10+ Peppers Side Dish Recipes to Spice Up Your Meals

Peppers are not just tasty; they can also bring a burst of color and flavor to any meal. There are many ways to prepare them as delicious side dishes that complement your main courses. These versatile vegetables can be a healthy and vibrant addition to your dining table.

Whether you prefer sweet bell peppers or spicy varieties, there are plenty of recipes to explore. From roasting and grilling to sautéing, peppers can be transformed into delightful sides that your family and friends will love. Embrace the creativity of cooking with peppers and enjoy the satisfying flavors they offer.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa

Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa make a delicious and healthy side dish. They are colorful and packed with flavor. You can customize the filling to suit your taste.

Begin by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. Mix the cooked quinoa with vegetables and spices. You can include ingredients like diced tomatoes and onions for extra flavor.

Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. Fill each pepper with the quinoa mixture, packing it in tightly. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

These stuffed peppers are not only tasty but also nutritious. They can serve as a great side dish or a main vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
3. Mix cooked quinoa with diced tomatoes and onions. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
5. Fill each pepper with the quinoa mixture.
6. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

2) Grilled Poblano Peppers with Lime

Grilled poblano peppers with lime are a delicious and zesty side dish. The smoky flavor from grilling pairs perfectly with the bright acidity of lime juice. You can serve these peppers alongside your favorite proteins or as a tasty addition to any meal.

To prepare, start by selecting fresh poblano peppers. You’ll roast them on the grill until they become charred and tender. The grilling process enhances their natural sweetness and gives a nice smoky flavor.

After grilling, drizzle them with fresh lime juice. This adds a refreshing touch that brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle some salt and pepper for added flavor.

These grilled poblano peppers make a great addition to any BBQ or summer gathering. They are simple to make and full of flavor, making them a perfect choice for your table.

Ingredients

• 4 poblano peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
2. Brush the poblano peppers with olive oil.
3. Place the peppers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Remove from the grill once the skins are charred and blistered.
5. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

3) Roasted Red Peppers with Balsamic Reduction

Roasted red peppers with balsamic reduction are a simple yet flavorful dish. The sweetness of the peppers pairs nicely with the tangy balsamic vinegar. You can serve them as a side dish or as part of a cheese platter.

To make this dish, start with fresh red peppers. Slice them and lay them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred.

While the peppers are roasting, make the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens slightly. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Once the peppers are done, plate them and drizzle the balsamic reduction on top. You can also add fresh basil for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 4-5 red bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Core and slice the red peppers.
3. Place the pepper slices on a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Roast the peppers for 20-25 minutes.
6. In a saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar until slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
7. Plate the roasted peppers and drizzle with balsamic reduction.
8. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

4) Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread

Spicy jalapeño cornbread is a tasty side dish that adds a kick to your meals. It’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with soups or chilis. You’ll love the blend of flavors.

To start, gather your ingredients. Use fresh jalapeños for the best taste. Remember, you can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix wet ingredients like milk, melted butter, and eggs in one bowl. In another bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix well. Fold in the diced jalapeños before transferring the batter to a greased baking dish. Bake until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 fresh jalapeños, diced
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix milk, melted butter, and eggs.
3. In another bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix.
5. Fold in diced jalapeños.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
7. Bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.

5) Chili-Lime Marinated Peppers

Chili-lime marinated peppers are a zesty and vibrant side dish. The fresh lime juice and chili blend perfectly, bringing a burst of flavor to your table. You can use a variety of peppers, such as bell peppers or shishito peppers.

Start by slicing your peppers into strips or halves. Then, in a bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Toss the peppers in the marinade until they are well-coated.

Let the peppers marinate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in properly. For a tasty twist, you can grill or sauté the marinated peppers for a few minutes until they are slightly charred.

These marinated peppers can be served alongside tacos, grilled meats, or even on their own as a refreshing snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of your choice of peppers
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the peppers.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and salt.
3. Toss the peppers in the marinade.
4. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
5. Grill or sauté the peppers for a few minutes if desired.

6) Pepper and Mozzarella Skewers

Pepper and mozzarella skewers are a fun and easy appetizer. They combine the sweetness of roasted peppers with creamy mozzarella. This dish is perfect for parties or a simple family snack.

Start by roasting red peppers until they’re tender and slightly charred. You can use jarred roasted peppers for convenience. Cut the peppers into strips and gather fresh basil leaves.

Next, stack the ingredients on skewers. Begin with a piece of roasted pepper, then add a mozzarella ball, and finish with a basil leaf. Repeat until the skewer is full. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

These skewers can be served warm or cold. They are not just tasty but colorful, making for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

• Roasted red peppers (about 2 jars)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Ciliegine (cherry-size mozzarella balls)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast the red peppers at 400°F (200°C) until tender.
2. Cut the peppers into strips.
3. Thread a pepper strip, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge.

7) Sweet and Spicy Habanero Glaze

This sweet and spicy habanero glaze can add a kick to your dishes. It works well on meats, vegetables, or even as a dip. The blend of heat from the habanero and sweetness from the sugar creates a delightful flavor balance.

To make it, you’ll need finely chopped habanero peppers, brown sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness to suit your taste.

Start by heating the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, usually about 10-15 minutes.

Once done, you can cool it and use it right away. It will add a delicious, fiery touch to grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Enjoy experimenting with this glaze!

Ingredients

• 2-3 habanero peppers, finely chopped
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped habaneros, brown sugar, vinegar, and salt.
3. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
5. Let cool before using.

8) Banana Peppers in Garlic Marinade

Marinating banana peppers in a garlic mixture adds a tasty kick to your meals. This simple dish brings together the mild heat of the peppers with the robust flavor of garlic.

To start, combine fresh banana peppers with minced garlic, olive oil, and your favorite spices. Let the peppers sit in this marinade for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Once marinated, you can grill or roast the banana peppers. They make an excellent side dish or topping for sandwiches. The garlic enhances their natural sweetness, making each bite delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 banana peppers
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by slicing the banana peppers in half and removing the seeds.
2. In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Then, coat the banana peppers in the marinade.
4. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
5. Finally, grill or roast the peppers at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until tender.

9) Bell Pepper and Pineapple Salsa

Bell pepper and pineapple salsa is a fresh and tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal. The vibrant colors and mix of flavors create a delightful combination that you and your guests will enjoy.

To make this salsa, you’ll need ripe pineapple and your choice of bell peppers. Red bell peppers work well because of their sweetness and color. Jalapeños add a spicy kick if you like some heat.

You can serve this salsa with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. The sweetness from the pineapple balances the spice of the peppers perfectly, making every bite delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pineapple, bell pepper, jalapeño, and red onion.
2. Then, squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and add salt to taste.
3. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

10) Stuffed Cherry Peppers with Prosciutto

Stuffed cherry peppers with prosciutto make a tasty side dish. Their bold flavors can complement many meals. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare.

Start by gathering fresh cherry peppers and prosciutto. You’ll also need provolone cheese and some herbs for added flavor.

To make them, first, remove the tops of the peppers. Then, stuff them with a mix of prosciutto and provolone. Finally, pack them in a jar and add olive oil to keep them fresh. Refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy.

These stuffed peppers can be served cold or heated. They add a nice kick to any spread. Enjoy them at parties or as a snack!

Ingredients

• Cherry peppers
• Prosciutto
• Provolone cheese
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley
• Oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Remove the tops of the cherry peppers.
2. Stuff each pepper with prosciutto and provolone cheese.
3. Pack the peppers into a jar.
4. Pour olive oil over the peppers to cover them.
5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.