There’s nothing quite like the vibrant, crisp flavor of fresh peppers harvested straight from your own garden. Whether you grow sweet bell peppers, spicy jalapeños, or colorful mini peppers, these garden gems add a wonderful burst of flavor and color to any dish.
Using fresh, homegrown peppers not only enhances the taste but also brings a sense of satisfaction and connection to your food. Today, I’m excited to share several delightful recipes that highlight the natural sweetness and heat of garden peppers, transforming them into mouthwatering meals and snacks.
From stuffed peppers bursting with savory goodness to smoky roasted pepper spreads, these recipes are perfect for any season. Plus, they’re easy to customize depending on the types of peppers you have on hand.
So grab your freshest harvest and let’s dive into these delicious pepper recipes that celebrate all the colors and flavors your garden has to offer.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes for Peppers from the Garden
Using fresh peppers from your garden means you’re working with ingredients at the peak of their flavor and nutrition. These recipes are designed to showcase the natural sweetness, crunch, and sometimes fiery spice of your peppers, making them the star of the plate.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty main dish, or a vibrant side, these recipes are versatile and adaptable. They also encourage healthy cooking, as peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber.
Plus, cooking with your garden’s bounty helps reduce waste and adds a personal touch that store-bought produce just can’t match.
Ingredients
- 4-6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: Jalapeño or other hot peppers for heat
Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inches or similar)
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
- Sauté pan or skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the bell peppers and carefully slice off the tops. Remove seeds and membranes, creating hollow cups for stuffing.
- Prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa (or rice), black beans, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Sauté the filling. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the filling mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, so the flavors meld and the onions soften.
- Stuff the peppers. Spoon the warm filling into each hollowed bell pepper, packing gently but not overfilling. Place the stuffed peppers upright in your baking dish.
- Add cheese topping (optional). Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper for a melty, golden finish.
- Bake. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the baked peppers. Serve hot with a side salad or warm bread.
Tips & Variations
“To add a spicy twist, mix diced jalapeño or serrano peppers into the filling. For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.”
Try roasting your peppers whole before stuffing for a smoky flavor. Simply char them under the broiler or on a grill until the skins blister, then peel off the skins before stuffing.
Feel free to swap quinoa for rice, couscous, or even cooked lentils depending on what you have on hand. Add chopped tomatoes or salsa to the filling for extra moisture and tang.
For a Mediterranean twist, stuff peppers with a mix of cooked bulgur, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 9 g |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Vitamin C | 120% DV |
Vitamin A | 60% DV |
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers are fantastic on their own or paired with a fresh side salad, like our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
For a cozy meal, serve alongside a bowl of Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
You can also enjoy these peppers as a hearty lunch with some crusty bread or as a side dish to your favorite grilled protein or plant-based meat alternative.
More Delicious Recipes for Peppers from the Garden
Roasted Pepper and Tomato Soup
This comforting soup highlights the sweet smokiness of roasted garden peppers blended with ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. Serve it warm with crusty bread for a perfect fall meal.
Spicy Pepper Stir-Fry
Quick and vibrant, this stir-fry combines sliced sweet and hot peppers with tofu or your choice of protein, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a fiery weeknight dinner.
Grilled Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mini peppers stuffed with herbed goat cheese or vegan cheese and grilled until charred make for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Pepper and Black Bean Tacos
Use sautéed peppers and black beans as the filling for soft corn tortillas, topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a tasty vegetarian taco night.
Pepper Relish
Preserve your garden harvest by making a tangy pepper relish that pairs beautifully with sandwiches, grilled veggies, and more.
Conclusion
Fresh peppers from your garden open up a world of vibrant flavors and creative cooking possibilities. From hearty stuffed peppers to smoky soups and spicy stir-fries, these recipes celebrate the natural beauty and taste of your homegrown produce.
Not only are they delicious, but they also bring wholesome nutrition and a burst of color to your table.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different pepper varieties and mix-ins to tailor these dishes to your personal preferences. For more inspiration on plant-based and vegetarian meals, check out our delicious guides like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or explore a variety of Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy the best your garden has to offer!
📖 Recipe Card: Stuffed Garden Peppers
Description: Fresh peppers from the garden stuffed with a savory mix of rice, vegetables, and cheese. A colorful and healthy meal perfect for any season.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add tomatoes, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Mix cooked rice into the vegetable mixture.
- Stuff peppers with the rice mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 45 g
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