Spicy Northern Jambalaya Stuffed Bell Pepper Bites
These Spicy Northern Jambalaya Stuffed Bell Pepper Bites offer a delightful twist on traditional jambalaya by placing a vibrant and zesty filling into colorful mini sweet bell peppers. Perfect for winter gatherings, these flavorful appetizers combine the smoky goodness of andouille sausage, tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich blend of spices mixed into a savory rice filling. With a creamy finish from vegetable-infused cream cheese and a burst of freshness from green onions, these bite-sized treats will be a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering!
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Andouille sausages
6 ounces (diced)
Long grain and wild rice blend
2 boxes (4 1/3 ounces each) (follow package instructions)
Miniature tri-color sweet bell peppers
2 lbs (cut in half and seeds removed)
Pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts
6 ounces (diced)
Frozen small shrimp
6 ounces (thawed)
Chopped green onion
1/3 cup (freshly chopped)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Crushed garlic
1/2 teaspoon (from a jar)
Herb and garlic spaghetti sauce
1 1/4 cups (ready to use)
Cream cheese with vegetables
6 ounces (softened)
Salt and pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large saucepan, combine diced andouille sausage, rice blend, and seasoning packets. Add the water specified on the rice package and cook according to package directions, omitting any oil.
3
While the rice is cooking, prepare the miniature bell peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise while keeping the stems attached. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create a hollow space for stuffing.
4
After approximately 30 minutes, when the rice is fully cooked, remove it from heat and stir in the diced chicken, thawed shrimp, chopped green onions, dried thyme, crushed garlic, spaghetti sauce, and softened cream cheese. Mix well and season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Gently stuff each halved pepper with the jambalaya mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they hold their shape.
6
Arrange the stuffed peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the peppers are crisp-tender and the filling is heated through.
7
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the burst of flavors and warmth.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Northern Jambalaya Stuffed Bell Pepper Bites?
They are bite-sized appetizers featuring a zesty jambalaya filling made of sausage, chicken, shrimp, and rice stuffed into mini sweet bell peppers.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 30 servings.
What kind of peppers are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of miniature tri-color sweet bell peppers.
What proteins are included in the jambalaya filling?
The filling includes andouille sausage, pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts, and small shrimp.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the stuffed peppers need to bake?
They should bake for about 15 minutes until the peppers are crisp-tender.
What type of rice is required?
The recipe calls for two 4 1/3 ounce boxes of long grain and wild rice blend.
Do I need to cook the rice before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, the rice should be cooked with the diced andouille sausage according to package directions before mixing with other ingredients.
Should the shrimp be fresh or frozen?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of frozen small shrimp that have been thawed.
What kind of cream cheese is used in the filling?
Use 6 ounces of softened cream cheese with vegetables for a creamy finish.
How should I prepare the mini bell peppers?
Cut them in half lengthwise keeping the stems attached and remove the seeds and membranes.
What sauce is added to the rice mixture?
1 1/4 cups of herb and garlic spaghetti sauce are stirred into the filling.
Is the chicken raw or pre-cooked?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts, diced.
What spices are used to season the jambalaya?
The filling is seasoned with dried thyme, crushed garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
Are there any fresh herbs in this dish?
Yes, it includes 1/3 cup of freshly chopped green onions.
Can I add oil when cooking the rice?
The instructions recommend omitting any oil when cooking the rice blend.
How do I ensure the filling stays in the peppers?
Gently stuff each halved pepper and press the mixture lightly so they hold their shape.
Should the baking sheet be prepared?
Yes, it is recommended to use a foil-lined baking sheet for the stuffed peppers.
When should these be served?
They should be served immediately while hot to enjoy the best flavor and warmth.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the combination of andouille sausage and zesty filling makes it a spicy appetizer.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as an appetizer and party food that takes less than 60 minutes to prepare.
How much andouille sausage is needed?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of diced andouille sausage.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 11 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is described as a flavorful appetizer perfect for winter gatherings.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of jarred?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of crushed garlic from a jar, but fresh can be substituted.
How much dried thyme is used?
One teaspoon of crushed dried thyme is added to the filling.
What size should the shrimp be?
The recipe specifies small shrimp, which are ideal for bite-sized peppers.
Is this dish considered finger food?
Yes, it is tagged as finger food and bite-sized treats.
What happens to the peppers during baking?
They become crisp-tender while the filling gets heated through.
Does the recipe use a specific type of spaghetti sauce?
Yes, it specifically calls for herb and garlic spaghetti sauce.