Breakfast Bell Pepper Boats

Delicious & Healthy Breakfast Stuffed Peppers: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy Meal Prep

Tired of the same old breakfast routine? Imagine a vibrant, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying meal that can be prepared in advance, saving you precious morning minutes. Look no further than breakfast stuffed peppers! These aren’t just for dinner anymore. Picture a fluffy omelet or a hearty frittata, perfectly baked inside a sweet bell pepper – it’s an effortless and delicious way to kickstart your day.

These egg-filled bell peppers come together in just a few simple steps, offering a powerhouse of protein and endless customization options. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, or grain-free diet, this versatile recipe fits seamlessly into your healthy lifestyle. They are a fun and exciting twist on traditional breakfast fare, guaranteed to keep your taste buds happy and your energy levels soaring.

Egg stuffed peppers, ready for a healthy breakfast.

Why Breakfast Stuffed Peppers Are a Game Changer

Eggs cooked right inside a bell pepper might sound too good and too easy to be true, but they are absolutely both! For years, stuffed peppers were a staple in my dinner meal prep rotation, and it wasn’t long before I realized this brilliant concept could revolutionize my mornings too. The first time I experimented with these breakfast versions, I was genuinely surprised by how flavorful they were despite requiring minimal effort. If you’re committed to meal prepping, or simply looking for ways to streamline your busy weekday mornings, these egg stuffed peppers are the perfect solution. Prepare them ahead of time, and simply reheat for a healthy, satisfying breakfast option.

For those embracing a low-carb lifestyle, you know how quickly meals can become repetitive. This recipe offers a refreshing and fun way to add variety and excitement to your meal plan. It’s a smart choice that helps you stick to your dietary goals without sacrificing taste or creativity. Plus, they look fantastic, making them appealing even to picky eaters!

The Magic of Customizable Breakfast Stuffed Peppers

One of my absolute favorite aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s a true “clean out the fridge” meal, allowing you to utilize whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Don’t feel limited by a strict ingredient list; think of it as a canvas for your culinary creativity!

For a classic American twist, consider a cheesy egg filling with a sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack. If you prefer a heartier option, add some diced turkey bacon, cooked breakfast sausage, or even air-fried crispy potatoes or hash browns for extra texture and flavor. Any of your favorite breakfast vegetables can be incorporated – think sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers (other colors!), zucchini, or even a mix of greens like spinach or kale. I’ve even ventured into a Southwestern omelet vibe by adding diced sweet potato and black beans, seasoned with a touch of cumin and chili powder for an extra kick. The possibilities are truly endless, ensuring you’ll never get bored with your breakfast.

Savory and Sweet Breakfast Inspirations

If you’re a devoted fan of savory breakfasts, beyond these fantastic stuffed peppers, you might also enjoy my healthy breakfast bowl meal prep or, for a delicious vegan alternative, my tofu scramble breakfast bowl. But if your sweet tooth calls in the morning, I’ve got you covered too! Give my strawberry chia overnight oats or blueberry lemon chia pudding a try. You’ll find tons more healthy breakfast recipes at the bottom of this post to inspire your mornings!

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Stuffed Peppers Recipe

These breakfast stuffed peppers are not just a meal; they’re a revelation for anyone seeking healthy, convenient, and delicious morning options. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

  • Incredibly Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe. It’s designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor.
  • Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Hosting a brunch or feeding a large family? This recipe is easily scalable. Double or triple the ingredients as needed to accommodate more servings, making entertaining a breeze.
  • Kid and Toddler-Friendly: The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and the fun, individual serving size make these a hit with children. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables into their diet.
  • Effortless Meal Prep: Dedicate just 20 minutes to prep on a Sunday, and you’ll have wholesome, ready-to-eat breakfasts for the entire week. Simply grab, heat, and enjoy!
  • Ideal for Low Carb & Keto Lifestyles: Naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, these stuffed peppers are a perfect fit for ketogenic and low-carb diets, helping you stay on track with your macros.
  • Highly Versatile and Customizable: Use whatever vegetables, proteins, or seasonings you have on hand. This recipe encourages creativity, ensuring you can tailor it to your exact preferences or dietary needs every time.
  • Whole30 Compliant: For those following a Whole30 program, this recipe is a delicious and compliant option that adds variety to your meal plan, without any grains, dairy, or added sugars.
  • Packed with High Protein: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, keeping you full and energized throughout the morning. Combining whole eggs with egg whites further boosts the protein content, making it a satiating choice.
  • Easily Made Dairy-Free: With optional cheese, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. For a cheesy flavor without dairy, simply add nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Flexible for Any Meal: While perfect for breakfast, these stuffed peppers are equally delicious and satisfying as a light lunch or a quick, healthy dinner option. Enjoy them whenever the craving strikes!

How to Make Your Perfect Breakfast Stuffed Peppers

Below you’ll find a detailed recipe card with precise ingredients and steps. Here’s a quick overview to get you started on these delicious breakfast wonders:

Essential Equipment

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowl: A medium to large bowl is perfect for whisking your egg mixture and combining seasonings.
  • Ramekins or small square baking dish: Individual ramekins are ideal for holding each bell pepper upright and ensuring even cooking. If you don’t have ramekins, a small square baking pan can work – just arrange the peppers snugly to prevent them from tipping over.
  • Spatula: Useful for stirring vegetables and gently transferring cooked peppers.
  • Saute pan: For pre-cooking any vegetables that need to be softened before baking. I personally love using my new Our Place titanium pan for its non-stick properties and even heating.
  • Sharp knife and cutting board: Essential for safely preparing your bell peppers and dicing vegetables.
High protein breakfast stuffed peppers with fresh toppings.

Key Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Here are the core ingredients and suggestions for how to make them your own:

  • Large Bell Peppers: Choose bell peppers that are sturdy and can stand flat on their own. Any color works – red, yellow, orange, or green – each offering a slightly different sweetness and flavor profile. Red and yellow tend to be sweeter.
  • Vegetables: This is where you can truly get creative! Use up whatever veggies are lingering in your fridge. Popular choices include:
    • Greens: Fresh spinach, arugula, or finely chopped kale wilt down beautifully.
    • Onions: Diced red or yellow onion adds a foundational savory note.
    • Mushrooms: Sliced or diced mushrooms provide an earthy flavor and satisfying texture.
    • Tomatoes: Diced grape tomatoes or a roma tomato add a burst of freshness.
    • Potatoes (optional): For a heartier meal, include small diced red or gold potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Remember, starchy vegetables like potatoes need to be cooked prior to adding them to the peppers to ensure they are tender. I often air fry mine until crispy for an extra delicious touch!
  • Eggs & Egg Whites: I typically use a mixture of whole eggs and egg whites to boost the protein content, making the meal even more filling and satisfying. However, you can certainly use all whole eggs. For an extra protein kick, consider adding hemp seeds, diced cooked turkey bacon, or chicken sausage.
  • Seasonings: A simple blend of sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder works wonders. For a hint of warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes is excellent. Don’t hesitate to explore other spices like onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
  • Any Extras/Toppings: This is your chance to personalize!
    • Fresh Avocado: My personal favorite, adding a creamy, healthy fat element.
    • Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or feta offers a delightful savory depth. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast (about two tablespoons stirred into the egg mixture) can impart a cheesy flavor, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
    • Sauces: Salsa, pesto, chimichurri, or your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavors dramatically.
    • Herbs: Fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives add a vibrant finish.
High protein breakfast stuffed peppers baking in the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Stuffed Peppers

Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, flavorful breakfast stuffed peppers every time:

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your peppers are ready to bake.
  2. Prepare Potatoes (if using): If you plan to include potatoes, cook them first as they take longer than the eggs. I love air frying diced small cubes of potatoes tossed in a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings until crispy. Alternatively, you can pan-cook them until tender.
  3. Prepare Bell Peppers: Carefully cut the tops off your large bell peppers. Remove all seeds and any white ribs from the inside. A spoon can be helpful for scraping out the ribs. Ensure the peppers can stand upright; if not, you can trim a very small slice off the bottom to create a stable base.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Dice the vegetables you’ll be using for the filling. For veggies that benefit from pre-cooking (like onions, mushrooms, or tougher greens), add them to a sauté pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook for a few minutes until they have softened. Any delicate veggies (like fresh tomatoes or spinach) can be added directly to the peppers later.
  5. Make Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, and your chosen seasonings (sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes). If you’re adding any liquid mix-ins like pesto or salsa directly into the eggs, whisk them in now.
  6. Assemble Peppers: Divide the sautéed vegetables evenly among your four hollowed-out bell peppers. Next, carefully pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in each pepper, filling them almost to the top. Leave a little room as the eggs will puff up slightly. If adding cheese, sprinkle it on top now.
  7. Bake: Place the filled bell peppers in your ramekins or baking dish to keep them stable. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and firm to the touch. The peppers should also be tender but still hold their shape.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the ramekins/pan. Garnish with any fresh toppings you desire, such as sliced avocado, fresh herbs, or a dollop of salsa, and serve immediately.

Exciting Breakfast Stuffed Pepper Variations

The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its endless adaptability. Here are some fantastic flavor combinations to inspire your next batch of breakfast stuffed peppers:

  • Mexican Fiesta: Infuse a vibrant Latin American flavor by mixing a few tablespoons of your favorite salsa, some cooked black beans, and a generous pinch of taco seasoning into the egg mixture. For an extra protein boost and rich flavor, consider adding some crumbled, cooked chorizo or ground turkey. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  • Pesto Perfection: Elevate the savory notes by stirring in a few tablespoons of fresh basil pesto directly into your egg mixture or drizzling it over the baked peppers. The aromatic blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan pairs beautifully with eggs.
  • Cajun Kick: For a bold and spicy start to your day, add some diced and cooked chicken sausage (or plant-based sausage) along with a sprinkle of robust Cajun seasoning. This combination delivers a satisfying depth of flavor with a pleasant heat.
  • Everything Bagel Bliss: Sprinkle a generous amount of “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning into your egg mixture or over the finished peppers. The savory blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion flakes adds a delightful crunch and classic bagel-shop flavor.
  • Mediterranean Marvel: Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean by incorporating sliced Kalamata olives, diced fresh tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a dash of Greek seasoning (oregano, thyme, marjoram). This vibrant combination is fresh and tangy.
  • Chimichurri Zest: Stir in a few tablespoons of bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce into your egg mixture. The fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and vinegar notes provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the rich eggs.
  • Spicy Mushroom Medley: Combine sautéed mushrooms with a dash of sriracha for a fiery and umami-rich variation. You can adjust the sriracha to your preferred level of heat, creating a bold and savory experience.
  • Garden Herb Garden: Incorporate a medley of fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, dill, and tarragon for a delicate, aromatic, and incredibly fresh-tasting pepper.
High protein breakfast stuffed peppers with a variety of toppings.

Tips, Tricks, and Frequently Asked Questions

To ensure your breakfast stuffed peppers turn out perfect every time, and to answer some common queries, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

  • Choosing the Right Bell Peppers: This is key! Always select large bell peppers that have a flat or relatively even bottom, allowing them to stand upright without tipping over during baking. Small or unusually shaped peppers might not work as well.
  • Can you make these ahead of time and reheat them? Absolutely! These peppers are fantastic for meal prep. Once cooked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or a toaster oven for a quick and healthy breakfast throughout the week.
  • Prefer your eggs sunny side up? If you enjoy a runny yolk, instead of whisking the eggs, simply crack one or two whole eggs directly into each pepper, on top of the cooked veggies. Bake as directed; the yolks will be perfectly runny while the whites set around them.
  • What vegetables can you add to egg stuffed peppers? The sky’s the limit! Beyond the ones listed in the ingredients, consider finely diced zucchini, corn, green chilies, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even leftover roasted root vegetables. Just remember to pre-cook harder vegetables.
  • How long can you store these peppers? Once fully cooked and cooled, egg stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They are a perfect grab-and-go option!
  • Can you batch-make and freeze stuffed peppers? While you can, freezing cooked bell peppers can sometimes alter their texture, making them a bit softer or more watery upon defrosting and reheating. Given how easy these are to whip up, it’s generally best to make a fresh batch for weekly meal prep and store them in the fridge rather than freezing for longer periods.
  • Can you make egg stuffed peppers in the slow cooker? Yes! Place the assembled peppers (in individual ramekins for stability) directly into your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 3-4 hours, or until the eggs are set and the peppers are tender. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker.
  • How to prevent soggy peppers? Ensure your peppers are thoroughly dried after washing. Also, make sure any high-water content vegetables (like mushrooms or spinach) are properly sautéed to release excess moisture before adding them to the peppers.

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Try

If you loved these breakfast stuffed peppers, be sure to explore more of my healthy and delicious breakfast creations:

  • Healthy breakfast bowl meal prep
  • Crunchy granola clusters
  • Peanut butter coffee protein shake
  • Cinnamon roll baked oats
  • Strawberry chia overnight oats
  • Lemon blueberry chia pudding with yogurt
  • Strawberry cheesecake yogurt parfait
  • Pumpkin yogurt cup with chocolate magic shell
  • Tofu scramble breakfast bowl

Breakfast Stuffed Peppers: The Full Recipe Card

Recipe Summary

If you’re on the hunt for a new, fun meal prep or breakfast idea, these breakfast egg stuffed peppers are for you! Think omelet or frittata, stuffed inside a sweet bell pepper – so easy and so delicious! These come together in just a few minutes, are packed with protein, and are incredibly versatile. They can be made low carb, keto, dairy-free, and gluten-free, fitting perfectly into paleo and grain-free diets as well.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 1 vote)

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Snack
  • Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers that can stand flat

Egg mixture

  • 4 eggs
  • 6 egg whites (about 1/2 cup carton egg whites)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Any other seasoning you like! I often add red pepper flakes.

Veggies

  • 4-5 small red or gold potatoes or 1 small sweet potato (optional, cooked prior)
  • 3 cups greens (spinach, kale, arugula, etc.)
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced small
  • Handful of grape tomatoes or 1 large roma tomato, diced into small pieces
  • Any other veggies you’d like to add in

Optional ingredients/toppings

  • Diced potatoes (if not added to veggie mix)
  • Toppings/mix-ins: pesto, salsa, hot sauce, avocado, etc.
  • Chopped turkey bacon, chicken sausage, or hemp seeds for extra protein (optional!)
  • Sprinkle of cheese. Dairy-free or regular (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. If using potatoes, cook them first! I like to make mine quickly in the air fryer. Dice them into small cubes, toss in a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings, and air fry until crispy. You can also pan cook them until tender.
  3. Cut the tops off of your bell peppers and remove the seeds and any white ribs inside the peppers.
  4. Dice the veggies you plan on using. I like to use greens, onion, and mushrooms. Any veggies that don’t need to be cooked (tomatoes, etc.) you can set aside. Add the veggies that will be cooked to your pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook a few minutes until the onions and veggies have softened.
  5. While the veggies are cooking, make the egg mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites, and any seasonings you’d like. At this point, you can whisk in pesto, salsa, etc., that you want to use. I sometimes just leave mine as is!
  6. Divide the cooked veggies amongst your four peppers. Then divide the egg mixture amongst them, pouring it over top of the veggies. Top with cheese if using.
  7. Place the peppers in ramekins or a baking dish to keep them stable in the oven and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and firm to the touch.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool a bit before serving. Serve with any toppings you’d like and enjoy!

Keywords

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