Description
These Herb and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful vegetarian dish filled with a flavorful mixture of cheeses, herbs, and rice. Baked to perfection, these peppers make for a satisfying main course or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Bell Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Extra Parmesan and herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Place the bell pepper halves cut side up in the dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice, ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, basil, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Fill the peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into the bell pepper halves.
- Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in shredded cooked chicken or white beans to the filling.
- These peppers can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 halves
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
