Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers are sweet, tender, and full of flavor—perfect for adding to soups, sauces, or simple appetizers.

Making roasted red peppers at home is simple and doesn’t take much time. All you need are a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen or can easily find at the store.

After roasting, the peppers become soft, slightly caramelized, and rich in flavor, especially when combined with olive oil and garlic. They work well in pasta sauces, soups, or served on the side with bread.

This recipe is inspired by simple Mediterranean cooking—just like my Grilled Zucchini—where fresh vegetables, olive oil, and a few additions create something really satisfying.

How to choose the best ingredients for Roasted Red Peppers Recipe

Red peppers: Whole red bell peppers work best for their sweetness and flavor. You can also use banana peppers—they have thinner skin and will roast faster. Yellow and orange peppers are fine too, but avoid green peppers as they tend to be more bitter.

Garlic and red onion: Add depth and a stronger, more aromatic flavor to the roasted peppers.

Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.

Balsamic vinegar (optional): Not necessary, but a small amount adds extra flavor, especially if you plan to marinate the peppers.

Roasted Red Peppers Recipe Step-by-Step Guide

You will need a sheet pan, parchment paper, oven, or air fryer.

Wash the whole peppers thoroughly under cold running water,

Then, clean them of the seeds. The most effective method is to divide the pepper lengthwise into 4 parts and hollow out the seeds (similarly to how my grandmother peeled apples for apple pie)

Peel and cut the red onion in the same way

In the second step, place the pepper quarters in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and place the garlic and onion between them (this will make the roasted peppers have a stronger aroma)

Drizzle with olive oil and place in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C (375 degrees F). Depending on the oven, bake for about 30-45 minutes. 

After roasting, the peppers will have blackened skins, sometimes charred skins that will quickly come off the pulp.

The Air Fryer will significantly shorten the baking time of red peppers to about 15-20 minutes at 160 degrees C (320 degrees F); however, if you want a larger quantity, the oven will be better. Half the portion fits in my already large air fryer. I prefer the oven method because I can roast many peppers, and this dish sells like hotcakes at my place.

Sides To Serve Roasted Pepper

Roasted red peppers are perfect as a starter for garlic sourdough bread, French baguette, or Italian ciabatta-like side dish. They are also ideal as an ingredient in a wide range of dishes, from sauces and soups to salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Their meaty and sweet taste can add a unique twist to your culinary creations.

It would be perfect if you added one or two pieces to my recipe for the best hummus, thus creating roasted red pepper hummus. This is an option if you want to prepare roasted red peppers as a side dish. Add feta cheese to the marinade to create an Italian antipasto. 

How to Store Roasted Red Pepper

The best way to store baked peppers is in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you pour olive oil over them, they can last up to a few weeks. It is essential that the olive oil completely covers the peppers. If you plan to eat them, it is worth taking them out 30 minutes earlier so that the oil can reach room temperature.

Discover delicious recipes that highlight peppers as the star ingredient!

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FAQ

Can I freeze roasted peppers?

You can freeze roasted peppers this way for longer storage. Use a freezer bag for this purpose. You can store such peppers for up to two months.