How To Roast Peppers

With this helpful post on how to roast peppers, you can elevate any dish with this smoky and rich addition. It’s super easy to make with these step-by-step photos and we’ve included tons of fun ways to use them!

Roasted bell peppers are one of those things I always have on hand. They are easy to make and can be used in so many ways. From sauces to pasta to just snacking, the possibilities are endless.

The process of roasting peppers is found throughout many cultures. Some roast spicy types of peppers like jalapenos or Calabrian chilis, and some roast mild peppers like bell peppers (which is what we are going to make). As the pepper is roasted, a smoky flavor develops, and the natural sweetness or spice level is enhanced.

You may think you need a smoker or large grill to properly roast peppers, but thankfully, these can be made in your oven at home! So let’s get roasting!

here’s what you need

Just one ingredient – bell peppers! Jump to the recipe card for the quantities. Bell peppers come in many shapes and colors, so feel free to grab any kind you can find. I enjoy the assorted colors just because I like color, but roasted red peppers and green peppers will pretty much taste the same!

Some reasons why bell peppers are great for roasting:

• Bell peppers are pretty cheap: You can typically get green bell peppers for 0.99 cents or a bag of three for a few dollars.
• Bell peppers are versatile: Because of their mild and slightly sweet flavor, bell peppers can be paired with pretty much any style of food – Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, etc.
• Easy to cook: Unlike some other vegetables, bell peppers don’t require much effort to roast and won’t make you cry (onions I am looking at you).

How to make Roasted Bell Peppers

Roasting bell peppers is relatively easy. There is just a little trick to removing the thin skin that’s important for the best texture. So let me show you how to roast peppers! This is just an overview. Jump to the recipe card for the full instructions.

Step 1: Prep
Turn the oven to broil, and move the oven rack as high as possible. Wash and dry peppers, then place them on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Broil
Place the peppers on the upper rack and broil, watching closely. Turn peppers every few minutes until they are charred on all sides. I prefer this method because it is pretty hands-off and quick as long as you watch.

Step 3: Steam
Immediately transfer peppers to a plate and cover with a bowl (or place them in a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap). Let peppers steam for 15 minutes – this will make peeling the skin off of them a breeze!

Step 4: Peel
Peel the skin from each pepper (for more smoky flavor, you can leave a little skin on, if desired).

Step 5: Remove the Seeds
Pull apart the peppers and scoop out the seeds and stems. From here, you can stuff the peppers, dice them for a recipe, or puree them!

Variations

This method is great because it can be applied to all types of peppers! Below are a few of my other favorites but if you want to try even more, check out all the different types of peppers here.

• Jalapenos are probably my second most-used roasting pepper. Just be sure not to touch your face while dealing with jalapenos (it will burn!).
• Hatch chiles are great for Mexican dishes and salsas because of their in-your-face smoky flavor.
• Green chiles are very similar to Hatch chiles (Hatch chiles are actually a type of green chile), but standard green chiles lack the intense smoky flavor. I like to use these as a toast spread or in vegetarian chili.

How to use roasted peppers

There are so many tasty ways to use roasted peppers! Here are just a few of my favorites.

• Roasted Romesco Sauce is a great sauce for pouring on top of veggies or pasta.
• Roasted Pepper and Strawberry Gazpacho is a refreshing and light soup that is perfect for summer nights.
• Roasted Pepper Gouda Grilled Cheese is everything I dream of. Smokey peppers, creamy cheese, and crunchy toasted bread – yes, please!
• Roasted Veggie Fajitas are a classic taco Tuesday topper. Use them for fajitas, as the name suggests, or have them on tacos or on a bowl (Chipotle style!).