Roasted Pepper Halves With Bread Crumb Topping

There’s something incredibly comforting about roasted bell peppers. I remember as a child, whenever my Nonna would make her Sunday sauce, she’d always roast a few extra peppers on the side, just for us grandkids. Dressed simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, those tender, sweet peppers felt like a special treat. This recipe, a delightful adaptation of one from Lidia Bastianich’s “Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen,” brings back those cherished memories with a wonderful textural twist – a savory, herby bread crumb topping that transforms humble peppers into a dish worthy of any table, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 pepper halves
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3 bell peppers (I find red bell peppers offer the best sweetness and color for this dish, but feel free to use a mix of colors!)
• ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• ½ cup crushed garlic flavored Club crackers (These add a wonderful salty, garlicky punch that’s hard to replicate, but if unavailable, plain crushed crackers with an extra clove of garlic and pinch of salt can be a substitute.)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional, but adds a lovely aromatic note)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, chopped coarsely (adjust to your heat preference)
• ½ cup chicken stock (Vegetable stock can be used for a vegetarian option.)
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil

Equipment Needed

• Baking dish (large enough to hold the pepper halves comfortably)
• Basting brush (optional, for oiling the dish)
• Small bowl
• Aluminum foil
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature from the moment the peppers go in. In your chosen baking dish, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add one clove of the minced garlic to the oil. Using a basting brush or the back of a spoon, spread this infused oil evenly across the bottom of the dish. This simple step infuses the peppers with a foundational layer of flavor.

2. Prepare the Peppers: Take your bell peppers and carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Using your fingers or a small spoon, gently pull out the cores, stems, and seeds. Rinse them briefly under cool water if any seeds remain, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Arrange the pepper halves in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they sit snugly with the insides facing up. Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil over the cut surfaces of the peppers. If you have an oil sprayer, this is a perfect time to use it for an even coating.

3. Create the Savory Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs and the crushed garlic flavored Club crackers. Add the remaining 3 cloves of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, grated Romano cheese, 2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh parsley, the dried thyme (if using), and the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a cohesive mixture. This topping is the star of the show, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of savory, herbaceous flavor.

4. Top the Peppers: Generously spoon the crumb mixture over the inside of each pepper half, pressing it down gently to adhere. Ensure each pepper half is well-covered.

5. Initial Bake – Tenderizing the Peppers: Carefully pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the baking dish, around the peppers. Be careful not to wash away the crumb topping. Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the peppers are tender, which should take approximately 30-40 minutes. You can test for tenderness by gently piercing a pepper with a fork; it should yield easily.

6. Second Bake – Browning and Melting: Once the peppers are tender, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish. Evenly scatter the grated mozzarella cheese over the crumb topping on each pepper half. Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the crumbs are lightly browned and the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Finishing Touches and Serving: Once baked to perfection, transfer the roasted pepper halves to a serving platter. In the baking pan, you’ll find delicious pan juices. Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley into these juices. You can then spoon these flavorful juices over the peppers for an extra layer of richness. (As a personal note, while this step is traditional and adds wonderful flavor, I sometimes skip it to keep the topping crisp, depending on the occasion.) Serve hot or at room temperature.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Pepper Selection: While red bell peppers are ideal for their sweetness, don’t hesitate to use a medley of colors – yellow, orange, or even purple peppers will add visual appeal. Just be aware that different colored peppers might have slightly varied cooking times due to their thickness.
• Cracker Choice: If you can’t find garlic-flavored Club crackers, you can substitute with a similar plain cracker and add an extra minced clove of garlic and a pinch of salt to the bread crumb mixture. Panko bread crumbs can also add extra crispiness to the topping.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The crumb mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The peppers can also be prepped (halved, seeded, and placed in the baking dish) a few hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated before topping and baking.
• Even Baking: To ensure all your pepper halves cook evenly, try to select peppers that are similar in size and thickness. Rotate your baking dish halfway through the initial baking time if your oven has hot spots.
• Doneness Test: The key to perfectly tender peppers is the initial bake. Don’t rush this step. A fork should slide effortlessly into the flesh of the pepper.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Roasted Pepper Halves with Bread Crumb Topping are incredibly versatile. They shine as a stand-alone appetizer, a vibrant addition to a mezze platter, or a delightful side dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or pasta.

• Serving Hot: Serve them straight from the oven, allowing the mozzarella to be perfectly melted and gooey, and the topping to be at its crispiest.
• Serving at Room Temperature: They are equally delicious at room temperature, making them a fantastic option for potlucks, picnics, or when you want to prepare something ahead of time. The flavors meld beautifully as they cool.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can place the peppers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350-degree Fahrenheit (175-degree Celsius) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also gently reheat them in a covered microwave-safe dish, though the topping may lose some of its crispness.
• Freezing: While not ideal due to the texture change of the peppers and topping, you can freeze them. Ensure they are cooled completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	167 kcal	8%
Total Fat	8.1 g	10%
Saturated Fat	4.2 g	21%
Cholesterol	22.8 mg	8%
Sodium	447.4 mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	14.4 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1.7 g	6%
Sugars	2.9 g	6%
Protein	9.3 g	19%

Note: The Daily Value percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, simply omit the crushed crackers and use only gluten-free seasoned bread crumbs. Ensure your bread crumbs are certified gluten-free.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs in the topping, such as oregano, basil, or marjoram. A finely chopped rosemary can also add a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Cheese Swaps: While Romano and mozzarella are classic, consider a sharp Parmesan for the topping or a mix of Provolone and mozzarella for a richer melt.
• Spice Level: If you enjoy more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crumb mixture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of peppers?
A: Yes, while red bell peppers offer the best sweetness, yellow, orange, or even green bell peppers can be used. Cooking times might vary slightly.

Q: What if I don’t have garlic-flavored crackers?
A: You can substitute with plain crackers or even breadcrumbs and add an extra clove of minced garlic and a pinch of salt to the topping mixture.

Q: How do I prevent the topping from burning before the peppers are tender?
A: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate, and tightly cover the dish with foil during the initial baking stage to trap steam and tenderize the peppers gently.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, the crumb mixture can be made a day in advance, and the peppers can be prepped and placed in the baking dish a few hours before baking.

Q: What can I serve these roasted peppers with?
A: They make a fantastic appetizer on their own, or serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, pasta dishes, or alongside a hearty salad.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The sweetness of the roasted peppers, the savory crunch of the bread crumb topping, and the creamy, melted mozzarella are a match made in culinary heaven. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and elegant, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Whether you choose to serve them piping hot as a comforting starter or at room temperature for a relaxed gathering, these Roasted Pepper Halves with Bread Crumb Topping are a delicious celebration of flavor and texture. I encourage you to try them and savor every bite!