Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms with Pancetta

Name: Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 18 large Bella mushrooms (or 24 oz) (- cleaned and stems removed); 15 oz. ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (- freshly shredded); 1/2 cup yellow onion (- diced); 2 cloves garlic (- minced); 2 oz. pancetta (- cubed); 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (- to taste); red sauce or white sauce (- to serve)

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share a commission.

Jump to Recipe

Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms are a simple appetizer combining ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, pancetta, and seasonings with large Bella mushrooms. Serve these delicious mushrooms over red sauce or white sauce!

Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushrooms go on the grocery list every time I shop. We use them in many recipes, including Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup, Creamy Mushroom Risotto, Slow Cooker Beef Stew, among others. We also enjoy a side of mushrooms and I’ve shared How To Brown Mushrooms in a separate post (the best way to get them browned and not mushy!).

For another stuffed mushroom recipe, try our Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms!

Why This Recipe Works:

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS – This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients plus seasonings. A simple recipe to make and you can prep ahead.
FULL OF FLAVOR – We love creamy ricotta cheese, the salt pancetta, and plenty of seasonings in this flavorful recipe.
PERFECT PARTY APPETIZER – This easy appetizer is a great addition to your spread during the holiday season or your next gathering. It also makes a nice weeknight dinner too!
ENJOY AS A MEAL – Even meat lovers will enjoy this recipe. Serve the stuffed mushrooms with a sauce over your favorite pasta!

A serving dish of ricotta stuffed mushrooms on white sauce.

Ingredients Used:

These ingredients are easy to find in your local grocery store.

Baby Bella Mushrooms
Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Yellow Onion
Garlic
Pancetta – You could try crispy bacon or Italian sausage instead.
Seasonings – Italian Seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. We also like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes too.

The ingredients for the stuffed mushrooms.

NOTE: Be aware that the mushrooms will produce a little excess liquid when baking. You can simply take a damp towel and pat the bottoms before serving with a sauce of your choice.

How to make Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms:

Step 1
Preheat oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2
Add ricotta to bowl. Use a medium bowl and add the softened ricotta and parmesan cheese.

Step 3
Saute the pancetta. Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crisp – about 3-4 minutes. Add the pancetta to the bowl of ricotta.

Step 4
Saute onions and garlic. Leave the grease from the pancetta and add the diced onions. Cook until softened, approximately 2-3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

Step 5
Combine mixture. Use a hand mixer to combine the ricotta cheese mixture until creamy. Add the seasonings and mix again.

Step 6
Prep mushrooms. Use some damp paper towel to gently clean the mushrooms. You should never submerge mushrooms in water because they will be mushy! Then remove the stems and discard (or use them for something else).

Step 7
Place mushroom caps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and prepared with a wire rack. The baking rack will allow for the natural mushroom liquid to drop below it, and then your mushrooms won’t be sitting in the sogginess.

A bowl of the cheese mixture with pancetta and sautéed onions added to the top.

Mushrooms after pulling stems out - set on a wire rack in a pan.

Step 8
Stuff mushrooms. Use a small spoon to press the ricotta filling into the cavity of the mushrooms piling it up high. Add some extra shredded parmesan cheese to the top of the ricotta and a little olive oil.

Step 9
Bake. Bake mushrooms in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

A sheet pan of mushrooms stuffed with ricotta, parmesan, onions, and garlic.

Just baked ricotta stuffed mushrooms on a wire rack.

Step 10
Serve mushrooms. Serve stuffed mushrooms over some delicious red sauce or white sauce. Simple recipes below!

A pot of the creamy light Alfredo sauce.

Other Appetizer Recipes:

We love these mushrooms with a glass of wine or a cocktail. Try our Cherry Margaritas, Apple Cider Sangria, or Christmas Old Fashioned!

A small plate of three stuffed mushrooms on white sauce.

Recipe FAQs:

What types of mushrooms should I use?

Common choices include large white or cremini mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms (or Bella – in this case) can also work well as a heartier option.

What’s the best way to clean mushrooms?

Wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water, as mushrooms tend to absorb moisture.

Can I use a different type of cheese besides ricotta?

Yes, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or feta. Each will provide a different flavor profile.

Can I prepare the stuffed mushrooms in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed mushrooms ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking.

What are possible variations to the mushroom filling?

You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like fresh spinach, sundried tomatoes, chopped nuts, fresh herbs, bread crumbs, or grated Parmesan cheese for additional flavor and texture.

Side view of a dish of ricotta stuffed mushrooms over some marinara sauce.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

xoxo ~Sue