How To Make Grilled Bell Peppers

Grilled peppers are one of my favorite summer recipes! The grill adds a hint of smokiness that enhances the natural sweetness of this yummy summer vegetable. Available in a range of colors and super easy to make, grilled bell peppers will be the star of your next outdoor cookout.

Why should I make grilled peppers?

For starters, grilled peppers are super simple to make. You don’t have to be a culinary expert to master this quick side dish. They’re also delicious, colorful, and versatile. They look—and taste—great on a plate next to a juicy steak, tossed in a salad, or served beside some barbequed ribs.

Does the pepper color matter for grilled peppers?

You can grill a whole rainbow of bell peppers. Green peppers are slightly bitter because they’re actually peppers that haven’t fully ripened yet. They taste better cooked than they do raw. Orange peppers are a medium sweet pepper, while yellow peppers are very sweet with a slightly fruity flavor. Red peppers are the sweetest of the bunch. You can also grill unusual colors of peppers such as white, purple, or even brown. Try a few of each color at your next cookout to see which one you like the best!

How do you cut peppers for grilling?

Cut your peppers in half. Remove the ribs and seeds, and rinse well. Keeping the pieces large is important—it prevents the peppers from slipping through the grill grates. Cutting your peppers in half will let them sit on the grate easily without falling through. If your peppers are small, use a grill basket.

Should I marinate peppers before grilling?

Nope! While some vegetables benefit from marinating, peppers are already tender, so marinating is unnecessary. A quick toss with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder is all that’s needed for juicy, smoky peppers.

What can I do with grilled peppers?

Grilled peppers are very versatile. You can use them as a side dish for just about anything. They pair particularly well with grilled dishes such as steak, chicken, shrimp, burgers, and other veggies. Try tossing them in a salad to add a dash of smoky flavor. Or, stack them with other grilled veggies to make a grilled veggie and pesto stacked sandwich.

Can I freeze roasted peppers?

Yes! When kept in the fridge in an airtight container, roasted peppers last about a week. However, you can lengthen their storage life by freezing them. You can freeze the peppers with or without the skin on. 

You can freeze grilled peppers in glass canning jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or zip-top freezer bags. Allow the peppers to cool completely before freezing and remove as much air as possible from the bag or container before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Stored properly, the peppers will last for at least six months before the quality deteriorates.