Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Introduction
What do you get when you combine creamy crab meat, succulent shrimp, tender rice, and melty cheese? A dish that feels both indulgent and comforting in every bite. These Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are perfect for seafood lovers craving something a little different—baked to golden perfection with a cheesy, creamy filling that oozes flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
These stuffed peppers are everything:
- Creamy and savory from the cream cheese and mayo combo.
- Packed with juicy shrimp and sweet crab meat.
- Balanced by the freshness of bell peppers and green onions.
It’s an easy, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or elevating your weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off, seeds removed
- ½ lb crab meat
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Crab meat
- Chopped shrimp
- Cooked rice
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Mozzarella
- Green onions
- Salt and pepper
Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the filling into the hollowed bell peppers, packing it in generously.
4. Bake
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbling.
5. Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use firm bell peppers: Red, yellow, or orange for sweetness; green for more bite.
- Pre-cook rice: Cold or leftover rice works great for texture.
- Seafood options: Lump crab or imitation crab both work well; substitute scallops or lobster for a luxe twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair these peppers with:
- Beer Cheese Dip to start your dinner party off right.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a family-style, mix-and-match meal.
- Dorito Casserole for a playful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Blueberry Lemonade to balance the richness with fruity brightness.
- Easy Turkey Wings for a surf-and-turf style spread.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F or microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze: You can freeze assembled (but unbaked) peppers. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
These Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are creamy, indulgent, and packed with flavor. They elevate the humble bell pepper into something truly memorable—perfect for seafood lovers and cozy comfort food fans alike.
If you give this recipe a try, tag @ChefManiac and show off your golden, seafood-filled beauties—we’d love to see how you plate yours!
