Description
Delicious crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers baked to golden perfection. This seafood-filled dish combines creamy cream cheese, fresh herbs, and seasoned breadcrumbs for a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Seafood
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
Other Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or other fresh herbs like dill or chives)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking and brushing peppers)
Instructions
- Prepping the Peppers: Cut the tops off each bell pepper, then carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Brush the outside and inside of each pepper with olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent drying out during baking. Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish to prepare for stuffing.
- Preparing the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl and combine with softened cream cheese, drained lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuffing the Peppers: Spoon the crab and shrimp mixture into each prepared bell pepper cavity. Gently press the filling down to pack it tightly without tearing the pepper walls, ensuring maximum stuffing in each pepper.
- Baking the Stuffed Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden brown to achieve a delightful texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor and texture.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor but you can use plain breadcrumbs and adjust seasoning.
- Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose free.
- Serve hot as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
