How to Roast Bell Peppers: Prep Tips for Roasting Bell Peppers

When selecting fresh bell peppers at the grocery store or farmers’ market, look for key characteristics in the stems, texture, and overall color.

• Stems: Check that the stems of the colorful peppers are firm and bright green, as overripe stems start to brown and wrinkle at the ends.
• Texture: When holding the bell pepper in your hand, the vegetable should feel firm and sturdy. If it easily gives or bends upon touching, then the pepper is overripe. The skin of your bell peppers should be smooth and firm; wrinkly, soft skin is a sign of an overripe pepper.
• Color: Bell peppers come in four colors: yellow, green, orange, and red. When choosing fresh bell peppers, select ones that are bright in color; as the peppers ripen, they’ll fade and dull in color.

Roasting bell peppers requires minimal prep time—simply wash and cut your peppers before seasoning.

• Wash the produce: Rinse your bell peppers under cold running water, patting them dry with a paper towel or reusable cloth.
• Slice and remove seeds: Bell pepper seeds are harmless to ingest but may add a slightly bitter crunch if left inside the pepper. Most recipes call for removing the seeds before preparation, and there are a few simple ways to do so with a cutting board and knife skills. Cut the pepper into quadrants and use a paring knife to peel off the seeds along with the transparent white membrane upon which they cling.
• Season: Drizzle the peppers with a layer of oil, such as extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil, and sprinkle your seasonings atop the pepper slices. The oil will help the spices stick to the peppers as they roast. Some common seasonings include red pepper flakes, kosher salt, garlic powder, and oregano.

You can roast bell peppers directly on the grill or in the oven. While roasting bell peppers on the grill has a shorter cook time, both cooking methods result in charred skin and smoky flavor. To roast bell peppers in the oven:

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the peppers: Lay a piece of parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet. Place your sliced bell peppers on the sheet pan in a single layer and drizzle olive oil over the peppers before adding seasonings. Add lemon juice for a pop of acidity.
• Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the peppers roast for twenty-five minutes, or until the skin of the peppers chars.
• Serve: Serve and enjoy the peppers immediately.
• Store: Place leftover roasted peppers in a reusable airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. Store the veggies in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Here’s how to roast bell peppers on the grill or gas stovetop:

• Heat the grill: Set your grill or gas stove to the highest heat setting.
• Prepare the peppers: Using tongs, place your seasoned bell peppers directly on the grill. You can roast whole peppers or slices of peppers on the grill, but the latter is easier to season.
• Roast: Let the peppers roast above the open flame for about eight minutes, turning them every few minutes to create an even char.
• Serve: Serve and enjoy the peppers hot off the grill.
• Store: Place the leftover roasted peppers in a reusable airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.

The slightly sweet, charred flavor of roasted bell peppers is a perfect addition to many of your favorite recipes, including roasted meats, salads, and vegetable-forward dishes.

1. 1. Fajitas: Steak fajitas are a Tex-Mex favorite of grilled proteins and peppers, often served with warm, homemade tortillas. Roasted bell peppers are a staple ingredient for every platter of sizzling fajitas. Season your bell peppers with paprika and cumin for a spicy kick, or drizzle fresh lime juice and cilantro for a tangy aftertaste.
2. 2. Souvlaki: Souvlaki is a Greek dish of marinated meat grilled on skewers. Roasted bell peppers complement the Mediterranean flavors of souvlaki and work as a side dish for these kebabs. Alternatively, chop the roasted red bell peppers into square pieces and add them to the skewers, serving the veggies with the grilled meat alongside a side dish of hummus and pita bread.
3. 3. Caprese salad: Caprese salad is a traditional Italian appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and olive oil. Put your spin on this classic gluten-free dish by incorporating roasted red peppers. Instead of dressing a Caprese salad with olive oil, use balsamic vinaigrette to match the flavor of the peppers.
4. 4. Stuffed mushrooms: Stuffed mushroom is a versatile dish you can serve as an appetizer, side dish, or entrée. Fill your mushrooms with a mix of roasted vegetables, roasted bell peppers included, for a vegan and vegetarian course, or fill them with meat, cheese, and peppers to serve as an entrée. Learn how to make stuffed mushrooms.
5. 5. Tacos: A flavorful topping, roasted peppers are a classic topping for tacos. Pair roasted red peppers with sautéed onions and meat, or mix them into a vegetable medley of roasted zucchini, onions, and mushrooms with fresh herbs on top.

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