Introduction to Bell Peppers With Seafood
Welcome to my kitchen! If you’re anything like me—a busy mom or professional—it can be a challenge to whip up something delicious yet quick. That’s where these bell peppers with seafood come in. They’re vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. Stuffed with a creamy seafood mixture, these beauties are not only nutritious but also make mealtime feel a bit fancy. Plus, they’re a delightful way to get your family excited about seafood! Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Bell Peppers With Seafood
What’s not to love about bell peppers with seafood? They’re quick to prepare, making them ideal for hectic evenings. The combination of juicy peppers and rich, cheesy seafood is a flavor explosion that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they’re versatile! Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or an elegant gathering, these stuffed peppers are guaranteed to impress. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for Bell Peppers With Seafood
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to a successful dish. For these bell peppers with seafood, you’ll need the following:
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors, like red, yellow, or green. They’re not just pretty; they add a sweetness that balances the savory filling.
- Cooking Oil: A tablespoon of any cooking oil, such as olive or avocado, helps in roasting the peppers perfectly.
- Crab Meat: Shredded and ready-to-eat, this adds a luscious depth. If crab isn’t your jam, feel free to substitute with canned tuna.
- Diced Cooked Shrimp: Adds a lovely texture and flavor. Pre-cooked shrimp streamline your prep but fresh works great too!
- Cream Cheese: This creamy delight holds everything together and provides that rich, indulgent taste.
- Grated Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, offering that wonderful gooeyness that everyone loves in stuffed peppers.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated brings a nutty finish. The saltiness enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic: We all know garlic elevates any dish! Finely chopped, it infuses a warm, aromatic quality.
- Green Onions: These add a crunchy bite and a fresh zing. You can also use regular onions if you prefer.
- Fresh Parsley: Offers a pop of color and freshness as a garnish. Feel free to swap it with fresh dill for a different flavor profile!
- Old Bay Spice Mix: A classic choice for seafood that adds warmth and intricate flavors.
- Sweet Paprika: This lends a subtle sweetness and beautiful color. That smoky flavor really brightens things up!
- Cayenne Pepper: If you love heat, add a bit! You can adjust this based on your spice tolerance.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget them! They help to adjust the overall savory brightness.
You can find the exact quantities of each ingredient at the bottom of this article, along with a printable version for your convenience. Happy cooking!
How to Make Bell Peppers With Seafood
Preparing the Bell Peppers
First things first, let’s get those bell peppers ready! Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, grab your peppers and slice off the tops. Make sure they’re still sturdy, as they’ll be holding all that delicious filling. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides, removing all the seeds and membrane. This gives your bell peppers with seafood a cozy bowl for the filling. Once prepped, give them a light coat of cooking oil to help them roast beautifully. Place them upright in your baking dish so they can soak in all that flavor later.
Preparing the Seafood Mixture
Now, let’s move on to the fun part—mixing the filling! In a big bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until they’re creamy and smooth. It’s like a cheesy hug for our seafood! Then, gently fold in the shredded crab meat and diced shrimp. Don’t forget the chopped garlic, green onions, and spices. The Old Bay spice mix is a superstar here, bringing out the seafood’s best qualities. For an extra kick, sprinkle in cayenne pepper, if you dare. Mix everything until it’s just combined—no need to over-mix.
Stuffing the Peppers
Time to stuff those peppers! Grab a spoon and generously fill each pepper with your seafood mixture. Pack it in, but leave a little room at the top, as the cheese will melt and rise. It’s sort of like filling a treasure chest with ocean goodies! Once they’re stuffed, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top to season. It’s that simple! If you want to prep this ahead, you can cover the dish with foil and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Baking the Peppers
Now for the magic! Cover your baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in. Place it in the preheated oven and let the peppers bake for about 25 minutes. This is the perfect time to tidy up and set the table. After the time’s up, carefully remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Let them broil for another 3-5 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly. Watch them closely to avoid burning—golden is gorgeous! Once they’re out, garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and flavor. You’ll want to dive right in!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients before starting to save time and avoid chaos in the kitchen.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but frozen works too—just ensure it’s fully thawed.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist each time!
- Add your favorite herbs to elevate the flavor profile.
- Make these ahead of time and bake just before serving for a stress-free meal.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Dish: A standard 9×13 inch dish works perfectly. Alternatively, use smaller dishes for individual servings.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the peppers. A paring knife can help with the finer details.
- Spoon: Use a large spoon for mixing and stuffing the filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Handy for precise measurements when needed.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the seafood for a mix of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian stuffing.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the seafood mixture for extra heat.
- Quinoa Filling: Substitute half of the seafood with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free protein boost.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Cultural Flair: Incorporate ingredients like chorizo and cilantro for a Mexican spin, making it a fiesta on your plate!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your bell peppers with seafood with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Serve with a side of lemon wedges to add a zesty kick.
- For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.
- Garnish with additional parsley for an elegant touch and color.
FAQs about Bell Peppers With Seafood
Let’s address some common questions about these delightful bell peppers with seafood. I know it can be daunting to try out a new recipe, so here are some answers that might help ease your mind!
Can I make bell peppers with seafood ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with foil and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake them as directed—this is a game changer for busy nights!
What type of fish works best in this recipe?
While crab and shrimp are my favorites, you can use any seafood you enjoy. Scallops, lobster, or even canned tuna can work well. Just make sure it’s cooked before mixing it into the stuffing.
How do I store leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat them in the oven to maintain that delightful texture.
Can I freeze my stuffed peppers?
You sure can! After preparing and assembling the stuffed peppers, wrap them in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Are these stuffed peppers healthy?
Definitely! These bell peppers with seafood are packed with protein from the seafood and vitamins from the peppers. They’re gluten-free and can be made even healthier with veggie or quinoa fillings. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal guilt-free!
Final Thoughts
Cooking these bell peppers with seafood is more than just preparing a meal; it’s creating a cozy experience for your family. The vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and creamy filling transform an ordinary dinner into a delightful feast. Watching my loved ones savor each bite brings such joy, reminding me of the power of home-cooked meals. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a special gathering, these stuffed peppers are a fantastic way to impress while keeping it simple. So grab those bell peppers, and let’s enjoy a delicious culinary adventure together!
Print
Bell Peppers With Seafood
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious twist on stuffed bell peppers filled with seafood and cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 big bell peppers (pick any color)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 cup shredded ready-to-eat crab meat
- 1 cup diced cooked shrimp
- ½ cup cream cheese at room temperature
- ½ cup grated mozzarella
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped up
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay spice mix
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne for heat (skip if you want)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F. Slice the tops off your peppers and scoop out the insides. Coat them with oil and put them in your baking dish.
- Combine all three cheeses until they’re well blended. Add the seafood, garlic, sliced onions and all your spices.
- Pack your pepper shells with the seafood mix. Wrap dish with foil and pop in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Take the foil off and switch to broil for 3-5 minutes till golden on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use any color bell peppers.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne according to your heat preference.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Bell Peppers, Seafood, Stuffed Peppers, Crab, Shrimp, Cheese