15+ Red Pepper Recipes for Delicious Meals
Red peppers are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can bring vibrant color and flavor to your meals. You can use red peppers in a variety of dishes, from salads and appetizers to main courses that are sure to impress. Their natural sweetness and crunch make them a favorite among many home cooks.
In this article, you will discover several red pepper recipes that are easy to follow and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a hearty main meal, red peppers can enhance your cooking with their bold taste and health benefits. Enjoy experimenting with these flavorful options!
1) Red Pepper Hummus
Red pepper hummus is a tasty snack that’s easy to make. It combines the creaminess of chickpeas with the sweet flavor of red peppers. You can enjoy it with veggies, pita chips, or on sandwiches.
To start, roast red peppers until they’re soft and slightly charred. This brings out their natural sweetness. Let them cool, then peel off the skin.
Next, blend the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and the roasted peppers in a food processor. Add olive oil for smoothness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can adjust the flavors as you like. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Roast the red pepper at 450°F (232°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Let the pepper cool, then peel the skin.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, roasted pepper, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Slowly add olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2) Stuffed Red Peppers
Stuffed red peppers are a delicious and colorful dish. You can fill them with various ingredients, making them a great option for any meal. They are healthy and satisfying too.
Start by preparing the red peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds. You can use different fillings, like rice, quinoa, ground meat, or beans. Add spices and cheese for extra flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to brown the tops.
Ingredients
- 4 large red bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the red peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix cooked rice or quinoa, ground meat, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into the peppers.
- Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
3) Red Pepper Soup
Red pepper soup is a warm and tasty dish. It’s easy to make and perfect for a chilly day. The bright color and flavor of the red peppers make it special.
To start, you’ll need fresh red peppers. Roasting them adds a delicious smoky taste. Blend the roasted peppers with broth, onions, and garlic for a smooth soup.
You can enjoy it as a starter or a light meal. Adding cream makes it richer, but it’s great without it too. Top with fresh herbs for a nice touch.
Ingredients
- 4 red bell peppers
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Cut the red peppers in half and remove seeds.
- Place peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 20 minutes.
- In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add roasted peppers and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
- Blend until smooth. Add cream if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
4) Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Roasted red pepper pasta is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. The creamy sauce made from roasted red peppers adds great flavor. You’ll love how colorful and inviting it looks.
Start by cooking your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, blend roasted red peppers with garlic, cream, and a little Parmesan cheese. This will create a smooth, rich sauce.
Once your pasta is ready, mix it with the roasted red pepper sauce. You can add a touch of salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to enhance the taste. Serve with extra Parmesan on top for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (230 g) pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) roasted red peppers
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian herbs (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, garlic, and cream.
- Blend until smooth.
- Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta.
- Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve and enjoy!
5) Red Pepper and Tomato Salad
This red pepper and tomato salad is fresh and full of flavor. It makes a great side dish for any meal or a light lunch on its own. You’ll love the crisp texture and vibrant colors.
For this salad, start with ripe tomatoes and sweet red peppers. You can add some olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Optional ingredients like feta cheese or olives can enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Feta cheese or olives
Cooking Instructions
- Chop the red bell peppers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the peppers and tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to mix all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving.
6) Red Pepper Tapenade
Red pepper tapenade is a tasty spread you can enjoy with bread or crackers. It brings together the flavors of roasted red peppers, olives, and garlic. This dish is perfect for snacks, parties, or just for something different in your meals.
To make it, you’ll need roasted red peppers, olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup olives (green or black)
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
- Begin by placing all ingredients in a food processor.
- Blend until you reach a smooth and spreadable texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve with your favorite bread or crackers. Enjoy!
7) Red Pepper Bruschetta
Red pepper bruschetta is a colorful and tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You just need a few fresh ingredients to create a delicious dish.
Start by roasting red peppers until they are tender. Let them cool, then slice them into strips. Mix the roasted peppers with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley.
Toast some slices of your favorite bread until golden brown. Top the toasted bread with the red pepper mixture. It adds a burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 large red peppers
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slices of artisan bread
Cooking Instructions
- Roast red peppers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Allow the peppers to cool, then peel and slice them.
- In a bowl, combine peppers, garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Toast bread slices in a toaster or oven.
- Top the toasted bread with the red pepper mixture and serve.
8) Grilled Red Pepper Skewers
Grilled red pepper skewers are a colorful and delicious addition to any meal. They are easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can enjoy them as a side dish or a tasty snack.
For this recipe, you’ll need fresh red peppers and a few simple seasonings. The grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the peppers and adds a smoky taste.
Ingredients
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or basil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Cut the red peppers into chunks.
- Thread the pepper pieces onto skewers.
- Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
9) Red Pepper Frittata
A red pepper frittata is a tasty dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it versatile for any meal.
To start, chop some fresh red peppers. Sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they are soft. Then, beat eggs in a bowl and add the sautéed peppers, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a non-stick skillet. Cook over medium heat until the edges set. For a fluffy frittata, finish it under the broiler at 400°F (200°C) until the top is golden.
Let it cool before slicing and serving. This dish goes well with a simple side salad or toast.
10) Red Pepper Quesadillas
Red pepper quesadillas are a fun and tasty dish. They are great for lunch or a quick snack. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients.
To make these quesadillas, start with fresh tortillas. Add sliced red peppers, cheese, and any other toppings you like, such as onions or mushrooms.
Cook them on a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden brown.
Slice and serve hot with salsa or sour cream!
Ingredients
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: sliced onions or mushrooms
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Place one tortilla in the skillet.
- Add sliced red peppers and cheese on top.
- Place the second tortilla over the filling.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat, slice, and enjoy!
11) Red Pepper and Chickpea Stew
This red pepper and chickpea stew is warm and comforting. It’s packed with flavor and good for you. Plus, it’s easy to make.
Start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in olive oil. Add diced red peppers and cook until they’re soft. Then, mix in canned chickpeas and diced tomatoes.
Season your stew with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend.
To serve, garnish with fresh parsley. You can enjoy this stew on its own or with some crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in diced red peppers; cook until soft.
- Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes.
- Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve with fresh parsley on top.
12) Red Pepper Risotto
Red pepper risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish. It combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with rich Arborio rice. This recipe is simple and perfect for a cozy dinner.
To start, prepare your ingredients. You’ll need fresh roasted red peppers, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and parmesan cheese. These all come together to create a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in the Arborio rice for 2 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth gradually, stirring often until absorbed.
- Mix in roasted red peppers and parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
13) Red Pepper Relish
Red pepper relish is a tasty addition to many dishes. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that brightens up sandwiches, burgers, and even grilled meats. Making your own relish is easy and fun.
For this recipe, you’ll need fresh red bell peppers, onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices. You can enjoy it right away or store it in the fridge for later.
Ingredients
- 4 large red bell peppers
- 1 medium onion
- 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Start by chopping the peppers and onion into small pieces.
- In a pot, combine the chopped peppers, onion, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat on medium until it boils, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Let the relish cool, then transfer it to jars and store in the fridge.
14) Red Pepper Gazpacho
Red pepper gazpacho is a refreshing twist on the traditional cold soup. It’s perfect for a hot day and packed with flavor.
To make this gazpacho, you will blend ripe red peppers with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a few herbs. The result is a vibrant, chilled soup that’s easy to prepare.
You can serve it as a starter or a light meal. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 4 large red bell peppers
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Roast the red peppers until charred, then peel and chop them.
- In a blender, combine the peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and garlic.
- Add olive oil and red wine vinegar. Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill the mixture for at least an hour before serving.
15) Red Pepper Pesto
Red pepper pesto is a flavorful twist on traditional pesto. It uses roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky taste. This sauce is great for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
To make this pesto, you’ll need fresh herbs and nuts to enhance the flavor. You can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes if you like a kick.
Ingredients
- 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
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In a food processor, combine roasted red peppers, basil, pine nuts, and garlic.
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Blend until smooth.
-
Gradually add olive oil while blending to reach your desired consistency.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
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Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later use.