Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers

Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers

These Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Filled with a savory mixture of crumbled feta, grains, and herbs, and baked to perfection, they’re ideal as a light main course or a side dish. With their vibrant colors and the creamy feta filling, they’re sure to impress at any dinner table!

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off, seeds removed)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice, couscous, or farro)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup black olives, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce (optional, for a saucy base)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and cut the tops off the bell peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Set aside.
3. If you’d like, you can place a spoonful of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish for a little extra flavor and moisture, but this is optional.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa (or rice, couscous, or farro), crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives (if using), fresh parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. If you prefer a little tang, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling mixture.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Carefully spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in tightly so they’re filled to the top.
2. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top of each stuffed pepper for added flavor and moisture while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Peppers

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly roasted.
2. After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to crisp up and the feta to melt slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Serve as a main dish with a light salad or as a side to your favorite protein!

Tips and Variations:

• Add protein: For a heartier meal, you can add chopped chicken, ground turkey, or chickpeas to the quinoa mixture.
• Cheese variations: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can swap it out for goat cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar.
• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based feta or other vegan cheese alternatives to make this dish completely plant-based.
• Extra veggies: Add diced tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for more vegetables and flavor.

Conclusion

These Baked Feta Stuffed Peppers are a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side. The combination of creamy feta, fresh herbs, and grains wrapped in a tender bell pepper makes each bite satisfying and delicious. Customize the filling to your taste and enjoy this nutritious, easy-to-make meal!