Stuffed peppers make a great addition to the appetizer or entree menu

Bell peppers have made quite a resurgence on the culinary scene. Thanks to their vibrant colors, sweet flavor, crisp texture and extreme versatility, these healthy veggies are a favorite of cooks and customers alike. Since you already have them in your inventory for pizza, pasta dishes, soups and salads, why not take full advantage of their newfound demand by featuring them as an entrée or as an appetizer meant to be shared?

One of most interesting and tasty ways to shine the spotlight on bell peppers is by stuffing them with various sauces and fillings and then roasting them to perfection. This should be done ahead so the dish can be heated to order. Much like with a pizza dough, anything goes here. From meatballs and red sauce to a creamy risotto with Andouille, experiment to find the flavor profiles your customers like most.

In terms of prep, it couldn’t be easier. Simply cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove the seeds and rinse the peppers thoroughly. Some cooks like to lightly salt the insides of the peppers before adding any ingredients, though this step is entirely optional.

If you are ready to give stuffed peppers a try on your menu, here are some recipes that are sure to be a hit.

Mornay Glory

Spaghetti Squash Stuffed Peppers

Jeremy White is editor-in-chief of Pizza Today.