A baking dish filled with sliced tomatoes topped with melted cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, fresh out of the oven.

Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes: Easy Bacon and Herb Delight

Author

  • A man wearing glasses, a gray t-shirt, a gray apron labeled ALLEGRO, and a blue baseball cap stands smiling against a black background.

    Hey yall ! My name is Kevin , but just Call me Bigk ! Backyard bbq is my passion, so back in 2020 we turned on the camera and started sharing our journey with yall. Come on in fix ya a plate , and welcome to the family -Big K

A person wearing a brown apron holds a tomato cut in half over a cutting board, with a knife visible to the right.

There's something about ricotta stuffed tomatoes that just screams summer, right? These little beauties are like edible bowls of sunshine, filled with creamy goodness, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs. Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to whip them up for a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner at home.

Watch How to Make It

Plus, they look so fancy, your friends will think you spent hours in the kitchen when really, it’s a breeze!

What really sets this recipe apart is the combination of flavors and textures. You’ve got the juicy, tender tomatoes enveloping a rich ricotta filling, all topped with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs and crispy bacon. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress anyone you serve.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and downright delicious.

Now, let's get into why you’ll want to add these ricotta stuffed tomatoes to your recipe rotation. First off, they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a side dish, a main course, or even as an appetizer.

They’re perfect for summer gatherings, and I promise they’ll disappear faster than a cold beer in July. And the best part? You can customize the filling with whatever herbs and spices you have on hand, making it a great way to use up what's in your pantry.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need six Roma tomatoes – those are the ones with the meaty flesh that holds up beautifully. You’ll also want two cups of ricotta cheese.

A person in a brown apron drizzles olive oil over stuffed tomatoes in a white baking dish on a kitchen counter.

I go heavy on the cheese here because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cheesy filling? A third of a cup of grated parmesan adds that extra punch of flavor.

You’ll need some olive oil, cooking spray for the baking dish, and of course, six strips of bacon because bacon makes everything better. For the crunchy topping, grab a sleeve of Ritz crackers. And don’t forget your seasoning!

I used a dry chimichurri mix, but feel free to experiment with whatever you love.

How To Make It

Let’s dive into how to make these delicious stuffed tomatoes. This part is where the magic happens. First, we’ll prep the tomatoes and the filling, then we’ll bring it all together for baking.

Preparation

Start by cooking and crumbling your bacon. I like to get it nice and crispy, which adds a great texture to the filling. While that’s cooking, grab your Roma tomatoes and cut them in half lengthwise.

Using a spoon, scoop out the insides gently, making sure not to break the skin. You want them to hold up well when stuffed.

In a large bowl, mix one teaspoon of olive oil, the ricotta cheese, a quarter cup of parmesan, the crumbled bacon, and your chosen seasoning. This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.

A person wearing a brown apron grates cheese over a baking dish filled with stuffed red bell peppers on a kitchen counter.

Once it’s all combined, you’re ready to stuff those tomato halves!

Cooking

Now for the fun part! Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Spray your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place your stuffed tomato halves inside.

Crush up that sleeve of Ritz crackers and generously sprinkle it over the tops of the tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and sprinkle the rest of the parmesan on top.

Bake these bad boys for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the tomatoes are tender but not mushy. The smell in your kitchen will be enough to make anyone swoon.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.

Serving & Variations

These ricotta stuffed tomatoes are perfect on their own, but why not elevate the experience? A common consensus among home cooks is that a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving takes these to another level. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Sliced tomatoes in a baking dish topped with breadcrumbs, herbs, and melted cheese, baked until golden brown. The dish is on a beige countertop. A person in a brown apron uses a spoon to scoop seeds from a halved tomato over a metal bowl. A knife and another tomato half are on a cutting board nearby.

If you want to switch things up, try adding spinach or roasted red peppers to the ricotta mixture.

Leftovers, if you have any, can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat them in the oven to get that crispy topping back. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider using different types of tomatoes or experimenting with various cheeses.

The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tomatoes should I use for Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes?

Use large, firm tomatoes such as beefsteak or roma for stuffing.

Can I substitute ricotta cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese, but the texture and flavor will vary.

How long do I need to bake the stuffed tomatoes?

Bake the stuffed tomatoes at 400F for about 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender.

Can Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed tomatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake them shortly before serving.

What can I serve with Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes?

Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or as a part of a larger Italian meal.

Wrapping Up

I can’t wait for you to try these ricotta stuffed tomatoes. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a summer BBQ or enjoying a cozy dinner, they’re sure to be a hit.

A person wearing a brown apron is filling a halved tomato with a creamy stuffing mixture using a spoon, while standing at a kitchen counter with a cutting board and mixing bowl nearby.

Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be adding them to your regular lineup.

Recipe created by Big Ks Que for Trust Me Try It.

A baking dish filled with sliced tomatoes topped with melted cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, fresh out of the oven.

Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes: Easy Bacon and Herb Delight

Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 6 Roma tomatoes
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated parm
  • 6 tsp olive oil
  • Cooking spray
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 1 sleeve ritz crackers
  • Seasoning of your choice ( I used a dry chimichurri mix )

Instructions

  • Start by cooking and crumbling your bacon
  • Then grab your roma”s and cut the gem in half long ways
  • Take a spoon and scrape out all the guts
  • In a large bowl mix 1 tsp olive oil, ricotta , 1/4 cup parm , bacon and season to taste
  • Spoon mixture into tomato halves
  • Place in greased baking dish
  • Crush sleeve of crackers and coat the tops of the tomatoes
  • Drizzle with remaining olive oil , & parm
  • Bake or smoke at 375 for 30-35 until cheese is browned and bubbly

Related Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating