Introduction
With bold Creole flavors and perfect grill marks, these Louisiana Creole Stuffed Bell Peppers are a must-try. The Arteflame grill brings out amazing flavors, delivering juicy, smoky deliciousness in every bite. Enjoy this classic Louisiana dish with a modern grilling twist!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, diced
- 1/2 pound crawfish tails, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
- Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the paper and allow the fire to build.
- Let the Arteflame grill heat up for about 20 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Lightly coat the inside of each pepper with butter to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
- Place the diced smoked sausage onto the flat cooktop griddle and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix in the chopped crawfish, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Fold in the cooked rice and let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Stuff and Grill the Peppers
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them generously.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Place the peppers on the outer, cooler edge of the flat-top cooktop.
- Cover loosely with a piece of foil to help melt the cheese while grilling.
- Let cook for about 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the peppers from the grill carefully.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For added smokiness, use pecan or hickory wood in the Arteflame grill.
- Don’t overstuff the peppers, as they need space for even cooking.
- If you prefer your stuffed peppers softer, place them closer to the center of the cooktop for a few extra minutes.
Variations
-
Spicy Andouille Peppers: Replace smoked sausage with andouille sausage for a bolder, spicier kick.
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Seafood Lover’s Peppers: Add shrimp and crabmeat to the filling for an extra seafood explosion.
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Vegetarian Creole Peppers: Use mushrooms, black beans, and tomatoes instead of sausage and crawfish.
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Cheesy Cajun Peppers: Mix in cream cheese and extra cheddar for a creamy, cheesy texture.
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Jambalaya-Style Peppers: Add diced chicken and substitute white rice with jambalaya rice for an authentic taste.
Best Pairings
- Grilled corn on the cob with Cajun butter
- Charred okra with garlic seasoning
- Buttery cornbread
- Spicy Cajun coleslaw
- A glass of chilled sweet tea or a cold Abita beer
Conclusion
These Louisiana Creole Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a delicious combination of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether you're enjoying them for a weekend barbecue or a special occasion, this dish delivers an authentic Creole experience right from the grill. Bon appétit!