Crab And Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

One summer evening, I stood on my back porch, looking at the fading sunlight as the air grew warmer with each passing hour. The neighbors had set up for a small gathering, with the grill sizzling and laughter echoing over the yard. As I watched them, my mind wandered to the type of dish that would bring everyone together, something light yet satisfying, full of flavor, and made with fresh ingredients.

That’s when the thought crossed my mind: stuffed bell peppers. But not just any stuffed peppers—this version would be special, loaded with crab and shrimp, two of my favorite seafood ingredients. The combination of the sweet crab meat and the savory shrimp paired with creamy cheese and fresh herbs seemed like the perfect balance for a summer evening.

With a glass of iced tea in hand, I made a mental note to try something new the next time I hosted a dinner. The dish was a hit, bringing a burst of coastal flavors into my home and filling the kitchen with comforting aromas.

It’s always a good feeling when you can create a dish that’s both simple and indulgent, and this stuffed bell pepper recipe does just that. The seafood filling not only makes it unique but adds a sense of freshness that transports you straight to the beach with every bite. 

Short Description

These Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are filled with a savory seafood mixture, including crab, shrimp, and melted cheese, making for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress.

Key Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1/2 lb crab meat, drained and flaked
• 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Tools Needed

• Baking dish
• Large skillet
• Knife and cutting board
• Large bowl
• Aluminum foil

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, ensuring your stuffed peppers come out perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the bell peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. This will create the perfect “cup” for your stuffing. Set the peppers aside.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Mix the stuffing
In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped shrimp, cooked rice, sautéed vegetable mixture, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well-combined and the mixture is evenly coated.

Step 5: Stuff the peppers
Stuff each bell pepper with the seafood mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling in. Make sure to fill them completely for the best texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake
Arrange the stuffed peppers in your prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and serve
Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld, and it makes them easier to handle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed: The combination of crab, shrimp, and cheese offers a delightful seafood flavor that’s rich but not overwhelming.

Hearty yet light: With the freshness of the bell peppers and the balance of rice and seafood, it’s filling without feeling too heavy.

Make ahead: Perfect for prepping earlier in the day or even the night before. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Versatile: Great for a family dinner or as a dish to impress guests at a dinner party.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Peppers too firm: If your peppers are still too crunchy after baking, cover them again with foil and bake for another 10 minutes.

Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, make sure to pack the stuffing gently. Too much stuffing can cause the peppers to burst or the filling to overflow during baking.

Filling too dry: If your filling seems a bit dry, add a little more mayo or a splash of broth to keep it moist and creamy.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These stuffed bell peppers make a fantastic main dish. Serve them with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

For a more decadent meal, pair with garlic bread or a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. You can also enjoy them alongside a light seafood pasta or steamed vegetables for a full spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing leftovers: Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the peppers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, though the texture may not be as perfect.

FAQs

1. Can I use other seafood in this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the crab and shrimp with other seafood like scallops or lobster, or even a mix of your favorites. Just ensure it’s cooked and chopped before mixing.

2. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! After assembling the peppers, cover them tightly with foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.

3. What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can substitute with a combination of paprika, celery salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, or simply use a seafood seasoning blend.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the seafood with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or additional rice for a hearty, vegetarian version.

5. How can I add more spice to the dish?
For extra heat, try adding diced jalapeños to the stuffing or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.

Tips & Tricks

Make it extra cheesy: For an even cheesier filling, add extra mozzarella or a handful of cheddar cheese to the stuffing mixture.

Grill the peppers: For a smoky flavor, grill the bell peppers before stuffing them and baking. This adds a nice char and depth to the dish.

Recipe Variations

Cajun Twist: Add a bit of Cajun seasoning to the filling for a spicy kick. You can also toss in some sautéed bell peppers and onions for added flavor.

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke: Mix in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts with the crab and shrimp for a creamy, Mediterranean twist.

Rice-Free Version: If you’re avoiding carbs, replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb alternative.

Final Thoughts

These crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers are the kind of dish that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s light, yet indulgent, and strikes the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just want something different for dinner, this dish will definitely impress. The freshness of the seafood combined with the warm, roasted peppers is just unbeatable.

I’ll be making this recipe again, not only because of how well it turned out but also because it brings a touch of elegance to any table. If you’re looking to elevate your meal with minimal effort, this is your go-to.