These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ham, Cheese, and Vegetables are a delicious, colorful dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With a blend of fluffy eggs, savory ham, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Baked until golden and bubbly, these stuffed peppers make a satisfying, nutrient-rich option for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes (including baking)
- Active Time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
- Bell Peppers: 3, halved and seeded (about 1.5 cups or 300 g)
- Eggs: 4 (about 1 cup)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, or to taste
- Pepper Mix: 1/2 tsp, or to taste
- Ham: 100 g (about 1/2 cup), diced
- Tomatoes: 1 medium (about 1/3 cup), diced
- Green Onions: 2 stalks (about 1/4 cup), chopped
- Cheese: 80 g (about 3/4 cup), shredded
Directions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Halve the bell peppers and remove the seeds, creating a hollow space for the filling.
- Make the Egg Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper mix to taste.
- Add the diced ham, tomatoes, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese to the eggs, stirring until well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers
- Arrange the bell pepper halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased baking dish.
- Spoon the egg mixture evenly into each pepper half, filling them to the top.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or toast.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- Add a side of salsa or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Cooking Tips
- Use different colored bell peppers for a more colorful presentation.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Use a sharp knife to dice ingredients finely for even cooking.
- Substitute ham with turkey, sausage, or even diced veggies for a vegetarian option.
- Avoid overfilling the peppers to prevent spillage.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bell Peppers: High in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Eggs: Provide protein, vitamins D and B12, and essential fats.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and protein.
- Tomatoes: Good source of vitamin C and lycopene.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Contains no gluten ingredients.
- High Protein: Eggs, ham, and cheese contribute to a high-protein meal.
- Low Carb: Minimal carbs, making it a low-carb-friendly dish.
- Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
- Vegetarian Option: Can be made vegetarian by omitting ham.
Nutritional Facts (Per Stuffed Pepper Half)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Minimal prep with easy steps.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Versatile: Great for any meal of the day or a healthy snack.
- Family-Friendly: Appealing to both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Dish Overview
This recipe features bell peppers as edible bowls filled with a savory ham and vegetable filling. The bell peppers soften during baking, and the cheesy topping adds a satisfying layer of flavor and texture. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that can easily be customized to include favorite vegetables or leftover ingredients.
Ingredients and Preparation
The key ingredients for this recipe are bell peppers, ham, cheese, and a variety of vegetables for flavor and nutrition.
Core Ingredients
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers work well, offering sweetness and color. Choose medium-sized peppers for easy portioning.
- Ham: Diced ham adds a savory, smoky flavor to the filling and is a great way to use leftover ham.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend melts beautifully, adding creaminess and flavor to each bite.
- Vegetables: Onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make the filling hearty and nutritious.
Seasonings and Optional Additions
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the filling.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that complements the cheese and vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Rice or Quinoa (optional): For extra heartiness, add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a crispy finish.
Cooking Steps
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables and Ham: In a skillet, sauté diced onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant. Add diced ham, followed by chopped vegetables (such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach), and cook until the vegetables are tender. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheese, reserving some for topping. Add cooked rice or quinoa if desired, mixing until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the ham and vegetable filling into each bell pepper, pressing down slightly to fit as much as possible. Top each pepper with additional cheese (and breadcrumbs if using) for a golden crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ham, Cheese, and Vegetables are satisfying on their own but can also be served with:
- Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light dressing.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up any extra filling.
- Roasted Potatoes: Adds a bit more heartiness to the meal.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bell Peppers: High in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Ham: A good source of protein, with a smoky, savory flavor.
- Cheese: Provides calcium, protein, and adds richness to the filling.
- Vegetables: Increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making the dish wholesome and balanced.
Tips for Success
- Pre-Bake Peppers for Extra Tenderness: If you prefer very soft peppers, pre-bake them for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Use Leftover Ham or Vegetables: This is a great recipe for using up leftovers.
Conclusion
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ham, Cheese, and Vegetables are an ideal recipe for anyone looking for a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s easy to make. With a base of colorful bell peppers and a rich egg filling, this dish is not only visually appealing but also highly nutritious. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these stuffed peppers are a versatile and satisfying choice. Give them a try and enjoy the simple goodness of this delightful recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute with cheddar, gouda, or even feta for a unique flavor. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham, or add extra vegetables or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. - How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the egg mixture or use pepper jack cheese for extra heat. - Can I use different meats besides ham?
Yes, cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey also work well in this recipe. - Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ham, Cheese, and Vegetables
- Total Time: 45mins
Description
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ham, Cheese, and Vegetables are a delicious, colorful dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With a blend of fluffy eggs, savory ham, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Baked until golden and bubbly, these stuffed peppers make a satisfying, nutrient-rich option for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- Bell Peppers: 3, halved and seeded (about 1.5 cups or 300 g)
- Eggs: 4 (about 1 cup)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, or to taste
- Pepper Mix: 1/2 tsp, or to taste
- Ham: 100 g (about 1/2 cup), diced
- Tomatoes: 1 medium (about 1/3 cup), diced
- Green Onions: 2 stalks (about 1/4 cup), chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Halve the bell peppers and remove the seeds, creating a hollow space for the filling.
- Make the Egg Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper mix to taste.
- Add the diced ham, tomatoes, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese to the eggs, stirring until well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers
- Arrange the bell pepper halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased baking dish.
- Spoon the egg mixture evenly into each pepper half, filling them to the top.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 30mins
