What To Make & Do With Leftover Peppers

October 04, 2024
sliced red, green & yellow peppers kept on wooden board
Peppers are vibrant, flavourful, and full of possibilities! Whether you've got a bounty of bell peppers in red, green, and yellow, or some spicy jalapenos, there are countless ways to make the most of them. So, let us inspire you with our quick and easy ideas on what to make and do with your leftover peppers.

How to Use Up Extra Bell Peppers: Creative and Delicious Solutions


If you've got bell peppers piling up in your kitchen, don't worry! Here are some tantalising ideas to spice up your meals and make sure they don't go to waste.

roasted veggie chilli

Flavorful Soups

Bell peppers add sweetness and depth to soups, we recommend roasting them first to boost their natural flavours. Try adding them to a Butternut Squash or luscious Roasted Red Pepper Soup, perfect for those cosy nights in! Plus, you can freeze any leftovers to save them for later.

Tip: Let the soup cool to room temperature within 1-2 hours after cooking before freezing to ensure food safety.
Old El Paso fajitas filled with roasted halloumi and vegetables

Colourful Stir-Fries & Fajitas

Sautéed bell peppers are ideal for quick and healthy meals! Slice and season them for a colourful stir-fry or for adding to fajitas. Our Roasted Halloumi & Vegetable Fajitas are a great choice - bursting with vibrant colours and satisfying textures, they're easy to create. Simply roast bell peppers, onions, and halloumi, then wrap them in Old El Paso™ tortillas for a feast everyone will love.

Food Safety Tip: Remember to use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.
View Fajita Recipes
glass jar of pickled pepper on a white table

Pickled Peppers

Pickles are a hot trend right now and there’s an array of veggies that can be pickled, peppers included. Pickling not only preserves your peppers but can create a tangy topping for salads, sandwiches, or tacos. It's simple and delicious!
View Jalapeños
speedy mexican hummus

Homemade Hummus

Add roasted bell peppers to your homemade hummus for a sweet twist. Stuff mini bell peppers with this delightful dip to create Hummus-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers - a snack that's perfect for sharing.
View Hummus Recipe
colourful mexican stuffed bell peppers in a glass tray

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a classic and great for transforming a simple bell pepper into a more filling meal. You can choose from a range of various fillings such as seasoned rice, vegetables, or meats! Our Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers make for a hearty meal and are great for using up any leftover turkey from the night before.

What To Make With Peppers and Mushrooms


Peppers and mushrooms are a match made in Mexican cuisine heaven. There’s a whole variety of tasty dishes you can make with your leftover peppers and mushrooms:

Vegan Portobello Mushroom & Pepper Fajitas served on white plate

Vegan Portobello Mushroom & Pepper Fajitas

This vegan delight brings together the meaty texture of portobello mushrooms and the sweetness of bell peppers. Cook these with Old El Paso's Smoky BBQ Fajita Kit, top freshly made guacamole, and wrap up in warm tortillas for a quick meal that's bursting with flavour.
View Recipe
Old El Paso fajitas filled with roasted halloumi and vegetables

Roasted Halloumi & Vegetable Fajitas

A vegetarian treat that's as exciting as it is easy. Slice and roast bell peppers, onions, and halloumi with Old El Paso™ Fajita Seasoning. Serve up with refried beans, squeezy guacamole salsa and tortillas to wrap it all up for a fully loaded, satisfying meal.
View Recipe

What To Make With Chicken and Peppers


Chicken and peppers are a dynamic duo that brings warmth and heartiness to any table. Try these irresistible combos for yourself:

tender beef & pepper tacos on wooden board

Tender Chicken and Pepper Tacos

Although primarily a beef recipe, you can easily swap the beef in this dish for chicken to make some Tender Chicken and Pepper Tacos! To create this recipe, cook your chicken and combine with Old El Paso™ Smoky BBQ Seasoning Mix for Fajitas, onions and bell peppers. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and lime wedges for a delightful, family-friendly dinner where everyone can help themselves.
View Recipe

What To Do With Jalapeno Peppers


Don't let those jalapeno peppers go to waste! Here are some spicy suggestions for when you’re not sure what to do with your leftover jalapeno peppers:

stuffed jalapenos on hot & fiery grill

Stuff and Grill

Stuff your jalapenos with cream cheese or meat fillings and grill them to perfection. They make great appetisers or can be added to other dishes for an extra kick.
green jalapenos pickle in a glass jar

Pickle Them

Just like bell peppers, jalapenos can be pickled. These tangy, spicy nibblers add an exciting twist to tacos, burgers, or salads.
View Jalapenos
green jalapeno sauce in white cup

Sauce Them Up

Turn your jalapenos into a zesty sauce to drizzle over your favourite Mexican dishes. It's a great way to preserve their kick and add flavour to several meals.

What To Do With Roasted Peppers


Roasting peppers deepens their flavour and makes them more versatile. Use them in:

fajita salad

Salads

Add roasted peppers to salads for a sweet, smoky flavour. Pair them with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.
mexican pasta salad served in red n white plate

Pasta Dishes

Mix roasted peppers into your pasta for a vibrant, flavourful punch. They pair wonderfully with creamy or tomato-based sauces.
Roasted Vegetable and Hummus Wraps hero

Sandwiches and Wraps

Use roasted peppers in sandwiches and wraps to add a burst of flavour and colour. They perfectly complement meats and cheeses.

Whether you're a fan of the simplicity of roasted peppers or enjoy them with classic pairings such as chicken and mushrooms, there are endless possibilities when it comes to what to make and do with your leftover peppers. Ready to put yours to good use? Gather your loved ones and enjoy the good noise of shared laughter, lively conversations, and memorable moments made over meals that embrace the spirit of togetherness.

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