Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds? Say hello to Creamy Bacon Stuffed Peppers, a mouthwatering American classic that combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon with the creamy richness of cheese and heavy cream—all nestled inside vibrant bell peppers! Perfect for a cozy family meal or an impressive dinner party, these stuffed peppers are sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. With just 50 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll want to dive right into this recipe that promises to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the peppers cook evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
- Prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water and set them aside to dry.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, using the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- While the onion and garlic are cooking, crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces.
- Once the onion and garlic are ready, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Next, stir in the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Carefully spoon the creamy bacon mixture into each of the prepared bell peppers, filling them generously.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If necessary, you can add a little water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers while they bake.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper for an extra cheesy finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help the peppers cook through without burning the cheese.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy bacon stuffed peppers!
Tips
- Choose the Right Peppers: Opt for firm, colorful bell peppers for a visually appealing dish. Red, yellow, or orange peppers add a sweet flavor that complements the richness of the filling beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Make sure to cook the bacon until it's crispy for the best texture in your filling. The crispy bits will add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy mixture.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still give you a delicious filling without being overly rich.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Bake with Steam: Adding a little water to the bottom of the baking dish can help steam the peppers, ensuring they cook evenly and stay tender without burning the cheese.
- Let Them Rest: After baking, allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set a bit, making them easier to eat and enhancing the flavors.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider topping your stuffed peppers with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.Enjoy crafting this delicious dish, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
