Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Bread: A Creamy, Savory Delight
The Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Bread is a masterpiece of textures and flavors, with its golden crust and creamy, herb-infused filling. It’s a dish that’s simple enough to make on a casual weekday but elegant enough to serve at a special occasion.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal, this stuffed bread is versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. Its creamy filling and crispy crust make every bite a flavorful experience.
Why You’ll Love Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Bread
🧀 Creamy and Savory Filling
The ricotta filling is rich and creamy, infused with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic for a flavor-packed experience.
🥖 Golden and Crispy Crust
The bread bakes to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
🌿 Perfect for Any Occasion
This stuffed bread is ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as an impressive addition to a potluck.
🕒 Easy Yet Elegant
Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is simple to prepare and requires only a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients for Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Bread
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions for Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Bread
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, parsley, chives, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3️⃣ Assemble the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the ricotta and herb mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
- Place the stuffed bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down.
4️⃣ Add the Topping
- Brush the top of the bread with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or Italian herbs over the top for added flavor and texture.
5️⃣ Bake the Bread
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the bread into thick pieces and serve warm. Pair it with a side of marinara sauce, olive oil, or balsamic glaze for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Bread
🌟 Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs make a significant difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on them!
🥖 Seal the Dough Well
Ensure the edges of the dough are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
🧄 Customize the Flavor
Feel free to add lemon zest or red chili flakes to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations to Try
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella, and skip the egg wash for a dairy-free version.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a mix of shredded Gruyère or Fontina cheese for an even creamier filling.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and chopped Kalamata olives to the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Bread
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Topping:
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or Italian herbs optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, parsley, chives, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the ricotta and herb mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
- Place the stuffed bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down.
- Brush the top of the bread with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or Italian herbs over the top, if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Slice into thick pieces and serve warm. Pair with marinara sauce, olive oil, or balsamic glaze for dipping.
