Supreme Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bubbling cheese, savory layers of pizza goodness, and the sweet snap of roasted bell peppers—this recipe is everything you love about supreme pizza, reimagined into a deliciously low-carb and wholesome package. Each bite is a harmony of melted mozzarella, spiced sausage, vibrant veggies, and zesty marinara, all tucked into a tender bell pepper vessel that’s just begging to be devoured.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of one of those “what’s in the fridge” moments that turned into something magical. Leftover pizza toppings, a trio of bell peppers, and a craving for something comforting yet fresh inspired this creation. Think of it as your favorite Friday night takeout, dressed up for a healthier dinner at home. There’s something so satisfying about lifting a stuffed pepper from the baking dish and watching gooey cheese stretch as you take the first bite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While pizza itself has its roots in Naples, Italy, the concept of stuffing vegetables dates back to the Ottoman Empire and Mediterranean regions where peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes were often filled with grains, meats, and herbs. This fusion-style dish marries the concept of dolma (stuffed vegetables) with the all-American love affair with pizza. It’s a playful twist that’s both nostalgic and inventive, bridging comfort food and clean eating.

Why You’ll Love Supreme Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

This dish is a total game-changer for weeknight meals and meal preppers alike. Here’s why it’s worth every bite:

Versatile: Easily swap toppings based on what you have—mushrooms, olives, or even pineapple if you dare.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients like canned marinara and ground sausage.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under an hour, with minimal prep.

Customizable: Gluten-free? Vegetarian? You can tailor this to suit any diet.

Crowd-Pleasing: The colors alone are show-stopping, and the flavors speak for themselves.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them ahead and bake when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully and make great lunchbox additions.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make your peppers truly shine, keep these tips in mind:

• Roast your peppers lightly before stuffing to soften them just enough for that perfect bite.
• Use a thick marinara to prevent soggy bottoms and help bind the toppings.
• Mix up the cheeses—mozzarella melts like a dream, but a little parmesan or provolone adds depth.
• Brown the sausage well for extra caramelized flavor.
• Let them rest after baking so the filling sets and flavors meld.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Creating this dish doesn’t require fancy gear, just some trusty essentials:

Large Skillet: To brown sausage and sauté toppings.

Mixing Bowls: For combining fillings.

Baking Dish: Holds peppers upright while baking.

Chef’s Knife: For cleanly slicing the tops off the peppers.

Cutting Board: For prepping veggies and ingredients.

Ingredients in Supreme Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

When flavors dance together like this, every ingredient earns its spotlight. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bell Peppers: 3 large (red, yellow, or green), halved lengthwise and deseeded. These are your edible vessels, sweet and crisp.

Italian Sausage: 1 pound, casings removed. Brings savory, spiced meatiness.

Red Onion: 1 small, finely chopped. Adds a sharp, sweet edge.

Black Olives: 1/4 cup, sliced. A briny bite that balances richness.

Mushrooms: 1/2 cup, chopped. Earthy depth and umami.

Marinara Sauce: 1 cup. Tomato richness that binds it all together.

Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded. That gooey, stretchy layer we all crave.

Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated. Salty, nutty finishing touch.

Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. A classic pizza herb for aromatic flair.

Salt and Pepper: To taste. Enhances every layer.

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For sautéing and brushing peppers.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to switch it up? No problem.

Italian Sausage: Ground turkey or beef.

Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or shredded Italian blend.

Parmesan Cheese: Asiago or Romano.

Marinara Sauce: Crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning.

Black Olives: Green olives or omit if preferred.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bell Peppers: These are more than just containers. Their natural sweetness balances the salty-savory filling, and when roasted, they turn meltingly tender.

Italian Sausage: It’s the flavor powerhouse—spicy, aromatic, and rich, adding depth to every bite.

Instructions for Making Supreme Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

This is the fun part—building flavor, layer by layer. Here are the steps you’re going to follow:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold six pepper halves.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and mushrooms, cooking until softened. Stir in marinara, olives, oregano, and half of the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Slice peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Brush with olive oil and place cut-side up in the baking dish.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Spoon filling into each pepper half, mounding it slightly. Top with remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Finishing Touches:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot, with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The real charm of this dish is in the contrast. The peppers become tender yet retain a slight crunch, while the filling turns rich and juicy, with bubbling, golden cheese on top. Every bite is layered—salty, sweet, cheesy, and meaty, with pockets of olives and bits of mushroom offering unexpected bursts of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

This dish loves a little personal touch. Keep these in mind:

• Use a blend of cheeses for better melt and flavor.
• Roast peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing if you prefer them extra soft.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
• Line your baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.

What to Avoid

Let’s steer clear of these common mishaps:

• Overstuffing the peppers (they’ll overflow in the oven).
• Using watery marinara (makes everything soggy).
• Skipping the rest time (filling may fall apart).
• Undercooking the sausage (check for browning and doneness).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 330

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can absolutely prep these ahead. Assemble up to a day in advance and store in the fridge, covered. To freeze, wrap individual peppers and place in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve Supreme Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

These are fantastic as a standalone main, but for a full meal, pair with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers are golden here. Try:

• Dicing the filling and tossing into scrambled eggs.
• Chopping and mixing with pasta for an instant pizza pasta bake.
• Using as a sandwich filling inside a hoagie roll.

Additional Tips

• Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for freshness.
• Add crushed red pepper for spice.
• Use color variety in peppers for visual appeal.
• Store extras in glass containers to avoid sogginess.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. For a truly show-stopping look:

• Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers.
• Add a final broil to get that golden cheese crust.
• Serve on a wooden board with fresh basil leaves.

Variations to Try

• Veggie Lovers: Add zucchini, spinach, and artichokes.
• Hawaiian Style: Pineapple chunks and turkey ham.
• Meat Lovers: Pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef combo.
• Mexican Twist: Use taco meat, salsa, and cheddar cheese.
• Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can I make this vegetarian?

A1. Absolutely. Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.

Q2. Can I freeze them after baking?

A2. Yes. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze.

Q3. What cheese works best?

A3. Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend work well too.

Q4. How long will they keep in the fridge?

A4. Up to 4 days, stored in an airtight container.

Q5. Can I prep the filling ahead of time?

A5. Yes. You can make the filling up to 2 days in advance.

Q6. What size peppers are best?

A6. Medium to large peppers work best for holding enough filling.

Q7. Can I use green peppers only?

A7. Yes, though red and yellow are sweeter and add color variety.

Q8. Do I need to cook the peppers before stuffing?

A8. Not required, but pre-roasting makes them softer.

Q9. What if I don’t like olives?

A9. Just leave them out or replace with another topping like artichoke hearts.

Q10. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

A10. Yes, especially if your marinara sauce is low in sugar.

Conclusion

Supreme Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers are where comfort meets creativity. They bring the soul of a supreme pizza into a lighter, veggie-packed format that’s bursting with flavor and visual charm. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, trust me—you’re going to love this. It’s cozy, satisfying, and oh-so-repeatable.

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