BREAKFAST STUFFED BELL PEPPERS: A FLAVORFUL MORNING START

These Breakfast Stuffed Bell Peppers are the perfect way to kick-start your day. Packed with savory breakfast sausage, fluffy hash browns or rice, and topped with an egg and melted cheddar cheese, these peppers are a delicious, protein-packed option for a hearty breakfast or brunch. They’re also great for meal prep, making mornings easy and stress-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make them ahead and reheat for a quick, satisfying breakfast.
• One-Pan Meal: Easy to assemble and bake, with minimal cleanup.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a breakfast-for-dinner situation.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

• Bell Peppers (4 large): Sweet and vibrant peppers act as edible bowls that bake to tender perfection. Choose red, yellow, orange, or green for a colorful presentation.
• Breakfast Sausage (1 cup, cooked and crumbled): Adds a savory, flavorful protein base. Use pork, chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage if desired.
• Eggs (4 large): Each bell pepper is topped with a baked egg for a rich, creamy texture.

Filling Additions:

• Cooked Rice or Hash Browns (1½ cups): Provides a hearty base to the filling. Use leftover rice, crispy hash browns, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully on top, adding creamy, gooey richness.
• Tomatoes (½ cup, diced): Adds a fresh, juicy burst to the filling.
• Onion (½ medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the savory filling.

Seasoning:

• Salt (½ teaspoon) & Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors.

Cooking Essentials:

• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing the onion and tomatoes.

How to Make Breakfast Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

2. Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Slice the tops off of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside.
2. Arrange the hollowed-out peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Filling

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and tomatoes, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the cooked breakfast sausage and 1½ cups of cooked rice or hash browns.
4. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then stir until well combined.

4. Stuff the Bell Peppers

1. Spoon the sausage and rice mixture into each bell pepper, filling them almost to the top while leaving space for the egg.
2. Crack 1 egg over the filling in each pepper, being careful not to break the yolk.
3. Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup), dividing evenly among the peppers.

5. Bake the Stuffed Peppers

1. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny (adjust cooking time for fully set yolks).
3. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve and Garnish

1. Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added flavor and color.
3. Serve warm with a side of salsa, hot sauce, or avocado slices for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Breakfast Peppers

1. Choose Even-Sized Peppers: This ensures they cook evenly and hold similar amounts of filling.
2. Pre-Cook Peppers (Optional): For softer peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes before stuffing.
3. Egg Cook Time: For a runny yolk, bake for about 20 minutes. For a fully set yolk, bake for 25-30 minutes.
4. Prevent Overflow: Fill the peppers with the sausage mixture just below the rim to leave space for the egg.
5. Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded varieties.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or black beans.
2. Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of cooked rice or hash browns.
3. Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a kick of heat.
4. Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, feta, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
5. Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning to the sausage mixture and top with avocado and salsa for a Tex-Mex breakfast.

Perfect Pairings

1. Toast or Biscuits: Serve with a slice of buttery toast or flaky biscuits to round out the meal.
2. Fresh Fruit: Add a side of sliced fruit like oranges, berries, or melon for a fresh and light complement.
3. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the stuffed peppers.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Balance the richness with a simple yogurt parfait topped with granola and honey.

FAQs

1. Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sausage and rice filling and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Crack the eggs and add cheese just before baking.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

3. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes! Freeze the peppers (without the egg) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, crack a fresh egg on top, and bake as directed.

4. What if my peppers fall over in the baking dish?

Use a small baking dish so the peppers fit snugly and remain upright during baking. Alternatively, slice a thin layer off the bottom of each pepper to create a flat base.

5. Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra vegetables.

Conclusion

These Breakfast Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious, nutritious, and customizable dish that’s perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches. With layers of savory sausage, hearty rice or hash browns, baked eggs, and melted cheese, they deliver a flavor-packed breakfast that feels like a treat. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy a wholesome meal that’s sure to impress! Try them today and turn breakfast into the best meal of the day.

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