| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 183 | 11g | 5g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 7g | 0.45g |
I’ve always had a penchant for combining the bold flavors from my Cuban roots with the traditional dishes from Spain. And this recipe is a perfect example of that palette dance.
Introducing the “Bell Pepper Pizza Bites,” a little experiment that turned out to be a fantastic fusion of flavors and cultures. It’s a deliciously healthy and unique pizza variation that’s bursting with nutrition and flavor. And the best part? It’s simple, fast and quite an eye-catcher.
Spanish Flair in Every Bite
Having grown up with Spanish classics heavily influencing my culinary choices, I’m naturally drawn towards recipes that allow for the integration of that Mediterranean flair. The Bell Pepper Pizza Bites incorporate elements of Spanish cuisine that I find so delightful, from the use of a rich marinara sauce base slightly reminiscent of a classic Spanish sofrito, to the sprinkle of herbs like basil and oregano that bring that Mediterranean touch.
The Health Factor
Now, let me share a little secret: these “pizzas” are not only tantalizing to the palate but they’re also a powerhouse of nutrients. Bell peppers are a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. Furthermore, the marriage of mozzarella and your chosen toppings adds a spectrum of possibilities for added nutrition and taste. Feel free to play around with the toppings – I love using a mix of berries for added antioxidants and a quirky twist, but the choice is truly yours! You can find a guide on healthy pizza toppings here.
A Companion Dish
Now, what to pair with these delightful Pizza Bites? A fresh cucumber and tomato salad would do the trick. With a zest of lime and a drizzle of olive oil, it would provide a complementary zing that would elevate the pizza bites to an entirely new level.
As a dance teacher in Miami, I thrive on rhythm and energy, and the same goes for my cooking. Every meal should be an exciting medley of flavors, and these Bell Pepper Pizza Bites truly are. I encourage each of you to give this unique recipe a try and let the harmony of taste take you on a culinary journey.
What You’ll Need
- 3 Large Bell Peppers
- 1 cup of Marinara Sauce
- 1.5 cups of Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup of your favorite toppings (e.g., Pineapples, Grapes, Berries, Kiwi)
- 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried Oregano
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, slice the bell peppers into 1/2-inch rings and remove the seeds and inner membranes.
Step Two
Lay out these pepper rings on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Drizzle the pepper rings with olive oil.
Step Three
Carefully spoon marinara sauce into each pepper ring. Try to stay within the edges of the ring to ensure the sauce stays in the pizza bite.
Step Four
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the top of the marinara sauce in each pepper ring.
Step Five
After the cheese, add your favorite toppings. Be mindful to chop the toppings into smaller pieces so they fit within the bell pepper rings.
Step Six
Season with the dried basil, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Step Eight
Remove the bell pepper pizza bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful snack or appetizer!
