Stuffed foods have always held a special place at the table. From Mediterranean stuffed grape leaves to Mexican chiles rellenos (stuffed chili peppers), the art of filling vegetables, fruits, and other produce has been celebrated for centuries.
Stuffing vegetables and fruits is not only simple, but also an excellent way to elevate fresh, delicious ingredients. By hollowing out produce and adding a flavorful filling, you can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary dishes. Whether you’re seeking a savory appetizer, a hearty entrée, or a sweet dessert, stuffed dishes can be found for any type of meal. Here are seven recipes that showcase the best of stuffed foods, truly stuffed to perfection.
Grilled Stuffed Pears
Start your meal with an unexpected delight: Grilled Stuffed Pears. Grilled pears can be prepared in both sweet and savory ways. Here, juicy Anjou pears are grilled to smoky perfection and stuffed with a Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad featuring Spanish chorizo, fresh mint, toasted almonds, and white balsamic vinegar. Topped with crumbled feta and served on a bed of baby arugula, these pears make for an outside-the-box appetizer or entrée.
Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms
Developed by Natalie Mortimer and Holly Erickson, these Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms are bite-sized treats packed with flavor. The mushrooms are filled with a savory mix of honeyed American Pecans, creamy goat cheese, minced shallots, and garlic, enhanced by fresh parsley and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Topped with candied pecans, they are sure to be a hit.
Stuffed Onion with California Walnut Couscous and Ras el-Hanout
Have you ever tried filling an onion? This unique dish pairs aromatic Ras el-Hanout spice blend with tender baked onions, filled with walnut couscous. The couscous, mixed with bell pepper, zucchini, and California walnuts, offers delightful flavor. Topped with a smooth sauce made from the onion’s inner layers, cardamom, and vegetable fond, this dish is visually appealing and deliciously complex.
Cranberry Nogada Stuffed Poblano Peppers
A unique twist on a Mexican classic, Cranberry Nogada Stuffed Poblano Peppers feature U.S. Cranberries for a special, fruity and tart twist. Mild poblano peppers are stuffed with minced pork, ground beef, cranberries, and almonds. Topped with a creamy walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley, these peppers are both stunning and delicious.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
For a vibrant main course, try these Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers. Fresh bell peppers are filled with a savory mix of quinoa, garbanzo beans, mushrooms, kale, and Montmorency tart cherries. Baked to perfection and drizzled with a tart cherry reduction, these peppers are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian entrée or side dish.
German-Style Beef Sausage Baked Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a good baked potato? For a hearty and flavorful meal, try German-Style Beef Sausage Baked Potatoes, courtesy of Beef It’s What’s For Dinner. These baked russet potatoes are generously filled with a savory mix of crumbled U.S. beef sausage, crisp bacon, and sautéed cabbage infused with apple cider vinegar. Finished with a creamy mustard sauce made from chive and onion-flavored cream cheese and Dijon mustard, these stuffed potatoes offer a satisfying and deliciously balanced dish.
From savory appetizers to hearty entrées and sweet desserts, stuffed dishes offer endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen. Embrace the simplicity and versatility of stuffing your favorite fruits and vegetables, and enjoy!
