Cheesy Scallop-Stuffed Peppers

Cheesy Scallop-Stuffed Peppers offer a luxurious twist on the classic stuffed pepper, combining tender sea scallops with creamy cheese and aromatic herbs, all baked inside sweet bell peppers. This elegant dish brings together seafood indulgence and comforting flavors in a visually striking presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers seeking a refined yet easy-to-make dish. The delicate flavor of scallops pairs beautifully with melty cheese and aromatic herbs, while the roasted bell peppers add natural sweetness and depth. It’s a great option for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you simply want to enjoy something a bit more sophisticated. Plus, it’s low in carbs and high in protein.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large bell peppers (any color)

• Sea scallops (chopped)

• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Cream cheese

• Garlic (minced)

• Onion (finely chopped)

• Fresh parsley or chives

• Olive oil

• Lemon zest

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it.

2. Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.

3. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and soft.

4. Cook scallops: Add chopped scallops to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until just opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

5. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked scallops, sautéed aromatics, cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

6. Stuff the peppers: Fill each bell pepper generously with the scallop mixture. Place upright in the prepared baking dish.

7. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until tops are golden and bubbly.

8. Serve: Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of paprika, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.

• Different Cheeses: Use Gruyère, Parmesan, or goat cheese for a distinctive flavor.

• Grain Addition: Mix in cooked rice or quinoa to make the filling more hearty.

• Shellfish Swap: Substitute scallops with shrimp or crab meat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it may affect the texture of the scallops and make the peppers watery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before chopping and cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?

No, they cook sufficiently in the oven during baking, but you can parboil them briefly for a softer texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What color peppers are best?

Any color works, but red, yellow, and orange offer a sweeter flavor that complements the scallops well.

Can I grill the peppers instead of baking?

Yes. Place stuffed peppers on a grill-safe pan and cover loosely with foil. Grill over medium heat for 25–30 minutes.

What pairs well with this dish?

A crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese alternatives.

How do I prevent the filling from being too watery?

Make sure scallops are well-drained and avoid overcooking them in the skillet.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

It’s not recommended due to the delicate texture of scallops and dairy-based filling.

What herbs work best in the filling?

Fresh parsley, chives, dill, or tarragon all pair well with scallops and cheese.

Conclusion

Cheesy Scallop-Stuffed Peppers are an elegant, flavor-packed dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Whether served as a main course or a luxurious appetizer, they offer a perfect balance of seafood richness and creamy indulgence — all nestled in a tender, roasted pepper. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

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