Italian Stuffed Green Peppers
Juicy green peppers stuffed with savory salami, cheese, and herbs, baked to perfection. A hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
Ingredients
- 6 medium green peppers ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped salami ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut off the tops of the green peppers and remove the seeds.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except 2 tablespoons of olive oil and water; mix well.
- Stuff the prepared peppers with the mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and water.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the salami with ground beef or turkey for a lighter option. You can also replace Parmesan cheese with mozzarella for a gooey texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. Make sure to adjust the salt accordingly if using salted cheeses or meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Tangy Spaghetti Pizza Pie for a hearty Italian feast. For a lighter option, consider a refreshing cucumber salad. These peppers make great leftovers for lunch the next day, too.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. This helps keep the peppers moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Stuffed Green Peppers contains roughly 768 calories, with 25g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1989mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just stuff the peppers and bake them when you're ready to eat. This saves time and allows the flavors to develop even more.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! Stuffed peppers can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, add an additional 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. If frozen after baking, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or cooked quinoa as a substitute for bread crumbs. You can also use finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to add moisture without the breadcrumbs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).