Sweet pepper recipe—also known as bell peppers—are one of the most colorful, versatile, and flavorful vegetables you can cook with. They come in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, offering natural sweetness and a gentle crunch. This sweet pepper recipe features roasted or sautéed sweet peppers with garlic, onions, and simple herbs. It’s an easy, healthy dish that can be served as a side, topping, or main course component.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Naturally Sweet and Flavorful: Sweet peppers caramelize beautifully, intensifying their flavor without any added sugar.
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Colorful and Appealing: Red, yellow, and orange peppers add visual beauty to any plate.
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Healthy and Low-Calorie: Rich in vitamins A and C while being low in calories and carbs.
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Perfectly Versatile: Serve it with meats, grains, pasta, eggs, or on sandwiches and pizzas.
Ingredients List
Essential Ingredients
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2 red bell peppers, sliced
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2 yellow bell peppers, sliced
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1 orange bell pepper, sliced
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1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (for acidity)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika for depth
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
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Total Time: 30–35 minutes
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Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Pepper Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers and Onion
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Wash all bell peppers, remove seeds and ribs, and slice into strips.
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Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
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In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add the onions first and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers
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Add sliced sweet peppers to the pan.
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Stir occasionally and cook for about 10–15 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant in color.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings
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Stir in the garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
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Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and peppers are lightly caramelized.
Step 5: Deglaze and Finish
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If using, splash in balsamic vinegar or lemon juice to deglaze the pan.
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Toss everything together and garnish with fresh herbs.
Tips for the Best Sweet Pepper Dish
Use a Hot Pan
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A hot skillet encourages caramelization and enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
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Overcrowding can cause the peppers to steam instead of sear. Use a large skillet or cook in batches.
Add Garlic Late
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Garlic can burn quickly, so add it after peppers are mostly cooked.
Balance with Acidity
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A splash of vinegar or lemon juice brightens the dish and balances sweetness.
Flavor Variations
Mediterranean Style
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Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano.
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Serve as a cold salad or antipasto platter.
Asian-Inspired
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Stir-fry with a dash of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
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Pair with rice or noodles.
Mexican Style
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Add corn, black beans, cumin, and lime juice.
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Use in tacos, quesadillas, or burrito bowls.
Italian Roast
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Toss with rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
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Bake until slightly charred and serve over polenta.
Serving Suggestions
As a Side Dish
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Complements grilled meats, baked fish, or roasted chicken.
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Serve with quinoa, rice, or couscous for a vegetarian side.
Topping for Sandwiches or Wraps
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Layer on paninis, burgers, or pita wraps.
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Adds sweetness and crunch to any sandwich.
With Pasta or Grain Bowls
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Toss with pasta and olive oil for a quick dinner.
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Layer in grain bowls with chickpeas and tahini sauce.
As a Pizza Topping
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Spread over your favorite pizza dough with mozzarella and basil.
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Add sausage or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead
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Slice peppers and onions up to 2 days in advance.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to cook.
Refrigerate Leftovers
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Store cooked peppers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Enjoy cold or reheated.
Freezing
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Cooked sweet peppers can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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Thaw and reheat gently in a skillet for best texture.
Add Protein to Make It a Meal
Chicken or Turkey
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Add cooked shredded chicken or turkey to the skillet for a complete dinner.
Beans or Lentils
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Mix in black beans, chickpeas, or lentils for a protein-rich vegetarian meal.
Tofu or Tempeh
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Stir-fry cubed tofu or tempeh with the peppers for a plant-based entrée.
Eggs
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Serve peppers over scrambled or fried eggs for a healthy breakfast.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings:
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Calories: 110
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Fiber: 3g
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Protein: 2g
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Vitamin A: 80% DV
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Vitamin C: Over 150% DV
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Sodium: 90mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary with add-ins like cheese or sauces.
FAQs
Are sweet peppers the same as bell peppers?
Yes. Sweet peppers refer to bell peppers that are red, yellow, or orange. They are sweeter than green bell peppers, which are less ripe.
Can I roast sweet peppers instead of sautéing?
Absolutely. Roasting brings out even more sweetness. Roast sliced peppers at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, but they release more water and are best used in cooked dishes like stir-fries or casseroles.
Are sweet peppers good raw?
Yes! They’re delicious in salads, dipped in hummus, or added to veggie trays.
What’s the best way to cut bell peppers?
Slice off the top and bottom, remove the core and seeds, and slice vertically into strips.
Conclusion
Sweet pepper recipe are more than just a colorful garnish—they’re a star ingredient in their own right. This simple sautéed sweet pepper recipe lets their natural sweetness shine while offering flexibility to make it your own. It’s easy, fast, healthy, and can elevate everything from sandwiches and salads to pastas and protein bowls.
Next time you’re at the market, grab a few red, yellow, and orange peppers and give this recipe a try. It’s proof that sometimes the best flavors come from the simplest ingredients.