Stuffed peppers are a timeless recipe that may be enjoyed all year. They are relatively easy to make and can be customized to fit any dietary restriction.
You can stuff them with rice, ground beef, sausage, or vegetables. The possibilities are endless.
While they are often served as a main course, one thing that isn’t up for debate is what sides you should serve with your stuffed peppers to create a well-rounded meal.
Here are fifteen of our favorites.
15 Best Sides to Serve with Stuffed Peppers
1. Serve stuffed peppers with rice
Rice is a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything. Plus, It is inexpensive and easy to make.
You can use white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice. It’s especially good with stuffed peppers because it soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
2. Bread served with stuffed peppers
Bread is another typical side dish for stuffed peppers. It can be used to soak up the sauce or as a vehicle for eating the stuffed pepper filling.
Bread pairs well with most types of stuffed peppers. Still, it is especially good with Italian-style stuffed peppers that contain tomato sauce.
A crusty baguette or sourdough bread works well, as the sturdy texture can stand up to the stuffing. Avoid using delicate bread such as brioche, as they will quickly become soggy.
For a fun twist, try using a variety of different colored peppers. The vivid colors will add visual appeal to the dish, and the different flavors will create an interesting contrast.
3. Vegetables
Stuffed peppers are already packed with vegetables, but you can bulk up the meal by serving additional vegetables on the side.
Some good options include steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sauteed kale. These sides will add more nutrients and fiber to the meal.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes are another filling side dish that can be served with stuffed peppers. They can be boiled, mashed, roasted, or fried. Potatoes pair well with both meaty and vegetarian stuffed peppers.
If you are serving potatoes, you may skip the bread, so you don’t have too many carbohydrates in one meal.
5. Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are always a hit; they go especially well with stuffed peppers. They may be made ahead of time and reheated, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
6. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a great way to get your fill of veggies while still enjoying a delicious meal. Simply cook your favorite vegetables in the oven before serving them with the stuffed peppers.
7. Salad
A simple salad is the perfect light side dish for stuffed peppers. Add some greens and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
Read More- 22 Quick Pairs for Stuffed Mushrooms
8. Baked beans
Baked beans are a hearty side that pairs well with the stuffed peppers. They can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
9. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that goes great with stuffed peppers. It’s quick and easy to make, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
10. Fried rice
Fried rice is a delicious way to change the typical side dishes served with stuffed peppers. It’s quick and easy to make, and it’s sure to satisfy your hunger.
11. Quinoa
Quinoa is a healthy alternative to rice that goes great with stuffed peppers. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal.
12. Couscous
Couscous is another healthy alternative to rice that pairs well with stuffed peppers. It’s quick-cooking and full of flavor, making it an easy side dish to prepare.
13. Pasta salad
Pasta salad is a refreshing side that goes well with stuffed peppers. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for summer meals.
14. Potato Salad
Potato salad is another classic summer side dish that pairs well with stuffed peppers. It can be made ahead of time and doesn’t require any cooking, making it perfect for hot summer days.
15. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a refreshing and light side that goes well with stuffed peppers. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal.
Fruit salad is also very versatile – feel free to add your favorite fruits to make it your own.
Finally, don’t forget the power of fresh herbs. A sprinkle of parsley, basil, or thyme can really take your meal to the next level.
Read More- 12 Delicious Sides to Serve with Shakshuka
Vegetarian stuffed peppers side dish
Stuffed peppers are a tasty and simple vegetarian side dish. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
Next, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re softened. Add the rice, beans, vegetables, tofu, and herbs, and cook for a few more minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes after filling the peppers with the mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to serve with Stuffed Pepper Soup?
When choosing sides to serve with stuffed pepper soup, there are a few things to recall.
Focus on lighter options that will complement the soup without weighing it down. Salad is always a good choice, and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will do the trick nicely.
You can also go for a more substantial side like roasted potatoes or garlic bread; just make sure it’s something that will complement the flavors of the soup without overpowering them.
You can add a few slices of avocado or shredded cheese for extra protein and creaminess.
For bread, I recommend a crusty baguette or rolls. And if you really want to make your meal special, top it off with a glass of red wine.
Read More- 9 Delicious Sides to Serve with Jamaican Beef Patties
FAQs
What sauce goes with stuffed peppers?
There are many types of stuffed peppers, each pairing well with a different sauce.
For example, Italian-style stuffed peppers are often served with marinara sauce, while Mexican-style stuffed peppers are typically served with salsa.
If you’re looking for a more unusual flavor combination, you might try pairing your stuffed peppers with a peanut sauce.
For more robustly flavored, prefer a cream or cheese sauce. You can even go for a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
What meat to serve with stuffed peppers?
You can try sausage or lamb. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with game meat such as venison or wild boar.
The most important thing is to make sure it’s well-seasoned. After all, the stuffing is only one part of the dish – the meat is what will really give it flavor.
What dessert goes with stuffed peppers?
When it comes to pairing stuffed peppers with the perfect dessert, there are a few things to consider.
The type of pepper, the filling, and the sauce all play a role in determining which dessert will be the best match.
One option that is sure to satisfy is a classic apple pie. The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the savory stuffed peppers, and the flaky crust adds a lovely touch of texture.
For sweet and savory stuffed pepper with a spicy sauce, a creamy and rich dessert like cheesecake or crème brûlée would be too heavy.
On the other hand, if your stuffed pepper is on the lighter side, something like angel food cake or fruit salad would be a good choice.
For an extra bit of richness, serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
No matter how you slice it, this pairing will surely be a hit at your next meal.
Should you cover stuffed peppers when baking?
If you’re stuffing the peppers with a dry filling, such as rice or bread crumbs, then it’s important to cover them while they bake. This will allow keeping the filling from drying out.
However, if you’re using a wet filling, such as ground meat, you should leave the peppers uncovered. This will help the filling to cook evenly and prevent it from becoming waterlogged.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not to cover your stuffed peppers is to experiment and see what works best for you.
Is it better to boil or bake peppers for stuffed peppers?
There are various cooking methods to choose from when it comes to making stuffed peppers.
Boiling and baking are two of the most popular options. So, which method is better?
While boiling is the quicker cooking method, it can also cause the peppers to lose some of their flavor and texture.
Baking, on the other hand, takes a bit longer but results in a tastier dish. The key is to roast the peppers until they are tender but still slightly firm.
This allows them to hold their shape while also becoming infused with all the delicious stuffing flavors.
So if you’re looking for the best-tasting stuffed peppers, be sure to bake them. Your taste buds will thank you!
What wine goes with the stuffed peppers recipe?
Try a wine with peppery undertones to complement the dish, like a Zinfandel or Barbera.
Pinot Noir is also a good choice if you want something a little lighter.
You can try a Riesling or Gewurztraminer for something on the sweeter side. Serve chilled.
