Save It Colorful bell peppers filled with creamy cottage cheese, fresh herbs, and a savory crunch from everything bagel seasoning. A vibrant, high-protein dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
I first made these stuffed peppers for my family on a busy weeknight, eager to use up some cottage cheese and fresh vegetables I had on hand. Everyone loved the unique twist with the everything bagel seasoning, and now it is a regular request.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large, any color, halved and seeds removed
- Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, quartered
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups, roughly chopped
- Cottage cheese: 2 cups, low-fat or full-fat
- Mozzarella cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded
- Fresh chives: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Everything bagel seasoning: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional): 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- Prepare Peppers:
- Arrange the bell pepper halves in the baking dish, cut side up.
- Mix Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, red onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach, chives, parsley, everything bagel seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until evenly blended.
- Fill Peppers:
- Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, mounding slightly.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle the tops with additional everything bagel seasoning if desired.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and slightly golden.
- Cool:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save It My kids love helping assemble these peppers and sprinkling seasoning on top, making dinner prep a fun family activity in our kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these peppers with a light green salad or a slice of whole-grain bread for a satisfying meal. They also work well as a colorful party appetizer.
Ingredient Swaps
Try swapping mozzarella for feta to add tang, or include sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Nutrition & Allergens
Each serving contains about 210 calories, 19 g protein, and is naturally gluten-free. Remember to double-check seasoning blends for gluten or sesame if allergies are a concern.
Save It These stuffed peppers are sure to brighten up your lunch or dinner table with their vibrant colors and creamy filling. Enjoy them hot from the oven for best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for the filling?
Low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese blends well with mozzarella to create a creamy, rich texture perfect for stuffing peppers.
- → Can I prepare this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes, by using plant-based cottage cheese and vegan mozzarella alternatives, you can enjoy this dish without dairy.
- → How do I ensure the peppers are tender after baking?
Bake the stuffed peppers covered with foil for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until soft and slightly golden on top.
- → What can I add for extra flavor variation?
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives mixed into the filling provide additional savory notes and texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients used are gluten-free; however, ensure the seasoning blend does not contain gluten if store-bought.