Cooking with Peppers - Cooking Light

Photo: John Autry

The Power of Peppers

Peppers come in a variety of shapes and sizes with varying degrees of hotness. Use the best of the season to add a sweet or spicy kick to these delictable, light, and fresh recipes.

First up is our Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños. The rich and creamy combination of bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar nicely contrasts the muted spice of grilled jalapeño peppers. This appetizer recipe is a healthy, fresh alternative to the popular breaded and fried version.

View Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

Photo: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine and Randy Mayor

Jerk Chicken and Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

For a great tasting weeknight dinner with lots of bold flavor, try this jerk chicken and stuffed peppers recipe. The mini bell peppers will be a big hit, and the creamy filling will help tame the heat of the jerk chicken.

View Recipe: Jerk Chicken and Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor

Grilled Vegetable and Fontina Pizza

This grilled veggie pizza is a gorgeous medley of red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, red onion, and sweet basil. Also consider orange, yellow, or purple sweet peppers such as Merlot, Golden Treasures, or Canary Bell. With refrigerated fresh pizza dough and a few minutes on the grill, dinner is on the table in minutes.

View Recipe: Grilled Vegetable and Fontina Pizza

Photo: Randy Mayor

Marinated Peppers and Mozzarella

Serve this stunning dish solo as a predinner nosh, or spoon over mixed lettuces for a fresh spin on salad. Reserve excess oil, and toss it with steamed brown rice or noodles.

View Recipe: Marinated Peppers and Mozzarella

Photo: Randy Mayor

Roasted Red Pepper-and-Corn Salsa

To keep the corn from drying out on the grill, soak the ears in water first. You can grill the corn and bell peppers at the same time, but check the peppers earlier, since they cook faster. The salsa is great as an appetizer or as a topping for grilled meats, fish, or poultry.

View Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper-and-Corn Salsa

Photo: John Autry

Tomato-Baby Bell Pepper Tartlets

For the prettiest appearance, use red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. If you can't find baby bell peppers, use julienne strips of regular bell pepper.

View Recipe: Tomato-Baby Bell Pepper Tartlets

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Peppers and Lentil Salad

Tender, savory lentils paired with cooked peppers and cilantro converts this dish from a bland bean salad to a delectable and healthy meal. Use any combination of sweet bell peppers you like: green, red, yellow, and purple.

View Recipe: Grilled Peppers and Lentil Salad

Photo: John Autry

Creamy Pumpkin-Red Pepper Soup

This outstanding soup can be topped with a variety of things: we love Parmigiano-Reggiano and rosemary, but savory sprinkles like chopped smoked almonds or toasted pecans would be lovely. This tastes even better the next day...or the day after.

View Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin-Red Pepper Soup

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Jalapeño, Sausage, Jack, and Egg Breakfast Braid

Follow something spicy with something fruity. Sweet and savory make a good flavor combination for breakfast in general, so serve this with a fruit garnish like grapes or melon.

View Recipe: Jalapeño, Sausage, Jack, and Egg Breakfast Braid

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Homemade Pita Chips with Red Pepper Dip

These guiltless chips are full of flavor and oh-so-easy to make. We bake our pita wedges until they're crisp, and then blend together roasted red bell peppers with almonds and other high-flavor ingredients. The results are a healthy, full-flavored snack.

View Recipe: Homemade Pita Chips with Red Pepper Dip

Photo: Johnny Miller

Hot Pepper Vinegar

Chop and sprinkle these pickled peppers over salads or on sandwiches. Use the vinegar mixture to kick up salad dressing.

View Recipe: Hot Pepper Vinegar

Photo: Johnny Miller

Sweet and Spicy Pepperonata

Use a variety of hot and sweet peppers in red, orange, and yellow for superior flavor and color in this dish. Serve as a side with grilled meat or fish, or as an appetizer spooned over grilled bread.

View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pepperonata