These Flavorful Ricotta Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are a bite-sized burst of creamy, garlicky, herby goodness. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, come together in under 30 minutes, and are guaranteed to disappear fast—whether you’re making them as a weeknight appetizer, party snack, or a vegetarian side. Each mushroom cap is filled with a luscious ricotta mixture that’s rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. If you’ve never made stuffed mushrooms before, this is the perfect recipe to start with.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Foolproof: Ready in about 25 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
- Rich and Creamy: The ricotta filling is smooth, cheesy, and packed with flavor thanks to garlic, herbs, and a touch of parmesan.
- Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch with a salad.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A delicious meatless option that still feels hearty and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create these dreamy little flavor bombs:
- Mushroom Caps: Choose medium-sized cremini or white button mushrooms—sturdy and perfect for stuffing.
- Ricotta Cheese: The star of the filling. Go for full-fat ricotta for a rich and creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness to balance the ricotta’s mildness.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the filling with a deep, savory aroma.
- Breadcrumbs: A little bit for structure and a light crisp on top after baking.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley and basil add brightness and freshness to the filling.
- Olive Oil: For brushing the mushrooms and helping them roast to golden perfection.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Optional – Lemon Zest: Adds a subtle zing that beautifully cuts through the richness.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:
- Add Spinach: Stir in sautéed spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a gentle kick.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap parmesan for pecorino or add a touch of mozzarella for stretchiness.
- Add Protein: Mix in some crumbled cooked sausage or pancetta for a meatier version.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based ricotta and a dairy-free parmesan substitute—still delicious!
How to Make Flavorful Ricotta Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms
Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove the stems. You can save the stems for another recipe (like a veggie stock or stir-fry). Place the mushroom caps on a baking sheet, gill-side up.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix together ricotta, grated parmesan, minced garlic, chopped herbs, a little salt, and pepper. If you like, stir in a bit of lemon zest for brightness.
Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms
Use a spoon to carefully fill each mushroom cap with the ricotta mixture. Don’t overpack—just enough to mound slightly above the rim.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle a bit of breadcrumbs over each stuffed mushroom and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with extra herbs or a light dusting of parmesan. Serve immediately while they’re warm and creamy inside.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t wash mushrooms under running water: They absorb water easily, which can make them soggy. Wipe them clean with a damp towel instead.
- Use a piping bag or small spoon: To fill the mushrooms neatly and quickly—this helps keep things tidy, especially if you’re prepping a lot.
- Roast on parchment paper: Keeps the baking tray clean and prevents sticking.
- Let them cool for a minute: The filling will set slightly as they cool, making them easier to pick up and bite into without falling apart.
How to Serve
These ricotta-stuffed mushrooms are extremely flexible and pair beautifully with a variety of dishes:
Appetizer Platter
Arrange on a serving tray with toothpicks or cocktail forks for parties or game night snacks.
Side Dish
Serve alongside grilled chicken, pasta, or risotto for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Light Lunch
Pair with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a simple and elegant lunch.
Wine Pairing
These go beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mushrooms in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While they’re best fresh, you can freeze them. Freeze unbaked stuffed mushrooms on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes! Cremini or white button mushrooms are easiest to stuff, but large portobellos can be used for a more substantial portion—just adjust baking time accordingly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can stuff the mushrooms up to a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Just bake right before serving.
Is ricotta cheese safe to bake?
Yes, ricotta bakes beautifully. It stays creamy and doesn’t melt like mozzarella, so you get a luscious texture that holds up well.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No problem! Dried herbs like Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano work well. Just use about 1/3 the amount you would with fresh herbs.
Final Thoughts
These Flavorful Ricotta Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are a total win for anyone who loves big flavor in small bites. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night, this recipe delivers creamy, savory comfort in every mouthful. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can taste so sophisticated!
PrintFlavorful Ricotta Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed mushrooms 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These flavorful ricotta cheese stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer, combining creamy ricotta with herbs and garlic for a delicious and savory treat.
Ingredients
- 20 large white mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems, setting the caps aside.
- Finely chop the mushroom stems.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped stems and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- In a bowl, combine the sautéed stems, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the ricotta mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of each stuffed mushroom if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and tops are golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Try adding chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
- Use cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed mushrooms
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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