Stuffed Peppers Neapolitan
Colorful stuffed peppers filled with bread crumbs, raisins, olives, herbs, and tomato sauce, baked to perfection. A flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 to 1 cup toasted bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons plus seedless raisins ⓘ
- 12 teaspoons plus chopped black pitted olives ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato sauce * ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. capers (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds and membranes.
- Mix all stuffing ingredients except olive oil and tomato sauce in a bowl.
- Add more olive oil if the mixture is too dry, then stuff the peppers with the mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a deep baking dish.
- Pour olive oil over the peppers and top each with 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 1 hour until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like oregano or thyme in the stuffing. If you want a vegetarian twist, substitute the bread crumbs with quinoa for a gluten-free option. Adjust the raisins based on your sweetness preference, or replace them with dried cranberries. Monitor the baking time closely, as oven temperatures can vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers with a side of Orzo Salad for a refreshing contrast. A light green salad or some crusty bread would also complement the meal beautifully. Drizzle with extra tomato sauce or a sprinkle of cheese for added richness. These peppers can be a delightful main dish or a hearty side for Mediterranean recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Peppers Neapolitan contains roughly 465 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2358mg per serving (103% 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 freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well. Prepare them up to the baking step, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What variations can I make to the stuffing?
You can customize the stuffing by adding cooked ground meat, such as beef or turkey, for a heartier option. Alternatively, incorporate black beans or lentils for a protein-rich vegetarian version. Adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste, or add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more texture.
How do I know when the peppers are done?
The peppers are done when they are tender and the filling is heated through. You can easily check by piercing a pepper with a fork. If it goes in smoothly and the filling is hot, they are ready to serve. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor.
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).