24 Incredible Stuffed Peppers Recipes - Nomtastic Foods (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep stuffed peppers from being watery? ›

If you are in a rush, you can try microwaving the peppers for about 5 minutes on a microwave-safe plate. Pro tip: if you prefer to just bake the peppers, an alternative to help release excess liquid is to pierce the bottom with a sharp knife or a fork.

To easily stuff bell peppers and keep them upright during baking, arrange and then bake them in a Bundt, tube, angel food, or muffin pan (spray with nonstick spray first). The peppers stay upright, freeing your hands for assembly.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

If your stuffed peppers are soggy, you likely cooked them too long. Make Sure the Peppers are Fork Tender.

The problem stems from the common practice of boiling the peppers to start. The goal is to tenderize them before they're stuffed and baked, but generally the poor fellas are over-boiled, which results in their tendency to fall apart and, as noted, be flavorless.

Seasoning. Peppers can be quite bland on their own so seasoning the inside of the cavity with salt is very important. Be sure to taste your stuffing prior to filling the peppers and make any adjustments there as well.

Potassium and calcium help produce nice thick pepper walls that not only taste better but also resist fruit rot. These nutrients should be added when turning under the remnants of the year's garden.

I definitely suggest par-cooking the bell peppers first, just a little bit before stuffing them. Not only does this help to soften the bell peppers, but it also cuts down on your cook time. As the bell peppers are cooking you can make the filling, shaving off about 20 minutes from your total cook time.

The peppers need to be par-cooked before filling so that they cook through. Many recipes call for boiling the peppers first, but I prefer to roast them – more flavor and less cleanup!

You can also pre-cook them in the oven before they're filled. Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended by the recipe, place them in the oven until they are tender, then fill and return the stuffed peppers to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time.

Roasted or sautéed veggies side dishes would pair nicely as a light side dish for the Italian stuffed peppers: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Zucchini, or Sautéed Zucchini are three favorites. If you are roasting vegetables, you can place the sheet pan in the oven with the peppers. Salad.

How do you cook peppers so they are soft? ›

Grill (uncovered on a charcoal grill; covered on a gas grill) for 25 to 30 minutes or until skins are charred, and peppers are tender, turning often to char the skins evenly. Remove peppers from the grill and wrap them in foil. Let stand for about 15 minutes or until cool enough to handle.

In large pot, fill peppers with water (to prevent floating), and fill pot around peppers with water until peppers are fully covered. Cover pot and bring to a rolling boil on high heat. Bring the temperature down to medium-low and let peppers hard simmer for three minutes, or until tender.

Freezing stuffed bell peppers is an excellent way to preserve their flavors and enjoy them at a later time. By following the proper steps for freezing and reheating, you can maintain their flavor and prevent freezer burn. Peppers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil will last 4-6 months in a deep freezer.

Under Watering

The plant needs more water. Pepper plants love full sun, but they can get large and do need a lot of water. Watering early morning and in the evening after sun has lowered are the best times. Avoid overhead watering when the sun is strong.

Peppers are a tricky bunch, with their ability to bounce back depending on the type of pepper and the thickness of the skin. If they've lost their crispness and you want them for salads, you can slice them up and try a 10 minute ice bath in a bowl. You can also pickle the peppers, even in their limp state.

If not stored properly, the vegetable can easily lose its crunchy texture. "Humidity is the key here, as too much moisture can cause bell peppers to lose their crunch," Rotman says. She recommends you place bell peppers in a resealable bag and keep them in the front of the crisper drawer.

Using a large crafting needle, thread light string or a heavy thread through the stems of the peppers. Hang the string of peppers in a well-ventilated room since high humidity can cause the peppers to spoil. The peppers should dry within about four weeks. Peppers can also be sun dried.