Description
Delight in these Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers, a savory seafood dish combining tender crab meat, succulent shrimp, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Baked to perfection, this recipe offers a flavorful and impressive meal perfect for seafood lovers looking for a creative and colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Seafood Mixture
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Brush the outside and inside of the peppers lightly with olive oil to help with roasting.
- Make the Seafood Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, chopped onion, celery, garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy but still has seafood texture.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the seafood mixture evenly into each bell pepper, packing gently to fill without overstuffing. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve alongside lemon wedges for a fresh citrus squeeze.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seafood mixture.
- Make sure the seafood is fully cooked before mixing; raw shrimp or crab should be cooked prior.
- These stuffed peppers can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
- Use a mixture of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a vibrant presentation.
