Garden Center Caprese Stuffed Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet bell peppers filled with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and garden herbs, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 48 minutes pairs large Bell peppers, San Marzano tomatoes, Fresh mozzarella for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 28 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut 4 large bell peppers lengthwise, remove seeds and membranes, and place cut-side up in a baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup diced San Marzano tomatoes, 8 oz cubed fresh mozzarella, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix gently until combined.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the tomato-mozzarella mixture evenly into each pepper cavity, then drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the tops.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-28 minutes until peppers are tender and edges are slightly caramelized, with cheese melted and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garden Center Caprese Stuffed Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 48 minutes (20 min prep + 28 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 Garden Center Caprese 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 large bell peppers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garden Center Caprese 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 Garden Center Caprese 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 Garden Center Caprese Stuffed Peppers?

Italian 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.

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