How to Create Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Peppers
Love cheesy, baked goodness? Then you’re going to fall head over heels for cheesy baked spinach artichoke stuffed peppers! This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for a family dinner or party appetizer. If you’re looking for an easy way to impress everyone at the table, this dish is it. Here’s how to make cheesy baked spinach artichoke stuffed peppers in just a few steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s round up the ingredients. You’ll need:
- 4 bell peppers (any color you like—red, yellow, orange, or green).
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz., softened).
- 1 cup of cooked spinach (you can use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water).
- 1 cup of chopped artichoke hearts (canned or jarred works great—drain well).
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 1: Prep the Bell Peppers
First, wash your bell peppers under running water to remove any dirt. Then, slice each pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and core. The pepper halves will act as little bowls to hold the cheesy filling.
Place the peppers open side up on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish. If they don’t sit flat, you can trim a tiny bit off the bottom (just don’t cut too much, or you’ll have holes in your peppers!).
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Filling
Here comes the fun part—making the creamy, cheesy filling. In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Cooked spinach
- Chopped artichoke hearts
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s smooth and evenly combined. The mixture should be creamy and packed with flavor.
If you want to make the filling extra special, throw in a handful of cooked, shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits. These additions aren’t necessary, but they take the dish to the next level!
Step 3: Stuff the Bell Peppers
Now it’s time to stuff those peppers. Use a spoon to scoop the spinach artichoke mixture into each pepper half. Fill them generously, but don’t overflow—this will ensure they bake evenly.
While stuffing the peppers, make sure the filling is snug so you get a hearty bite of cheesy goodness in every mouthful.
Step 4: Top With More Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), sprinkle a little more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. This step is optional, but it guarantees a beautifully gooey, golden-brown crust.
Adding breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan is another great topping if you enjoy a little crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your baking sheet or dish with stuffed peppers into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
The peppers should be tender but not mushy, and the cheesy filling should be bubbling and lightly browned on top. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking—if you want extra browning, you can turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
When the peppers are perfectly baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a spatula to carefully transfer them to plates or a serving platter.
These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or some roasted veggies. They also make an amazing appetizer for potlucks or game nights.
Tips for Success:
- Choose fresh peppers: Look for firm, shiny bell peppers without any wrinkles. Fresh peppers give you the best flavor and texture.
- Make ahead friendly: You can stuff the peppers and refrigerate them ahead of time. When ready to eat, bake them fresh!
- Adjust the flavors: Taste-test your filling before stuffing the peppers. If it needs more salt, pepper, or seasoning, don’t be afraid to adjust.
- Customize the recipe: Feel free to add ingredients like cooked chicken, mushrooms, or hot sauce to make the recipe your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy baked spinach artichoke stuffed peppers are easy to make and packed with flavor. The gooey cheese, creamy spinach artichoke filling, and tender pepper create an unforgettable bite every time. Plus, they’re a healthier choice than traditional stuffed peppers loaded with rice or bread.
Whether you’re serving these for dinner, appetizers, or snacks, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients and whip up this amazing recipe today—your friends and family will thank you!
This cheesy baked spinach artichoke stuffed pepper recipe proves that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. You can create something restaurant-worthy right at home with just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of effort. Now, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get cooking!
