Description
These Delicious Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes offer a delightful Italian-inspired treat featuring juicy Roma tomatoes filled with creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs, and topped with crunchy Ritz crackers. Baked to golden perfection, this easy recipe makes a flavorful appetizer or side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes
- 4 whole Roma Tomatoes
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (fresh recommended)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (or pecorino for bolder taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or fresh basil or oregano)
Topping
- 1 cup Ritz Crackers, crushed (gluten-free crackers optional)
Additional
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or melted butter)
- Salt (for sprinkling inside tomatoes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes to a perfect tender texture.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Cut the Roma tomatoes in half and carefully scoop out the seeds and flesh to create hollow tomato halves ready for stuffing.
- Drain Tomatoes: Lightly sprinkle salt inside each tomato half and place them upside down on a paper towel to drain excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Stuff Tomatoes: Generously spoon the cheese mixture into each hollowed tomato half, ensuring even distribution.
- Coat with Crackers: Dip the stuffed tomato halves into the crushed Ritz crackers to create a crunchy topping on each filled tomato.
- Arrange and Drizzle: Place the coated tomato halves in a greased baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is heated through, bubbly, and the tops have turned a beautiful golden brown. Remove and serve warm.
Notes
- Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their shape and juicy interior that holds filling well.
- Fresh ricotta provides a smoother texture, but store-bought works fine too.
- For a sharper cheese flavor, substitute Parmesan with pecorino cheese.
- Italian seasoning can be replaced with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fresher taste.
- Gluten-free crackers are a great swap if you prefer or require a gluten-free diet.
- Melted butter instead of olive oil can add richness to the topping.
- Ensure tomatoes are well drained before stuffing to avoid watery filling.
