italian stuffed cherry peppers recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian stuffed cherry peppers recipe

I’ve been making Italian stuffed cherry peppers for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite recipes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunchy texture of the peppers, is a winner every time.

I first tried this recipe at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite. The dish is incredibly easy to make, but it looks impressive enough to serve at any occasion.

My kids love helping me stuff the peppers with the creamy filling, and my husband can’t get enough of them. I like to serve them as an appetizer or side dish, and they’re perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly healthy – the peppers are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and the cheese and herbs add flavor without adding extra calories. I like to make a big batch of these and store them in the fridge for up to a week, reheating them as needed.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients from other meals – just fill some peppers with whatever you have on hand and bake until golden brown. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too.

There’s something special about biting into a crunchy pepper filled with creamy goodness that just can’t be beat.

Italian Stuffed Cherry Peppers

4.7 from 1137 votes

This Italian Stuffed Cherry Peppers recipe features a savory filling of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection in sweet and tangy cherry peppers. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stuffing

1 lb Italian sausage
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Peppers

12-16 cherry peppers
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Halve the cherry peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
3Place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
4Toss them with 1/2 cup olive oil.
5Season with salt and pepper.
6Roast for 10 minutes, until the peppers begin to soften.
7In a mixing bowl, combine the Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and dried oregano.
8Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
9The mixture should be moist but not watery.
10Stuff each pepper half with the sausage mixture, pressing down gently to fill the peppers completely.
11Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
12Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sausage is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
13The peppers should be slightly browned and the filling should be heated through, with no pink remaining in the sausage.
14Remove from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
15This allows the flavors to meld and makes them easier to handle.
16Serve warm and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a combination of mild and spicy Italian sausage for added heat. For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, and corn.

Watch Video Of How Italian Stuffed Cherry Peppers Works

I love serving these stuffed cherry peppers at family gatherings because they’re easy to make ahead of time and reheat beautifully. They’re also perfect for packing lunches or snacks because they’re healthy and easy to eat on-the-go.

My kids ask for these all the time, so I’m happy to oblige – they’re just that good! Whether you’re looking for a new appetizer or side dish or just want something easy to make ahead of time, these Italian stuffed cherry peppers are a winner every time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Stuffed Cherry Peppers

What is the origin of Italian stuffed cherry peppers?

Italian stuffed cherry peppers are a traditional Italian dish that originated in Southern Italy, where bell peppers were abundant and filling them with cheese was a popular way to preserve them during the winter months.

How do you prepare the peppers for stuffing?

To prepare the peppers for stuffing, simply cut off the tops, remove the seeds and membranes, and rinse them under cold water. This will help remove any bitterness from the peppers and make them easier to stuff.

Can you substitute different types of cheese?

You can use any type of cheese you prefer for this recipe – mozzarella works well because it melts easily, but parmesan or ricotta also give great results.

How do you store leftover stuffed peppers?

You can store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat them by baking in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

Are there any variations on this recipe?

You can add various herbs like basil or oregano to give it an extra boost of flavor. Some people also like to add some heat by mixing in red pepper flakes.

Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe can be made ahead of time – simply assemble all the components except for baking before serving.

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