Bell peppers baked with cheese

6 servings

40 minutes

Baked bell peppers with cheese are a dish inspired by Bulgarian culinary traditions, where fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs combine with soft, rich cheeses. The baked halves of juicy red pepper serve as the perfect base for a delicate mix of mozzarella, feta, and cottage cheese enhanced by the aroma of garlic, basil, and olive oil. Grilling gives the peppers a light caramelization while the cheesy filling melts into a golden crust. The flavor of the dish is a balance of the sweetness of the pepper, saltiness of the cheeses, and freshness of basil. This magnificent treat is perfect for both a light dinner and a festive table, adding vibrant colors and rich Mediterranean spice aromas.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 310.7
• Proteins: 15.3g
• Fats: 26.4g
• Carbohydrates: 7.4g

Ingredients

• Tomatoes: 2 pc
• Red sweet pepper: 3 pc
• Mozzarella cheese: 250 g
• Feta cheese: 200 g
• Green basil: 1 bunch
• Cottage cheese: 50 g
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Dried basil: pinch
• Dried oregano: pinch
• Ground dried garlic: pinch

Cooking steps

1. Wash the peppers, cut them in half, and remove the seeds. Do not cut off the stem, leave it for beauty.

2. Place the pepper halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and put them under the grill for a short time. The peppers should soften slightly and the edges should brown.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

3. While the peppers are in the oven, chop the mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, and tomatoes into small cubes (if the tomatoes are very juicy, remove some seeds).

   Required ingredients:

   • Mozzarella cheese: 250 g
   • Feta cheese: 200 g
   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces

4. Put everything in one bowl, add cream cheese, olive oil, ground black pepper, and chopped basil leaves.

   Required ingredients:

   • Cottage cheese: 50 g
   • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Green basil: 1 bunch

5. Press the garlic through a garlic press (or chop finely) and add to the cheese mixture.

   Required ingredients:

   • Garlic: 2 cloves

6. Add a little dry basil, dry garlic, and oregano (just a bit).

   Required ingredients:

   • Dried basil:  pinch
   • Ground dried garlic:  pinch
   • Dried oregano:  pinch

7. Remove the peppers from the oven and fill the pepper boats with a mixture of cheeses and spices, drizzling olive oil on top.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

8. Place the filled boats in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 210 degrees.

9. Once the cheese melts and a golden crust forms, take the peppers out of the oven.

10. Cool slightly and serve.