Gourmet Grilled Stuffed Peppers
These Gourmet Grilled Stuffed Peppers make an excellent side dish or can stand alone as a flavorful vegetarian main course. Bursting with creamy Monterey Jack cheese and the savory essence of bacon, each bite is balanced with aromatic basil and a touch of pepper. This versatile recipe allows you to swap out the peppers for vibrant red, orange, or yellow ones, adding a splash of color to your dish. Alternatively, consider using portabella mushroom caps for an earthy twist. Modify this recipe with healthier ingredients for a lower-fat version that maintains all the delicious taste.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green Bell Peppers
2 (halved, seeds and membranes removed)
White Rice
1 cup (cooked)
Monterey Jack Cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Flour or Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (tossed with cheese)
Bacon
4 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (fresh or dried)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Instructions
1
Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
2
Slice the bell peppers in half vertically, removing seeds and membranes for a clean cavity.
3
Shave a thin slice from the rounded side of each pepper half so they rest flat on the grill.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, melted butter, salt, pepper, and basil, stirring until well mixed.
5
Incorporate the flour with shredded cheese to prevent clumping and fold into the rice mixture.
6
Crumble the cooked bacon over the mixture and stir until evenly combined.
7
Fill each half bell pepper with the rice mixture, packing it in tightly.
8
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Arrange the stuffed peppers on the grill, cut side up.
9
Grill the peppers for approximately 15 minutes or until they become tender but not overly soft. Cheese should be melted and bubbly.
10
Remove from the grill and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Grilled Stuffed Peppers?
They are a flavorful dish featuring bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, and seasonings, then grilled to perfection.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, you can swap green bell peppers for vibrant red, orange, or yellow ones to add more color to the dish.
How long do I need to grill the stuffed peppers?
Grill the peppers for approximately 15 minutes over medium-high heat until tender and the cheese is bubbly.
What type of cheese is recommended for the filling?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While the description mentions it as a vegetarian main, it contains bacon; you should omit the bacon to make it truly vegetarian.
Can I substitute the peppers with another vegetable?
Yes, the recipe suggests using portabella mushroom caps as an earthy alternative to bell peppers.
Why should I shave a thin slice from the side of the pepper?
Shaving a thin slice from the rounded side helps the pepper halves rest flat on the grill surface without rolling.
What is the purpose of tossing the cheese with flour or cornstarch?
Mixing the flour or cornstarch with the shredded cheese helps prevent clumping when it is folded into the rice mixture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can modify the recipe by using lower-fat cheese, a butter substitute, or turkey bacon to reduce the fat content.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled before being stirred into the filling mixture.
Do I need to cook the rice before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, the rice should be cooked according to its package instructions before being mixed with the other ingredients.
Should I use fresh or dried basil?
The recipe is versatile and allows for the use of either 1/2 teaspoon of fresh or dried basil.
What grill temperature is best?
The grill should be preheated to a medium-high heat setting.
How do I prepare the peppers for stuffing?
Slice the peppers in half vertically and remove all seeds and membranes to create a clean cavity for the filling.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, although the recipe specifies white rice, cooked brown rice can be used as a healthier substitute.
What should the final texture of the peppers be?
The peppers should be tender but not overly soft, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Can these peppers be served as a main course?
Yes, they are substantial enough to stand alone as a main course or be served as a side dish.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: bell peppers, rice, cheese, flour, bacon, salt, pepper, basil, and butter.
How much butter is used in the filling?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
Should the peppers be grilled cut side up or down?
The peppers should be placed on the grill cut side up to keep the filling inside.
How much bacon is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
How much flour or cornstarch is used?
Only 1 teaspoon of flour or cornstarch is needed to toss with the cheese.
Can I prepare the filling in a large bowl?
Yes, the cooked rice, butter, seasonings, cheese, and bacon should all be combined in a large bowl before stuffing.
How tightly should I pack the filling?
You should pack the rice mixture into each pepper half tightly to ensure they are well-filled.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe, making it perfect for outdoor grilling season.
Does this recipe contain any fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not specify the fiber content for this recipe.
Can I use different seasonings?
While the recipe calls for basil, you can certainly experiment with other aromatic herbs to change the flavor profile.
Should I let the peppers rest after grilling?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving for the best experience.