Ingredients
- Bell Peppers: 6 large bell peppers, any color – These vibrant vegetables form the base of our dish, providing a slightly sweet and crisp vessel for the delicious filling. Choose firm peppers without blemishes for the best results.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Used for sautéing and adding richness, olive oil contributes to both flavor and healthy fats in the recipe.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped – Onion provides a foundational savory flavor, adding depth and aroma to the filling.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Garlic is a powerhouse of flavor, bringing a pungent and aromatic element that complements the spinach and cheese beautifully.
- Frozen Spinach: 10 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry – Spinach is the star vegetable, packed with nutrients and a mild, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese. Make sure to squeeze out excess water to prevent a soggy filling.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened – Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy richness, binding the filling together and creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup – Ricotta cheese contributes a light, slightly sweet, and fluffy texture to the filling, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and adding volume.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded – Mozzarella cheese provides that classic cheesy stretch and mild flavor that everyone loves. It melts beautifully and creates a gooey, satisfying element.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated – Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that enhances the overall cheesy profile of the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that brings a warm, aromatic, and classic Italian flavor to the filling.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional) – Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat, balancing the richness of the cheese and adding a layer of complexity. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt: To taste – Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish and is essential for bringing out the best in each ingredient.
- Black Pepper: To taste – Black pepper adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor, complementing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall taste.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare the bell peppers. Wash them thoroughly and then carefully slice each pepper in half lengthwise, from stem to bottom. Remove the seeds and membranes from each half, ensuring you have clean pepper shells ready to be filled.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add Spinach and Cook: Add the thawed and squeezed dry spinach to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is heated through and any remaining moisture has evaporated. This step is crucial to prevent a watery filling.
- Combine Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix these cheeses together until they are well combined and creamy.
- Incorporate Spinach Mixture and Seasoning: Add the sautéed spinach mixture to the cheese bowl. Stir everything together until the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Now, season the filling with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to your preference. The filling should be flavorful and well-seasoned at this stage.
- Stuff the Peppers: Take the prepared bell pepper halves and spoon the cheesy spinach filling generously into each cavity. Pack the filling in lightly, making sure to fill each pepper evenly. Don’t overstuff them to the point where the filling is overflowing, but ensure they are nicely rounded with the delicious mixture.
- Bake the Stuffed Peppers: Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. You can add a tablespoon or two of water to the bottom of the dish to create a little steam, which helps the peppers soften slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender-crisp and the cheese filling is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g