If you love the comforting flavors of pizza but want to enjoy them in a fresh and fun way, this Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe is about to become your new favorite! Imagine the vibrant colors of bell peppers filled to the brim with a savory blend of marinara, melty mozzarella, herbs, and all your favorite pizza toppings, then baked until bubbly and irresistible. It’s the perfect marriage of crisp, sweet peppers and all the hearty goodness of pizza, making for a meal that’s both satisfying and a little bit adventurous. Whether you’re looking for a creative weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, these stuffed peppers deliver big on flavor and fabulous presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, coming together to create a colorful, flavorful filling that makes this dish shine. Each one adds a unique layer, from the sweetness of the peppers to the earthy mushrooms and zesty seasonings, culminating in a classic pizza taste wrapped inside a wholesome vegetable.
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and deseeded: These act as vibrant edible bowls, providing a crisp, sweet contrast to the cheesy filling.
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce: The sauce is the heart of the dish, adding rich tomato flavor and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan cheese): Melted mozzarella brings that signature gooey, stretchy texture we all adore.
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives: Salty and slightly tangy, olives add a nice complexity.
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms: These add an earthy depth and lovely bite to the filling.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: A bit of sharpness to brighten the mix.
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper: Adds additional crunch and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic pizza herb that infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle layer of savoriness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who loves a touch of heat, this adds a gentle kick.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and extra cheesy goodness on top.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish and gives it that fresh, Italian flair.
- Olive oil spray or drizzle: Helps the peppers soften and adds a lovely sheen when baking.
How to Make Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds carefully, creating perfect little bowls for your filling. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish, then lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes to soften the peppers slightly, so they’ll be tender but still hold their shape after stuffing.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the peppers are in the oven, mix together the marinara sauce with mushrooms, olives, red onion, green bell pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. This combination brings together all those beloved pizza flavors in one delicious mixture, ensuring every bite bursts with savory goodness.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Once the peppers have softened, spoon the prepared pizza filling evenly into each pepper half. Don’t be shy – pile them high!
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping
Top each pepper with a generous helping of shredded mozzarella, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. This will melt into a golden, bubbly crown, elevating the entire dish to next-level pizza perfection.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the stuffed peppers back in the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to melt thoroughly and start to bubble up with a beautiful golden hue. This finishing bake also allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Their herby brightness adds a fresh contrast that perfectly complements the rich filling. Serve these warm and enjoy the magic of the Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe!
How to Serve Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the go-to garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness, but you can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan or even drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy twist.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for those who want a bit more indulgence. Steamed or roasted veggies work well too if you want to keep the meal light and veggie-forward.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, serve these stuffed peppers on a large platter arranged like colorful little boats. Alternatively, cut them into smaller, bite-size portions for an appetizer-style spread that’s easy to nibble alongside drinks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them an even tastier next-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffed peppers before the final bake. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Reheating
For best results, reheat stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to keep the peppers tender and the cheese melty. A microwave works for convenience but may result in a softer pepper texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or vegan cheese alternatives depending on your taste and dietary needs.
What if I don’t like mushrooms or olives?
No problem! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Swap those ingredients out for your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or even spinach and artichokes.
Are these peppers suitable for meal prep?
Yes! They’re great for meal prep because you can make them ahead, store in the fridge, and simply reheat when needed — perfect for busy weeknights.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Use vegan cheese options and skip the Parmesan or opt for a vegan alternative. The sauce and vegetable filling are naturally vegan-friendly already.
What size bell peppers work best for stuffing?
Choose large bell peppers so there’s plenty of space for the filling and they hold up well during baking. Smaller peppers can work but may require less filling and shorter baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe is a joyful twist on two beloved favorites — pizza and stuffed peppers. It’s colorful, comforting, and incredibly versatile, perfect for bringing a little excitement to your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it out and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation, brightening up your meals and delighting your taste buds every time!
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Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pizza Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and healthy twist on traditional pizza. Bell peppers are halved and filled with a flavorful mixture of marinara sauce, mushrooms, olives, onions, and green peppers, then generously topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a colorful, cheesy, and comforting meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and deseeded
Filling
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan cheese)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative)
Additional
- Olive oil spray or drizzle
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare Peppers: Arrange the halved and deseeded bell peppers cut-side up in a baking dish. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over them to enhance flavor and moisture. Bake for 10 minutes to soften the peppers slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce with the chopped mushrooms, sliced black olives, red onion, green bell pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Stuff Peppers: Evenly spoon the prepared filling mixture into each of the pre-baked pepper halves, distributing it well so each pepper is generously filled.
- Add Cheese: Top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a flavorful cheesy crust.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegan cheese alternatives for both mozzarella and Parmesan.
- You can customize the filling by adding cooked sausage or pepperoni for a non-vegetarian option.
- If you prefer softer peppers, bake them for a few extra minutes during the initial bake.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium marinara sauce and cheese.
- This recipe works well as a meal prep option; store cooked stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
