Ricotta Stuffed French Bread (Print)

French baguette stuffed with ricotta, topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce. Savory and crowd-pleasing.

# Components:

→ Bread

01 - 1 large French baguette (about 16 inches long)

→ Ricotta Filling

02 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
03 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
05 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

→ Toppings

09 - 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
10 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
12 - 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes (optional)
13 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Slice the French baguette in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out each half, creating a well for the filling, and reserve the removed bread for another use.
03 - In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped basil until smooth.
04 - Distribute the ricotta mixture evenly inside the hollowed bread halves.
05 - Spoon marinara or pizza sauce over the ricotta layer. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Top with olives, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if desired.
06 - Arrange the stuffed bread halves on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is bubbling and golden and the bread is crisp.
07 - Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh basil, slice into pieces, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses one big loaf for a shareable rustic meal
  • Perfect for busy nights on the table in about thirty five minutes
  • Vegetarian-friendly and easy to adapt with your favorite veggies
  • Crunchy outside and creamy inside in every slice
02 -
  • High in protein with two kinds of cheese and a hearty bread base
  • Easily made ahead for parties or meal prep
  • Fun for kids to help assemble
03 -
  • Use a gentle touch when hollowing the bread You want sturdy sides so the filling does not leak
  • If the bread seems too soft toast halves lightly in the oven before filling
  • Get inspired by flavors Switch out olives for artichoke hearts sprinkle with smoked paprika or try a swirl of pesto over the top in the last five minutes of baking

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