Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers Flavorful Dinner Delight

Name: Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 cup cooked quinoa; 1 small red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper; for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

by Sophia on December 15, 2024

Get ready for a tasty twist on dinner with my baked feta stuffed peppers! These colorful delights are packed with creamy feta, flavorful quinoa, and fresh veggies. They bring a healthy and satisfying meal to your table in no time. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you’ll love this easy recipe. Follow along for tips and tricks to make your stuffed peppers the best they can be!

$- 4 large bell peppers - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 small red onion - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 2 cloves garlic - Dried oregano and smoked paprika - Extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish For this baked feta stuffed peppers recipe, I love using a mix of colorful bell peppers. The colors make the dish fun and bright. You need four large bell peppers. They should be firm and fresh. Next, feta cheese adds a tangy flavor. I use one cup of crumbled feta cheese. It blends well with the other ingredients. Quinoa is a great base for the filling. Use one cup of cooked quinoa that has cooled. It gives the dish a nice texture and adds protein. Chop one small red onion finely. It gives a slight sweetness and crunch. You also need one cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half. They add freshness and juiciness. Don't forget two cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic brings a strong, savory taste. Seasonings are key. Use dried oregano and smoked paprika to add depth. To bind everything together, use two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. It keeps the mixture moist and flavorful. Finally, salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential. They enhance all the flavors. For garnish, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. It's the perfect finishing touch. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This warms the oven for even cooking. 2. Prepare the baking dish. Use a large dish that fits all four peppers. 3. Cut the tops off each bell pepper. Remove seeds and membranes inside. 4. Stand the peppers upright in the baking dish. This helps them stay stable while baking. 1. In a large bowl, combine the following: - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1 cup cooked quinoa (make sure it’s cooled) - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes - 2 cloves minced garlic 2. Add seasonings to the mixture: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 3. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. 4. Mix everything well until all ingredients are combined and coated. 1. Stuff each pepper with the feta mixture. Pack it in gently but fully. 2. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the tops of the stuffed peppers for added flavor. 3. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. This keeps the peppers moist. 4. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for fork-tender peppers. 5. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 minutes. This makes the tops golden and crispy. 6. Let the peppers cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps with serving. 7. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving. How to choose the best bell peppers When picking bell peppers, look for firm ones. Select peppers with bright colors. Red, yellow, and green peppers all work well. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. These can affect taste and texture. Tips for cooking quinoa To cook quinoa perfectly, rinse it first. This removes any bitter taste. Use two cups of water for every cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover it and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once done, fluff it with a fork. Suggestions for extra seasonings You can add more spices for depth. Consider adding crushed red pepper for heat. Lemon zest can brighten up the flavors. A dash of cumin also adds warmth and earthiness. Ideas for adding textures or crunch To add crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Pine nuts or walnuts work great. You can also mix in some breadcrumbs before baking. This gives a nice crispy topping. Plating suggestions for serving Arrange the stuffed peppers upright on a large plate. A rustic wooden board adds charm. Drizzle extra olive oil around the peppers for a nice finish. Garnishing for visual appeal Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. You can also add thin slices of lemon. This makes the dish look bright and fresh. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of bell pepper colors not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a variety of flavors. Cool Quinoa Before Mixing: Ensure your cooked quinoa is cooled before combining it with other ingredients to prevent the feta from melting prematurely. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint to the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor and freshness. Experiment with Cheese: While feta is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for a different taste experience. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors by swapping ingredients. Instead of quinoa, try rice or couscous. Mix in different veggies like zucchini or spinach for a fresh twist. For cheese, you can use goat cheese or mozzarella. Each option brings a new taste to your baked feta stuffed peppers. If you're gluten-free, just use quinoa or rice. Both are safe and tasty! For vegetarians, this dish is already perfect. To make it vegan, swap feta for a plant-based cheese. Cashew cheese works well, and it adds creaminess without dairy. Pair your peppers with a side salad or crusty bread. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a nice touch. For gatherings, arrange the peppers on a large platter. You can serve them with dips like tzatziki or hummus for extra flavor. To keep your Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in an airtight container. They will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing. - Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed peppers. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for about 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them properly: - Best Methods: The oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until they are warm. - Maintain Texture: To keep the peppers tender, don’t microwave them. Microwaving can make them mushy. Always check the center to ensure it’s hot throughout. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the stuffed peppers ahead. Just prepare and stuff them, then cover and store in the fridge. Bake them when you're ready to eat. What can I substitute for feta cheese? You can use goat cheese or ricotta if you want a different taste. Both work well in this recipe. How long do stuffed peppers last in the refrigerator? Stuffed peppers last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Just make sure you store them in an airtight container. Can I use other types of peppers or vegetables? Absolutely! You can use poblano or jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick. Zucchini or eggplant also work great as alternatives. Baked feta stuffed peppers unite fresh ingredients and simple steps. You learned how to prep the peppers, combine the stuffing, and bake them to perfection. With tips on swaps, dietary adjustments, and storage, you can make this dish your own. Feel free to experiment with flavors and presentation. Remember, it’s all about enjoying good food with family and friends. Dive in and savor every bite of this colorful dish!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Colorful Presentation: Using a mix of bell pepper colors not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a variety of flavors.
Healthy Ingredients: This recipe packs in nutritious ingredients like quinoa, feta, and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome meal.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily modify the stuffing to include your favorite ingredients or leftovers, making it a flexible option for any meal.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 large bell peppers

– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

– 1 cup cooked quinoa

– 1 small red onion

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes

– 2 cloves garlic

– Dried oregano and smoked paprika

– Extra virgin olive oil

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper

– Fresh parsley for garnish

For this baked feta stuffed peppers recipe, I love using a mix of colorful bell peppers. The colors make the dish fun and bright. You need four large bell peppers. They should be firm and fresh.

Next, feta cheese adds a tangy flavor. I use one cup of crumbled feta cheese. It blends well with the other ingredients.

Quinoa is a great base for the filling. Use one cup of cooked quinoa that has cooled. It gives the dish a nice texture and adds protein.

Chop one small red onion finely. It gives a slight sweetness and crunch.

You also need one cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half. They add freshness and juiciness.

Don’t forget two cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic brings a strong, savory taste.

Seasonings are key. Use dried oregano and smoked paprika to add depth.

To bind everything together, use two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. It keeps the mixture moist and flavorful.

Finally, salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential. They enhance all the flavors.

For garnish, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a tasty meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This warms the oven for even cooking.

2. Prepare the baking dish. Use a large dish that fits all four peppers.

3. Cut the tops off each bell pepper. Remove seeds and membranes inside.

4. Stand the peppers upright in the baking dish. This helps them stay stable while baking.

Making the Stuffing

1. In a large bowl, combine the following:

– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

– 1 cup cooked quinoa (make sure it’s cooled)

– 1 small red onion, finely chopped

– 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

– 2 cloves minced garlic

2. Add seasonings to the mixture:

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

4. Mix everything well until all ingredients are combined and coated.

Baking Process

1. Stuff each pepper with the feta mixture. Pack it in gently but fully.

2. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the tops of the stuffed peppers for added flavor.

3. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. This keeps the peppers moist.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for fork-tender peppers.

5. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 minutes. This makes the tops golden and crispy.

6. Let the peppers cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps with serving.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Recipe

How to choose the best bell peppers

When picking bell peppers, look for firm ones. Select peppers with bright colors. Red, yellow, and green peppers all work well. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. These can affect taste and texture.

Tips for cooking quinoa

To cook quinoa perfectly, rinse it first. This removes any bitter taste. Use two cups of water for every cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover it and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once done, fluff it with a fork.

Enhancing Flavor

Suggestions for extra seasonings

You can add more spices for depth. Consider adding crushed red pepper for heat. Lemon zest can brighten up the flavors. A dash of cumin also adds warmth and earthiness.

Ideas for adding textures or crunch

To add crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Pine nuts or walnuts work great. You can also mix in some breadcrumbs before baking. This gives a nice crispy topping.

Presentation Tips

Plating suggestions for serving

Arrange the stuffed peppers upright on a large plate. A rustic wooden board adds charm. Drizzle extra olive oil around the peppers for a nice finish.

Garnishing for visual appeal

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. You can also add thin slices of lemon. This makes the dish look bright and fresh.

Pro Tips

Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of bell pepper colors not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a variety of flavors.
Cool Quinoa Before Mixing: Ensure your cooked quinoa is cooled before combining it with other ingredients to prevent the feta from melting prematurely.
Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint to the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
Experiment with Cheese: While feta is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for a different taste experience.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can change the flavors by swapping ingredients. Instead of quinoa, try rice or couscous. Mix in different veggies like zucchini or spinach for a fresh twist. For cheese, you can use goat cheese or mozzarella. Each option brings a new taste to your baked feta stuffed peppers.

Dietary Modifications

If you’re gluten-free, just use quinoa or rice. Both are safe and tasty! For vegetarians, this dish is already perfect. To make it vegan, swap feta for a plant-based cheese. Cashew cheese works well, and it adds creaminess without dairy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your peppers with a side salad or crusty bread. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a nice touch. For gatherings, arrange the peppers on a large platter. You can serve them with dips like tzatziki or hummus for extra flavor.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers fresh, follow these tips:

– Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in an airtight container. They will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing.

– Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed peppers. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for about 3 months.

Reheating Guidelines

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them properly:

– Best Methods: The oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until they are warm.

– Maintain Texture: To keep the peppers tender, don’t microwave them. Microwaving can make them mushy. Always check the center to ensure it’s hot throughout.

FAQs

Common Questions about Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the stuffed peppers ahead. Just prepare and stuff them, then cover and store in the fridge. Bake them when you’re ready to eat.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or ricotta if you want a different taste. Both work well in this recipe.

How long do stuffed peppers last in the refrigerator?

Stuffed peppers last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Just make sure you store them in an airtight container.

Can I use other types of peppers or vegetables?

Absolutely! You can use poblano or jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick. Zucchini or eggplant also work great as alternatives.

Baked feta stuffed peppers unite fresh ingredients and simple steps. You learned how to prep the peppers, combine the stuffing, and bake them to perfection. With tips on swaps, dietary adjustments, and storage, you can make this dish your own. Feel free to experiment with flavors and presentation. Remember, it’s all about enjoying good food with family and friends. Dive in and savor every bite of this colorful dis

Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers

Delicious bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of feta cheese, quinoa, and vegetables, baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off their tops about one inch from the peak, and carefully remove any seeds and membranes inside. Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish, ensuring they are stable.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, cooked quinoa, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and smoked paprika, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the mixture with extra virgin olive oil and stir until everything is evenly mixed and well incorporated.
Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the feta and quinoa mixture, ensuring to pack it in gently but fully. Fill them to the top for maximum flavor.
Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the tops of the stuffed peppers for added richness. Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help steam the peppers while they bake.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are fork-tender.
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This will help the tops become slightly golden and create a delicious, crispy texture.
Once cooked, carefully take the dish out of the oven and allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving.
To serve, garnish each pepper with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a rustic serving platter, and drizzle with a bit more olive oil, if desired, for added sheen.

Keyword feta, quinoa, stuffed peppers, vegetarian