Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Pepper Boats bring sweet peppers, garlic shrimp, and melted cheese together in one simple meal. Each pepper half holds a warm, cheesy filling that works well for lunch or dinner. If you enjoy stuffed peppers, try these shredded chicken and rice stuffed peppers for another easy dinner idea.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe uses a short list of ingredients and takes just a few simple steps. Garlic and paprika add flavor to the shrimp, while the cheese holds the filling together.
You get six pepper boats from one batch. Serve two boats per person for three main-dish servings, or serve smaller portions with a side.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Pepper Boats
Cook the garlic and shrimp in a skillet, stir in the cheese, and fill the pepper halves. Then bake until the peppers reach your preferred tenderness and the cheese bubbles.
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers, red, green, or yellow
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups shredded cheese, mozzarella or cheddar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra shredded cheese for topping, optional
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and white ribs, keeping the halves intact.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir often and avoid browning it.
- Add the shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink. Avoid cooking them longer than needed because they will cook more in the oven.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese.
- Divide the shrimp and cheese mixture among the six pepper halves.
- Place the peppers cut-side up in a baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if you like.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the peppers reach your preferred tenderness and the cheese melts and bubbles. The shrimp should be opaque throughout and reach 145°F.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Pepper Boats
Serve the pepper boats fresh from the oven after letting them rest for a few minutes. Add a green salad, steamed vegetables, or rice for a fuller meal.
A lemon wedge on the side adds a fresh touch. Squeeze a little juice over the shrimp just before eating.
How to Store Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Pepper Boats
Place leftovers in a covered container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place the boats in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until the center reaches 165°F. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts. Heat only until hot to help keep the shrimp from turning tough.
Tips to Make Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Pepper Boats
- Choose wide peppers. Look for peppers that sit fairly flat when cut in half.
- Dry the shrimp. Pat them dry before cooking so the filling does not become watery.
- Watch the garlic. Lower the heat if it starts to brown quickly.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. It often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Pre-bake for softer peppers. If you like very soft peppers, bake the empty halves for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
- Check the shrimp early. Shrimp can become firm with long cooking. Start checking the filled boats before the full baking time ends.
Variation
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet or replace some of the cheese with pepper jack.
You can also use half mozzarella and half cheddar. Mozzarella gives the filling a stretchy texture, while cheddar adds a stronger cheese flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight, then drain and pat them dry before cooking. Peel and devein them if needed.
Which bell pepper color works best?
Any color works. Red and yellow peppers taste sweeter, while green peppers have a less sweet flavor. Choose the color you enjoy most.
Can I use cooked shrimp?
Yes, but skip the skillet cooking step for the shrimp. Cook the garlic, remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the shrimp, seasonings, and cheese. Pre-bake the peppers until nearly tender so the shrimp need less time in the oven.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can cut and clean the peppers, shred the cheese, and mince the garlic a day ahead. Store everything in separate covered containers in the fridge. Cook the shrimp and fill the peppers close to serving time for the best texture.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Pepper Boats make a simple, filling meal with plenty of garlic and melted cheese. Serve them with vegetables or a grain side to round out dinner. If you are considering wild rice as a side, explore the wild rice research information from the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council to learn more about it.