These Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are a luxurious twist on a beloved comfort classic. Bursting with tender seafood, creamy elements, and a hint of Southern Cajun spice, this dish brings coastal flair to your dinner table. The sweetness of fresh bell peppers pairs perfectly with the rich, savory filling, creating a harmony of texture and flavor that feels both elegant and indulgent. Topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, each pepper is a meal in itself that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
What sets this recipe apart is the blend of delicate crab and hearty shrimp, complemented by the richness of mayonnaise and sour cream. Whether served as a main dish at a casual weeknight dinner or showcased as a centerpiece at your next dinner party, these stuffed bell peppers are bound to impress. They’re easy to prepare, customizable for spice level, and can even be made ahead for stress-free entertaining. The flavor profile balances buttery seafood, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun heat—delivering a dish that feels fancy without being fussy.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 large bell peppers, tops cut and seeded
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1/2 lb lump crab meat
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1/2 lb small cooked shrimp, chopped
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1 cup cooked jasmine or white rice
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1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
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1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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2 tablespoons butter
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange the hollowed-out bell peppers upright.
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In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
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In a large bowl, combine crab, shrimp, cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and Cajun seasoning. Mix until well blended.
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Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper and place them in the prepared baking dish.
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Top each pepper with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and a sprinkle of paprika.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until tops are golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers offer an irresistible combination of fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and rich Southern flavor. This dish takes inspiration from coastal cuisine traditions where seafood is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of freshness, richness, and comfort. Found along the Gulf Coast and throughout the Southern United States, recipes like this are rooted in the region’s heritage of combining accessible ingredients with bold, soulful seasoning.
This particular dish marries tender lump crab meat with succulent shrimp, folded together in a creamy, Cajun-seasoned mixture, then lovingly stuffed into sweet, juicy bell peppers. The balance of textures—silky seafood, tender rice, creamy sauce, and the gentle crunch of baked pepper—is as comforting as it is elevated. Topped with melted cheese and finished in the oven until bubbling and golden, it’s a show-stopper that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and elegant enough for a special gathering.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
One of the standout features of this stuffed pepper recipe is its blend of flavor and refinement. Where traditional stuffed peppers often include beef or sausage, this seafood version lightens the dish while offering a complex taste profile. The natural sweetness of crab meat enhances the dish’s richness, while shrimp adds structure and a mild briny flavor that complements the spices.
The addition of Cajun seasoning brings a slight kick, making the dish bold but not overwhelming. A touch of garlic, onion, and celery nods to the “Holy Trinity” of Creole cuisine, a cornerstone of Louisiana cooking. This thoughtful layering of flavor transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
Also, Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, giving the dish a comforting finish without overpowering the seafood. The result is a well-balanced dish where each bite gives you creamy filling, succulent seafood, and roasted bell pepper all at once.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Despite its indulgent appearance, this recipe is full of nutrient-dense ingredients. Shrimp and crab are both high in protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients like zinc, iodine, and vitamin B12. These shellfish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
Bell peppers, on the other hand, are not just beautiful vessels—they’re rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Even a single serving of this dish offers a powerful immune-boosting punch. The use of sour cream and mayonnaise adds richness but can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, making the recipe flexible and adaptable to your dietary goals.
For those seeking gluten-free or low-carb meals, this dish is a great alternative to pasta- or bread-based seafood dishes. It provides satisfaction and richness without heavy carbs, making it ideal for keto-adapted versions as well.
Culinary Flexibility and Adaptations
This recipe is also a favorite because it’s incredibly versatile and forgiving. While it calls for lump crab and shrimp, you can easily substitute with:
- Imitation crab for a more budget-friendly version
- Scallops or small chunks of white fish
- Brown rice or quinoa for a fiber-rich filling
- Different cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or feta, depending on what flavor profile you’re going for
You can also adjust the spice level to suit your audience—dial it up with cayenne or hot sauce, or tone it down by reducing the Cajun seasoning. For a truly Southern twist, a drizzle of remoulade or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning on top works wonders.
This makes the recipe not just delicious but also family-friendly, meal-prep approved, and perfect for dietary customization.
Ideal for Entertaining or Batch Cooking
One of the practical benefits of this recipe is that it can be made in advance and either refrigerated or frozen before baking. This is ideal for dinner parties or holiday gatherings when you want an impressive dish without the last-minute stress.
Simply prepare the peppers, stuff them with the filling, and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can even freeze them unbaked—just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
When baked, these peppers become fragrant, bubbly, and golden—filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of a Southern coastal dinner. Serve them with a simple green salad, a wedge of cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Weeknight Meals
While this dish feels elevated enough for special occasions, it’s actually quite quick to put together. With under an hour from prep to table, it’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, especially if you keep pre-cooked shrimp or canned crab on hand.
It’s also a wonderful way to introduce kids or hesitant eaters to seafood in a format that feels familiar. The mild spice and cheesy top act as an inviting gateway to the world of shellfish without being overpowering.
Plus, its eye-catching presentation makes it a go-to recipe when you want to impress guests or make a date night at home feel a little more special.
A Dish That Celebrates Freshness and Comfort
At its core, Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are about celebrating the intersection of comfort food and elegance. With each bite, you get a medley of textures and flavors—from creamy and cheesy to fresh and herbaceous—offering a taste of the coast in every forkful.
This dish speaks to those who want to eat well without sacrificing time or flavor. It’s ideal for seafood lovers, adventurous eaters, and anyone looking to bring a touch of Southern hospitality to their dinner table.
Whether you’re serving this for a Sunday family meal, a holiday seafood feast, or a quiet dinner for two, it’s bound to become one of your most requested and most memorable recipes.
Conclusion
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only delicious—they’re a showcase of how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create an unforgettable dish. From the beautiful color of the bell peppers to the rich, creamy filling infused with Cajun flair, this meal proves that seafood doesn’t need to be complicated to be impressive.
Its versatility, health benefits, and bold flavor make it a standout addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or trying something new, this dish offers comfort, elegance, and Southern charm all in one.