Peppers baked with cheese

Baked peppers with cheese are a delicious and satisfying dish that makes for a great appetizer, side, or even a light main course. The combination of sweet, roasted peppers with melted cheese is hard to resist. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:

Baked Peppers with Cheese

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crispy topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Peppers:

   • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
   • If necessary, trim a small slice off the bottom of each pepper to make them stand upright, but be careful not to create a hole.

3. Prepare Filling:

   • In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese (if using), chopped herbs, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to make it easier to spoon into the peppers.

4. Stuff Peppers:

   • Spoon the cheese mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in slightly.
   • Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.

5. Add Breadcrumbs (Optional):

   • If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of each stuffed pepper for a crunchy topping.

6. Bake Peppers:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you added breadcrumbs, they should be golden brown.

7. Serve:

   • Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Additions: Mix in cooked ground meat, sautéed vegetables, or even a bit of cooked rice into the cheese filling for a heartier dish.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or a spicy pepper jack for varied flavors.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture if you like some heat.
• Make Ahead: You can stuff the peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. They might need a few extra minutes in the oven if they’re coming straight from the fridge.

These baked peppers are a versatile and delicious way to enjoy the combination of cheese and peppers. Enjoy experimenting with different variations!