Oh, bell peppers. Aren’t they like nature’s little edible bowls, just waiting to be filled with all sorts of deliciousness? I’ve been on a bell pepper kick ever since that viral TikTok trend of making sandwiches with them—who knew they could be so versatile? Whether it’s the crunch or the vibrant colors that draw you in, these easy bell pepper sandwich recipes are sure to add a pop of freshness to your meal, even if you’re just raiding the fridge in your pajamas.
Steps
- Begin by slicing a medium-sized bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove the stalk, ribs, and seeds.
- Mix together the cream cheese and horseradish sauce, if desired, and spread this mixture evenly inside both halves of the bell pepper.
- Mash half an avocado, season it with sea salt, and then fill the pepper halves with the avocado. Optionally, sprinkle with black sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning.
- Layer slices of wafer-thin ham, cheese, and lettuce leaves into each pepper half. Press the two halves of the bell pepper together to form a sandwich, and if preferred, slice it crosswise for easier handling.
Ingredients
- 1 medium red bell pepper (120g / 4.2oz), or use yellow or green
- 2 tablespoons full-fat cream cheese (30g)
- ? teaspoon horseradish sauce (optional)
- ½ ripe avocado (75g)
- ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 3-4 slices wafer-thin ham (50g)
- 2 slices cheese (50g), such as Gouda (alternatives: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Provolone, Edam)
- 2 lettuce leaves
Nutritional Values
Calories: 256 kcal | Total Carbohydrates: 8.5g | Protein: 12.8g | Fat: 20.4g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Fiber: 3.9g | Sugar: 3.4g
FAQ
- What is a bell pepper sandwich?
- A bell pepper sandwich is a low-carb alternative to traditional sandwiches, using halved bell peppers in place of bread. These sandwiches can be filled with various ingredients like meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- Can I cook the bell peppers before making the sandwich?
- No, it’s best to use raw bell peppers for this sandwich. Cooking them can make them too soft, which may not hold the fillings well.
- Are there other vegetable alternatives to bell peppers for a low-carb sandwich?
- Yes, you can use hollowed-out cucumbers or make wraps with lettuce or collard greens using the same fillings for a keto-friendly option.
- How can I make the bell pepper sandwich dairy-free?
- To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with keto mayonnaise or a dairy-free cream cheese, and use dairy-free cheese slices.
- How should I store a bell pepper sandwich?
- For the best taste, consume the sandwich fresh. If needed, you can store it fully assembled in the refrigerator for up to one day, wrapped tightly in cling film or an airtight container.
Tips
- Choose Your Bell Pepper Wisely: Opt for red bell peppers if you prefer a sweeter taste, but if you’re looking to reduce carbs even further, green bell peppers are a great choice as they are slightly lower in carbohydrates.
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: You can mix the cream cheese and horseradish a few days ahead and mash the avocado a day in advance (add a little lemon juice to prevent browning) to make assembly quicker.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your sandwich fillings. Whether it’s Italian-inspired with mozzarella and pesto or Greek-themed with feta and olives, the possibilities are endless.
- Storage Tip: For the best taste, consume the sandwich fresh. However, it can be stored in the fridge for up to one day if wrapped tightly in cling film or kept in an airtight container.
Equipment
- Black Sesame Seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning – These might not be a staple in every kitchen.
- Horseradish Sauce – If you don’t usually stock this ingredient, you might need to purchase it.
