If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that combines the sweet, succulent flavors of seafood with vibrant, colorful bell peppers, you are going to fall in love with this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. It’s a delightful harmony of tender crab meat, plump shrimp, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs all snugly baked inside perfectly roasted bell peppers. This recipe brings together simplicity and elegance on one plate, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress or just treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is the key to making these stuffed bell peppers sing with taste and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a touch of zest, or that irresistible golden crust on top.
- 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green): Choose sturdy peppers to hold the stuffing and bring vibrant color to your plate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings fragrant warmth that complements the seafood beautifully.
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped: Provides juicy, tender seafood flavor with a slight snap.
- ½ pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells: Adds that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness.
- 1 cup cooked white rice (optional): Makes the stuffing heartier and helps soak up all those delicious seasonings.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Binds the filling while providing creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts a nutty, savory depth to the mixture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts into gooey perfection, making the filling luscious.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with a zesty contrast to the rich seafood.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic seasoning that makes seafood irresistible.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Gives a satisfying crunch to the topping.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed with breadcrumbs for savory crispiness.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Helps the breadcrumb topping brown beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky hint and gorgeous color to the crust.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly once you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent the bell peppers from sticking and make cleanup easier. Next, slice the tops off your bell peppers and scoop out all the seeds and white membranes inside. If the peppers don’t stand firmly, trim a thin slice off their bottoms so they sit upright in your baking dish — this little trick prevents spills and helps the peppers bake perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics and Seafood
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to unlock its fragrance. Now, it’s time for the seafood! Add your chopped shrimp first and cook just until they turn opaque, which only takes a couple of minutes. Stir in the delicate crab meat, warming it gently for another couple of minutes. Remove the skillet from heat to keep that seafood tender and juicy.
Step 3: Mix the Stuffing
In a spacious bowl, combine the cooked seafood mixture with cooked rice if you’re using it, creamy mayonnaise, Parmesan, half of the mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture is going to be the luscious heart of your Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, offering a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and bright flavors with just the right texture.
Step 4: Stuff the Bell Peppers
Take a spoon and carefully fill each bell pepper cavity with the seafood mixture. Press the stuffing gently down to pack in plenty of flavor with every bite. Once stuffed, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top to create that irresistible melted cheese layer. The contrast between the soft filling and gooey cheese will make your stuffed peppers unforgettable.
Step 5: Create and Add the Topping
Mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle this savory crumb topping over each stuffed bell pepper. This step is what brings that delightfully crunchy and golden finish that elevates the dish both in texture and visual appeal.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 25 minutes, ensuring the peppers soften and the filling heats through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the breadcrumb topping to a crisp, golden perfection. Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes so the flavors settle and the peppers firm up slightly for easier serving.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can really make your Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers look irresistible. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of bright freshness. For that extra touch, a few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to squeeze a bit of zesty brightness over the top, enhancing those seafood flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh, light sides. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw provide crunch and freshness that complement the creamy stuffed peppers without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try using a mix of bell pepper colors to create a vibrant platter that catches the eye. You could also serve each pepper atop a bed of baby arugula or wild rice to frame the dish beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little garlic butter or herb-infused olive oil over the top just before serving for added flavor and shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — and trust me, you just might — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers stay flavorful and tender for up to 3 days. When packed well, the filling maintains its creamy texture while the peppers stay nicely tender.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed peppers either before or after baking. To freeze uncooked peppers, assemble as usual, then cover tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. They will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh. For freezing cooked peppers, wrap them securely to prevent freezer burn and reheat gently when desired.
Reheating
To warm your leftovers, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This method helps preserve the filling’s creamy texture and brings back the slightly crispy topping. Microwave reheating is possible, but the texture might soften faster and the topping won’t stay as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add scallops, lobster, or even canned crab meat as alternatives depending on your budget and preference. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking delicate seafood.
Is it necessary to add rice to the stuffing?
Rice is optional and makes the stuffing more filling, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, feel free to omit it. The seafood and cheese combination alone is packed with flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian by skipping the seafood?
This recipe is designed around the seafood, but you can replace shrimp and crab with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese to create a delicious vegetarian version while keeping the spirit of stuffed peppers alive.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can make a simple substitute by mixing paprika, celery salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This DIY blend will capture some of the iconic Old Bay flavors.
How do I know when the bell peppers are done baking?
The peppers should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape. You want them soft but not mushy, with a golden bubbly filling and crispy breadcrumb topping.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe before, you’re in for a real treat. The balance of fresh seafood, creamy cheese, and sweet bell peppers baked to perfection is a combination that is sure to become one of your favorites. Whether for a special dinner or a cozy night in, these stuffed peppers deliver big on flavor and charm every single time. Give this recipe a go; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers feature a savory blend of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and cheeses, baked to perfection inside colorful bell peppers. These hearty and flavorful stuffed peppers offer a satisfying meal that’s perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers
- 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Filling Mix
- 1 cup cooked white rice (optional for a heartier stuffing)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Trim the bottom slightly if needed for upright standing. Place peppers in the greased baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Seafood: Add chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until just opaque. Stir in crab meat and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through. Remove skillet from heat.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked seafood, sautéed onions and garlic, cooked rice (if using), mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, half the mozzarella cheese, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the seafood mixture into each bell pepper, pressing down lightly to fill fully. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the stuffed peppers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until topping is golden brown and peppers are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the peppers cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can omit the rice for a lower-carb option or add it to make the dish heartier.
- Be sure to pick over the crab meat carefully to avoid shells in the stuffing.
- Old Bay seasoning can be substituted with Cajun or Creole seasoning if preferred.
- Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
- The breadcrumbs topping adds a nice crunchy texture; you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
