Save to Pinterest Colorful bell peppers filled with creamy cottage cheese, fresh herbs, and savory everything bagel seasoning create a vibrant, high-protein meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. This easy vegetarian main dish brings together wholesome ingredients for flavor and nutrition.
I first made these cottage cheese stuffed bell peppers on a busy weeknight when I craved something wholesome but simple. The savory crunch of everything bagel seasoning on top made the peppers irresistible, and this recipe has since become a go-to in our kitchen.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large, halved and seeds removed
- Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, quartered
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups, roughly chopped
- Cottage cheese: 2 cups (preferably low-fat or full-fat, as desired)
- Mozzarella cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded
- Chives: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Everything bagel seasoning: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Optional topping: 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- Arrange peppers:
- Place the bell pepper halves in the baking dish, cut side up.
- Mix filling:
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, red onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach, chives, parsley, everything bagel seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Stuff peppers:
- Spoon the mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, mounding slightly.
- Add topping:
- Sprinkle the tops with extra everything bagel seasoning if desired.
- Bake peppers:
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Finish baking:
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and filling is golden.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping to stuff the peppers and sprinkle seasoning on top, and it has become a fun family dinner activity. The vibrant colors always make the table feel festive.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, cutting board and knife, baking dish, and a spoon are all you need to prepare these stuffed peppers.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy from cottage cheese and mozzarella, and everything bagel seasoning may have sesame seeds.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately: 210 calories, 7 g fat, 15 g carbohydrate, and 19 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these stuffed bell peppers warm, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color. They make a nourishing meal any day of the week.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is everything bagel seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning is a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt, adding a savory crunch and depth to dishes.
- → Can I use other cheeses in the filling?
Yes, mozzarella can be swapped for feta for a tangier flavor, or plant-based cheeses for a vegan alternative.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but verify the seasoning blend to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.
- → What vegetables complement the bell peppers in this dish?
Spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion are used here for freshness and texture but you can add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to vary flavors.
- → How do I bake the stuffed peppers to keep them tender?
Bake covered with foil at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 5 more to allow slight browning while keeping the peppers tender.