergy swap the egg for two tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt and the texture stays nearly identical.