Description
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers combine sweet lump crab meat, tender shrimp, and aromatic spices baked inside colorful bell peppers, creating a flavorful and nutritious main course that’s perfect for a delightful seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Seafood
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp (chopped)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, carefully removing seeds and membranes, then brush the outsides lightly with olive oil. Stand them upright in a baking dish, ready for stuffing.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with lump crab meat, chopped cooked shrimp, cooked white rice, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, optional cayenne pepper, and chopped parsley. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your preference, and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each prepared bell pepper cavity gently but firmly with the seafood mixture. Sprinkle the tops evenly with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a melty, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbling with a golden cheese crust.
- Serve: Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving warm, paired with a fresh side salad or garlic bread as desired.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, roast the peppers for 10 minutes prior to stuffing to deepen their sweetness and soften them slightly.
- Substitute Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning if you prefer a spicier kick in your filling.
- Serve stuffed peppers with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.
