Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering Sausage Stuffed Pepper Rings! Imagine crisp bell pepper rings packed with savory Italian sausage, melted cheese, and a perfect blend of seasonings that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines the hearty goodness of sausage with the sweet crunch of bell peppers in a dish that's both easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, cut into rings
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Wash bell peppers thoroughly. Slice each pepper horizontally into 1-inch thick rings, removing seeds and membranes. Discard the top and bottom portions of the peppers.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, shredded mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Arrange pepper rings on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are flat and stable.
- Generously fill each pepper ring with the sausage and cheese mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed pepper ring for extra flavor and browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve hot as a main dish or appetizer, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose firm, symmetrical bell peppers that will create stable rings when sliced horizontally.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain and cool the cooked sausage before mixing with other ingredients to prevent soggy filling.
- For extra crispy tops, broil the pepper rings for 1-2 minutes after baking if you want a more golden-brown cheese crust.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Don't overfill the pepper rings – aim for a level, packed filling that stays within the pepper's edges.
- Let the pepper rings rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier.
- For a low-carb version, you can substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or simply omit them.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 75mg
