Christmas stuffed peppers are warm, colorful, and perfect for adding a cheerful touch to your holiday table. With red and green peppers, a cozy filling, and simple seasonings, you can create a dish that feels festive, hearty, and easy enough for any home cook. These peppers look beautiful, taste comforting, and work wonderfully as a main or side dish.
Here’s how to make Christmas stuffed peppers that pop with color and flavor.
Pick Red & Green Peppers for a Festive Look
Using both red and green bell peppers instantly gives your dish a Christmas feel.
Choose peppers that:
- Stand upright easily
- Have bright, glossy skin
- Are medium-sized (they bake more evenly)
Slice off the tops, remove seeds, and rinse. Pat dry so the peppers roast properly.
Make a Cozy and Flavorful Filling
A good stuffed pepper filling should be warm, hearty, and simple to prepare.
You’ll need:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- Ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
- Onion and garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Salt & pepper
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
Sauté the meat with onions and garlic. Add tomato sauce, rice, and seasonings. Simmer a few minutes so the flavors blend.
Optional festive mix-ins:
- Diced tomatoes
- Spinach
- Corn
- A few dried cranberries for a Christmas touch
- Fresh parsley
Taste and adjust seasoning before stuffing the peppers.
Stuff the Peppers Generously
Fill each pepper all the way to the top. Press lightly with a spoon to keep the layers tight but don’t pack too firmly—this keeps the texture fluffy.
Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
Pour a small amount of tomato sauce or broth into the bottom of the dish to keep them moist while roasting.
Bake Until Soft and Golden
This is where the peppers turn tender and the filling becomes warm and comforting.
Roasting method:
- Cover with foil
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes
- Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more
- Add cheese on top during the last 5–8 minutes
You’re looking for:
- Soft but upright peppers
- Bubbly filling
- Lightly golden tops
Add Bright Christmas Garnishes
These little touches make your dish look extra festive:
Try topping with:
- Chopped parsley
- Shredded mozzarella
- Parmesan
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest for brightness
- A tiny drizzle of olive oil
These touches make the colors pop and highlight the Christmas theme.
Make Them Ahead for Easy Holiday Cooking
Stuffed peppers are perfect for busy Christmas cooking because they reheat beautifully.
To prep ahead:
- Prepare peppers and stuffing
- Assemble completely
- Cover and refrigerate
- Bake when ready, adding 5–10 extra minutes
You can also freeze stuffed peppers and bake from frozen (just extend bake time).
Tips for the Best Christmas Stuffed Peppers
- Precook the rice so the filling stays fluffy
- Don’t overpack the peppers
- Use both red and green peppers for color
- Add cheese at the end to avoid burning
- Pour a little sauce into the baking dish to keep peppers moist
- Taste the filling before stuffing
These simple touches create a cozy, flavorful, colorful dish.
A Festive Christmas Side or Main Dish Everyone Will Love
Christmas stuffed peppers are hearty, bright, and perfect for bringing color to your holiday feast. Whether you serve them with roast turkey, ham, beef, or a cozy vegetarian spread, they always look beautiful and taste satisfying.
Save this recipe and enjoy festive stuffed peppers that light up your Christmas table!
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