Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory blend of crab, shrimp, rice, and seasonings, baked until tender—ideal as a seafood-forward main or elegant dinner.
Author:Mollyyeh
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:4 stuffed peppers 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine:Seafood
Ingredients
UnitsScale
4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4oz crab meat (fresh or canned), picked over for shells
4oz cooked shrimp, chopped
1cup cooked long-grain rice
1/4cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in crab meat, chopped shrimp, cooked rice, cream cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, Old Bay, paprika; season with salt and pepper. Cook briefly to combine, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Spoon the seafood‑rice mixture into each bell pepper cavity, pressing lightly to pack.
Arrange stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish. Sprinkle tops with Parmesan, if using.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender and filling is warmed through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to lightly brown tops.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, stir in 1/4 cup diced tomatoes or roasted corn.
Make ahead: fill peppers and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
Dairy‑free option: substitute cream cheese with mashed avocado or omit it entirely.
Stems and tops of peppers can be chopped and mixed into the filling for zero waste.
Serve with a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of hot sauce for brightness.