With just a few simple steps, learn how to make Roasted Red Peppers that are perfect for adding a burst of smoky sweetness to your dishes. They make the perfect flavorful addition to salads, casseroles, and so much more.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Roasted Red Peppers
• 🛒 Ingredients for Roasted Peppers
• 🔪 How to Make Roasted Peppers
• 💡 Tips for Roasting Peppers
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 Ways to Use Roasted Red Peppers
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Are These Roasted Peppers Spicy?
• Can I Roast Pepper on the Grill?
• How Do I Know When the Peppers are Done Roasting?
• Can I Roast Mini Peppers?
• 🍽️ More Pepper Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Roasted Red Peppers

• Delicious oven-roasted bell peppers
• Easy to follow recipe using just 2 ingredients
• Great way to use up extra peppers from your garden
• Ready to use or easily store for later
• Use in so many recipes

We've all seen and used those tender, smoky red peppers in the jar that you get from the grocery store. With this recipe, you'll see how easy it is to make your own roasted red peppers at home. They’re not only super easy to prepare, but their sweet and slightly charred flavor is a great way to elevate almost any dish to the next level.

The best part is that it only takes two simple ingredients: peppers and olive oil. Roasting the peppers intensifies their natural sweetness while giving them a subtle smokiness. Storing them in olive oil not only preserves the peppers but also infuses the oil with delicious red pepper flavor. You can then not only use the peppers but also the oil for salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.

If you love the savory flavor of roasted red peppers, you'll definitely want to check out this recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. And you can use this recipe to make my Roasted Pepper Pasta, which is easy and so delicious!

🛒 Ingredients for Roasted Peppers

• Bell peppers
• Olive oil

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Bowl

🔪 How to Make Roasted Peppers

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

Wash and dry your bell peppers.

Cut each one in half, removing the stem, ribs and seeds.

Place the halves, cut side down on a baking sheet (do not grease) lined with parchment paper.

Roast them in the oven on the upper ⅓ rack for about 30-35 minutes or until the skins have charred.

Remove from the oven and place them in a bowl and immediately cover with plastic wrap for 10-15 minutes.

This will help loosen the skins and make them much easier to peel.  It also allows the peppers to cool enough to handle.

Once the skins are loosened, gently remove the skins and discard them.

You can either serve them now or store them in an airtight jar with olive oil.

When you get ready to use the peppers, don’t discard that oil, it has great flavor!  You can either use it in a skillet to sauté your protein or veggies, or even use it as a base for salad dressings. 

💡 Tips for Roasting Peppers

• Choose firm peppers: Select firm, fresh red bell peppers for roasting. They will roast more evenly and hold their shape better.

• High-heat roasting: Preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 450°F) to achieve quick roasting and charred skins.

• Positioning in the oven: Place the peppers on the upper rack of the oven to ensure even charring and roasting without burning the bottoms.

• Patience with charring: Allow the peppers to roast until the skins are well-charred and blistered. This ensures they are easy to peel and enhances their flavor.

• Allow time to steam: Once roasted give them a little time in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. You won’t believe how much this helps the peeling come off.

• Use gloves: Though red peppers are not hot, the oils in the peppers can irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or have small paper cuts. I suggest wearing gloves to protect your hands when handling them.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Freezing: If you want to store the peppers for longer than two weeks, you can freeze them. Drain them well from the oil and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to three months.

🍴 Ways to Use Roasted Red Peppers

• Salads: Slice or dice roasted red peppers and add them to green salads, pasta salads, or grain bowls for added flavor and color.

• Sandwiches: Layer roasted red peppers in sandwiches and wraps to enhance the flavor and add a juicy texture.

• Pizza toppings: Use roasted red peppers as a pizza topping along with other vegetables or meats for a delicious gourmet pizza.

• Antipasto Platters: Arrange roasted red peppers on antipasto platters like this one with other marinated vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats.

• Tapenade: Blend roasted red peppers with olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil to make a flavorful tapenade for spreading on crackers or bread.

• Stuffed Peppers: Use roasted red peppers as a filling for stuffed peppers along with beef or chicken, quinoa, cheese, and herbs.

• Soups and Stews: Puree roasted red peppers into creamy soups, like this asparagus soup or add them to hearty beef stews for extra depth of flavor.

• Casseroles: Roasted Red Peppers are especially delicious is savory casseroles, like this sausage and potato breakfast casserole.

• Egg Dishes: Add chopped roasted red peppers to quiche, scrambled eggs, or frittatas for a burst of color and flavor.

• Wraps and Burritos: Include roasted red peppers in wraps, burritos, or quesadillas for a smoky and savory filling.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Peppers: You can use other types of bell peppers such as yellow, orange, or even green bell peppers for different flavor profiles.

• Olive oil: Substitute with avocado oil or another healthy, neutral-flavored oil if preferred.

• Garlic: Add a few garlic cloves to the baking sheet with the peppers for roasted garlic flavor.

• Herbs: Sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano over the peppers before roasting for added aroma and flavor.

• Spices: Dust the peppers with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes before roasting for a hint of spice.

• Balsamic vinegar: Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the peppers before roasting to add a tangy sweetness.

Are These Roasted Peppers Spicy?

Roasted bell peppers are not spicy at all. Roasting them concentrates the sugars in the peppers making them have a subtle sweetness.

Can I Roast Pepper on the Grill?

Yes, you can roast peppers on a grill over high heat. Place them directly on the grill grates, turning occasionally until the skins are charred and blistered. Transfer to a bowl and follow the same steaming and peeling process as oven-roasted peppers.

How Do I Know When the Peppers are Done Roasting?

The peppers should have charred and blistered skins after about 30-35 minutes in a 450°F oven. They should be soft and tender when pierced with a fork but still hold together.

Can I Roast Mini Peppers?

Yes, mini peppers can be roasted using the same method as regular-sized bell peppers. Simply follow the recipe instructions until the skins are charred and blistered. The roasting time will be slightly shorter due to their smaller size.

🍽️ More Pepper Recipes

• Stuffed Pepper Skillet
• Italian Sausage and Peppers Hash
• Mozzarella Stuffed Peppers
• Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
• Air Fryer Steak Fajitas