Go Back
When making Caprese stuffed peppers, fresh and vibrant ingredients play a key role. Here’s what you need: - Bell Peppers: Choose 4 large bell peppers. You can use red, yellow, green, or orange. Each color adds a unique taste and visual charm. - Vegetables and Cheese: For the filling, you need 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved. Add 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls, also known as bocconcini. If the mozzarella is large, cut them in half. - Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh basil is a must! Use 1/2 cup of roughly chopped basil. You can also add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for depth. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. If you like herbs, toss in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning. To finish, use 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. These ingredients mix well, creating a colorful and hearty dish. For the full recipe, click here. 1. Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets the oven ready while you prep the peppers. 2. Preparing the Bell Peppers Take your large bell peppers and cut off the tops. Set the tops aside. Remove the seeds and membranes inside. Make sure the peppers are hollow. Place them upright in a baking dish, so they stay stable. 3. Make the Caprese Filling In a big mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Add balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with sea salt and black pepper. If you want, sprinkle in dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Gently mix everything until well combined. 1. Stuffing the Peppers Now, scoop the Caprese filling into each hollowed-out bell pepper. Pack the mixture slightly to fill them well. 2. Baking Process: Cover and Uncover Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps moisture inside. Put it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This step softens the peppers. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Spread toasted pine nuts on top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes. This creates a nice char and melts the cheese. 1. Plating Options Once done, use oven mitts to take the dish out of the oven. Let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm for the best taste. 2. Additional Drizzle Ideas For extra flavor, drizzle more balsamic glaze on top before serving. This adds a sweet touch that complements the dish. You can find the full recipe for these delicious Caprese stuffed peppers to make your cooking experience even easier. How to Choose Fresh Ingredients When you pick bell peppers, look for shiny skin. The peppers should feel firm and heavy. Choose colors that catch your eye, like red or yellow. They often taste sweeter than green ones. For the best tomatoes, go for bright and plump cherry tomatoes. Fresh mozzarella should be smooth and soft. If it smells fresh, it is fresh! Ensuring Peppers Stay Upright To keep your peppers upright, cut a thin slice off the bottom. This helps them balance in the baking dish. Make sure you don’t cut too deep; you want to keep the peppers hollow. Placing them tightly together in the dish also helps them stand tall while baking. Using Aged Balsamic Vinegar Aged balsamic vinegar adds a rich, sweet flavor to your dish. It has a thicker texture and deeper taste than regular balsamic. Drizzle it over your filling for the best results. This simple step makes a big difference. Adding Extra Herbs or Spices You can make your Caprese stuffed peppers even better! Adding dried oregano or Italian seasoning boosts flavor. Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, can add nice notes too. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices that you enjoy. They can transform the dish into something special. {{image_4}} You can easily change the cheese in your Caprese stuffed peppers. Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor. Cheddar gives a sharp taste that many love. Both options work well with the other ingredients. Feel free to add more veggies too. Spinach or zucchini can add freshness. Chopped olives can bring a salty kick. Experiment with what you like best! You can make vegan Caprese stuffed peppers. Swap mozzarella for a plant-based cheese. Use cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture. This keeps the dish tasty and vegan-friendly. If you're gluten-free, this recipe is already safe! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy your meal without worry. To keep your Caprese stuffed peppers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps them stay moist. Refrigerate them right after they cool down. How long do they last? In the fridge, they stay good for about 3 to 4 days. After that, the peppers might lose their crunch. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When it's time to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. This keeps them moist while warming. To maintain texture, avoid microwaving them. Microwaving can make the peppers soggy. If you must use the microwave, heat them for short bursts and check often. Enjoy your delicious Caprese stuffed peppers warm. For the full recipe, check the section above! Can I Make Caprese Stuffed Peppers Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare Caprese stuffed peppers ahead of time. Stuff the peppers and store them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to cook, just bake them as usual. This saves time on busy days. What Are the Nutritional Values? Caprese stuffed peppers are healthy and tasty. Each serving has about 250 calories. They are rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the bell peppers and tomatoes. The mozzarella adds protein and calcium. These peppers fit a balanced diet well. How Can I Add Protein? You can add protein easily. Cooked chicken or turkey works great. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or lentils. Mix them into the filling with the mozzarella. This adds texture and keeps you full longer. Pairing Suggestions Caprese stuffed peppers pair well with a fresh salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works great. You might also enjoy some crusty bread on the side. This adds a nice crunch and complements the dish. Ideal Sides for Caprese Stuffed Peppers For sides, roasted vegetables are fantastic. Try zucchini or asparagus. You can also serve a light pasta dish. A garlic and olive oil spaghetti is a delightful choice. This keeps the meal light and fresh. You can find the full recipe in the article for more details. This guide covered everything you need for Caprese stuffed peppers. You learned how to choose fresh ingredients, prepare the filling, and bake to perfection. Adding your favorite herbs can boost flavor. Remember to try swaps for dietary needs, like vegan options or different cheeses. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. This dish is versatile, so get creative when serving it. Follow these steps, and you’ll impress everyone with a delicious meal. Happy cooking!

Caprese Stuffed Peppers

Elevate your meal with these delicious Caprese stuffed peppers! Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, these peppers make for a stunning centerpiece. Perfect for any occasion, this simple recipe will guide you in creating a colorful and satisfying dish in just 40 minutes. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this culinary delight to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (choose vibrant colors: red, yellow, green, or orange for visual appeal)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved if large

1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (preferably aged for depth of flavor)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted for added crunch and richness

Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning for extra herbaceousness

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the ideal baking temperature while you prepare the peppers.

    Prepare the Peppers: Carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers, setting them aside for later use if desired. Remove the seeds and membranes inside, ensuring the peppers are completely hollow. Place them upright in a baking dish, ensuring they are stable.

      Make the Filling: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If using, sprinkle in the dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Gently mix everyone together until combined, making sure the mozzarella is coated in the balsamic and oil.

        Stuff the Peppers: Generously scoop the Caprese filling into each hollowed-out bell pepper, packing the mixture slightly to ensure they are well-filled.

          Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the peppers to soften.

            Add Pine Nuts: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Evenly sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will help achieve a tender texture in the peppers, a slight char on their sides, and melted mozzarella on top.

              Serve: Once finished, use oven mitts to carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the peppers cool for a few moments before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Caprese stuffed peppers warm, with a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze if desired for a touch of extra sweetness and acidity.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4