Pin It There's something magical about the aroma of pizza filling your kitchen, but when you're following a keto lifestyle, traditional pizza night might seem out of reach. That's where these Keto Pizza Stuffed Peppers come in—they deliver all the flavors you crave without the carb-heavy crust. Colorful bell peppers create the perfect vessel for holding a savory mixture of marinara, melty cheese, and pepperoni that will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite pizzeria.
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Growing up in a household where pizza Friday was sacred, finding keto alternatives became my personal mission when I switched to a low-carb lifestyle. These stuffed peppers quickly became a family favorite—the sweet, roasted bell peppers provide the perfect contrast to the savory, cheesy filling. Each bite delivers that satisfying pizza experience without the post-carb crash that traditional pizza can bring.
Ingredients
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- 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular, cut into quarters)
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional, for extra protein)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and peppers
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the bell pepper halves with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange them cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Create the pizza filling
- In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, cooked Italian sausage (if using), half the pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Stuff the peppers
- Spoon the filling evenly into the pepper halves.
- Add the toppings
- Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining mozzarella, remaining pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese.
- Initial baking
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish baking
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the peppers are tender.
- Rest and garnish
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When selecting bell peppers, look for ones with flat bottoms that will stand upright in your baking dish. For a speedier version, you can pre-cook the peppers in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before stuffing them. This reduces the overall baking time by about 10 minutes and ensures your peppers will be perfectly tender.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
These pizza stuffed peppers are incredibly versatile. For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and double the pepperoni or add sautéed mushrooms. Create a 'supreme' version by adding diced onions, green peppers, and black olives to the filling. For a different flavor profile, try using provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella, or add a few tablespoons of ricotta for a creamier texture.
Serviervorschläge
These keto pizza stuffed peppers are a meal on their own, but pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. For family members not following keto, you might serve them with a side of garlic bread. These peppers also make excellent leftovers—simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, or enjoy them cold for lunch the next day.
Pin It As someone who once thought giving up traditional pizza would be the hardest part of going keto, I'm happy to report these stuffed peppers have filled that void perfectly. They've become such a staple in our household that we often make a double batch on meal-prep Sundays to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you're strictly keto or simply looking for a healthier twist on pizza night, these stuffed peppers deliver on flavor while keeping carbs in check. The next time a pizza craving strikes, give this recipe a try—I promise your taste buds won't know what they're missing!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and add extra pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms to keep it hearty and flavorful.
- → What cheese alternatives can I use?
Provolone or cheddar cheese can replace mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I ensure the peppers are tender?
Baking covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes helps soften peppers while browning the cheese.
- → Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it’s designed with low-carb ingredients like bell peppers, mozzarella, and keto-friendly marinara sauce.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the peppers ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake for convenience.
