Shrimp-Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and nutritious dish featuring tender bell peppers filled with a savory shrimp mixture, seasoned with herbs and spices, and baked to perfection. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these stuffed peppers are packed with flavor and make for an elegant yet easy-to-make meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect combination of shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Light yet satisfying, great for a healthy meal.
- Easy to customize with different fillings and spices.
- Can be made ahead of time for meal prep.
- Works as both a main dish and an appetizer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Peppers:
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
For the Shrimp Filling:
- Shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely diced
- Tomatoes, diced
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Lemon juice
- Butter
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Filling
- Heat butter in a pan, then sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking until shrimp turn pink.
- Stir in tomatoes, cooked rice, cheese, and lemon juice.
- Remove from heat and mix in fresh parsley.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Stuff the roasted peppers with the shrimp mixture.
- Top with more cheese if desired.
- Bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are tender.
- Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Cajun-Style: Use Cajun seasoning for extra spice.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans and taco seasoning.
- Cheesy Stuffed Peppers: Mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese and olives.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze stuffed peppers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and drain before cooking.
What type of shrimp works best?
Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best for this recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prep the filling and peppers separately, then assemble before baking.
Do I have to roast the peppers first?
Pre-roasting softens the peppers and enhances their flavor, but you can skip this step if you prefer firmer peppers.
Can I add other seafood?
Yes, crab meat or scallops pair well with shrimp in this dish.
What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or goat cheese all work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, just omit the cheese and use olive oil instead of butter.
How do I make the filling creamier?
Mix in a spoonful of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese.
Can I grill the stuffed peppers instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.
Conclusion
Shrimp-Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and healthy dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. Whether served as a light dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Try different variations to make it your own and enjoy this delicious seafood delight!
PrintThese shrimp-stuffed bell peppers are filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and baked to perfection, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: : 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 yellow bell peppers
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the peppers – Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Make the filling – In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stuff the peppers – Fill each bell pepper with the cheese mixture and place one shrimp on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Can be served as an appetizer or main dish.
- Swap shrimp for crab meat or mushrooms for a different twist.