Baked Basil and Cherry Tomato Stuffed Peppers
Vibrant bell peppers filled with a fresh tomato and herb mixture, baked until tender and golden. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs quartered cherry tomatoes, finely chopped fresh basil, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large, halved lengthwise and seeds removed bell peppers
- 1 cup, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange the halved bell peppers cut-side up in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, 1/4 cup olive oil, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well mixed.
- Step 3: Spoon the tomato-basil mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, pressing gently to fill completely.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until peppers are tender and filling is golden and bubbling.
- Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Basil and Cherry Tomato Stuffed Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Basil and Cherry Tomato Stuffed Peppers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quartered cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Basil and Cherry Tomato Stuffed Peppers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Basil and Cherry Tomato Stuffed Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Basil and Cherry Tomato Stuffed Peppers?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.