Description

Experience creamy, fresh, and herbaceous delight with this herbed ricotta stuffed recipe. Perfectly combining vibrant fresh herbs and rich ricotta cheese, this versatile dish can be stuffed into vegetables, pasta, or baked goods to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both nourishing and elegant, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Aromatics

2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

1/2 cup sautéed spinach (optional)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos, to taste (optional)
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
Plant-based ricotta alternative, quantity as substitute (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Herb Mixture: Finely chop the fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and chives. In a mixing bowl, combine these herbs with minced garlic and lemon zest to create an aromatic base.
Mix the Ricotta Filling: Add ricotta cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth, creamy, and the herbs are evenly distributed.
Choose Your Stuffing Vehicle: Select your preferred vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or pasta shells. Scoop generous amounts of the herbed ricotta mixture into each item, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the stuffed items on a baking tray or dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
Garnish and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly after baking. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving to enhance freshness and presentation.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Drain excess moisture from watery vegetables to avoid soggy filling.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to balance mild ricotta.
Taste the filling before stuffing to adjust seasoning.
Mix textures by adding nuts or sautéed vegetables for complexity.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed vegetable or equivalent
Calories: 190
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: herbed ricotta, stuffed vegetables, creamy filling, fresh herbs, baked appetizer, vegetarian, gluten free