What Is This Dish?
This recipe transforms halved, colorful bell peppers into little pizza-inspired boats, filled with savory pepperoni and ooey-gooey melted cheese. It’s fun, flavorful, and surprisingly simple — perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a low-carb dinner, or even a party snack.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these stuffed peppers:
4–6 bell peppers (yellow, orange, red — your choice)
6–8 oz pepperoni slices
1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
1–1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: a few Italian-seasoning sprinkles or red pepper flakes for heat
Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (about 190°C).
- Prepare the peppers: Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and the membranes, so they become “boats.”
- Coat the peppers: Brush the inside (and outside, if you like) of each pepper half with olive oil and lightly season with salt.
- Assemble the base layer: Spoon a little pizza sauce into the bottom of each pepper half (just enough to cover the base).
- Add pepperoni: Layer pepperoni slices inside each pepper, pressing them gently down into the sauce.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or your chosen cheese) generously over the pepperoni. Make sure each pepper half is well-covered.
- Season (optional): If you like, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Finish under broiler (optional): For a bubbly, golden top, turn your oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes — but watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
- Rest: Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly (this makes them easier to pick up and eat).
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers as appetizer bites — perfect for parties or game nights.
Offer a dipping ramekin of extra marinara or pizza dipping sauce on the side.
Pair with a green salad or crunchy side veggies to balance out the richness.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or with a side of roasted potatoes.
Discussion Questions
What other toppings or fillings could you experiment with (e.g., olives, sausage, mushrooms)?
How could you adapt this recipe to be vegetarian, vegan, or low-carb?
In what contexts would these stuffed peppers be more appealing than traditional pizza?
Could these work for meal prep? How might you store and reheat them?
Important Notes & Tips
Choose firm, fresh bell peppers to ensure they hold their shape in the oven.
If your peppers are very large, you may need to increase the amount of filling (sauce, pepperoni, cheese).
Be careful when broiling: cheese can go from gold to burnt quickly, so do not leave the oven unattended during those final minutes.
Letting the stuffed peppers rest after baking helps the cheese set, making handling easier and avoiding spills.
For a milder version, you can use partially cooked pepperoni or even pepperoni bits rather than full slices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes — mozzarella works great, but you could swap in provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian-style cheeses.
Q: What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
A: You can use marinara, tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and oregano, or even crushed tomatoes mixed with a little olive oil and salt.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can assemble the peppers, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they come straight from the fridge.
Q: Are these suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
A: Yes — since the base is bell pepper, not dough or bread, it’s already quite low in carbs. You can further adapt by choosing low-carb pizza sauce and full-fat, low-carb cheese. Recipes like this one are described in keto versions too.
Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A: You can try! Use medium heat (around 375°F / 190°C), watch carefully, and possibly reduce the cooking time because air fryers cook faster.
Enjoy making these pizza-inspired stuffed peppers — they’re as delicious as they are visually fun!