How to reheat stuffed peppers

Forget about the dried up or mushy stuffed peppers, Learn how to reheat stuffed peppers perfectly by retaining all their flavors and textures as fresh and as beautiful.

Whether you're planning to reheat frozen stuffed peppers using an oven, microwave, pan, or an air fryer. We have all the tips and the secrets to make the stuffed peppers that taste great every time even after being reheated.

After a busy day, sit back and relax. The premade stuffed peppers in your refrigerator could feed you effortlessly. 

What are stuffed peppers?

It's a popular dish made by filling peppers with the combination of rice, beans, the meat, vegetables, and some spices. Usually the large, mild peppers varieties are used for making this dish(like bell peppers, poblano peppers, or banana peppers).

A versatile dish, not to mention that endless, delicious variations can be done similar to these salmon stuffed peppers, chickpea stuffed peppers, lentil stuffed peppers.

Additionally, this dish is good to serve as an appetizer or excellent to enjoy as a meal.  To put it simply, a delectable crowd pleasing recipe that stole millions of hearts throughout the world.

How to reheat the stuffed peppers?

If stuffed peppers are in the freezer, and wondering how to cook frozen stuffed peppers? Well, you can reheat them by following any one of the methods. 

If you have landed on this page, I assume that you have properly stored your stuffed peppers in the refrigerator or in the freezer. If not, how to freeze the stuffed peppers post could give better ideas.

In the oven

One of my trusted best way to reheat stuffed peppers. Always it turns out flawless. Reheating in the oven can retain the texture, the flavor and including the crispy top crust of the originally made stuffed peppers.

If your stuffed peppers have crispy toppings, like cheese or breadcrumbs, this method is the desirable one. 

On the negative side, the oven takes a longer time to get the stuffed peppers done when compared with the other. If you are not in a hurry, reheating with the oven will never disappoint you.

How to reheat the stuffed peppers in the oven

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. 
• Place the stuffed peppers in a baking sheet facing upside, without staking and crowding.
• Cover it with the lid or the aluminum foil.
• And bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the stuffed peppers are thawed and turn warm. 

Few tips to consider

• The thawed stuffed peppers take approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on the quantity, the size of the pepper and the oven. 
• To cut down the baking time, you may also thaw gently in the microwave and then reheat it in the oven. This combination also yields the same results. 
• Bake until the center turns warm. Alternatively, you may also check the doneness with the food thermometer. When the internal temperature of the stuffed peppers reaches 165°F, the dish is ready to enjoy!

In the microwave

It’s one of the easiest and the fastest methods of reheating. Within a few minutes your dinner is ready. It's really an excellent method, when we need a quick and easy meal in a flash of a second. 

Another advantage of reheating the stuffed peppers in the microwave is its convenience. This method does not involve much prepping work except choosing the microwave safe bowl. 

Since the microwave does not involve any direct source of heat, the moisture of the peppers can be retained. And the heat dissipates the peppers evenly including the center.

But on the downside, the microwave method of reheating leaves the stuffed peppers moist including its toppings. The crispiness of the toppings cannot be achieved as desired.

How to reheat the stuffed peppers in the microwave

• Choose a microwave safe bowl or a plate.
• Cover the papers with a microwave safe lid or a wet kitchen towel.
• Microwave the stuffed peppers for two minutes and check for the doneness.  
• And reheat in 30 seconds of intervals, until the center turns warm.
• Serve immediately.

Few tips to consider

• 30 seconds intervals make sure the stuff peppers do not get over cooked. The over cooked peppers can be soft and mushy.
• You may also check the doneness with the food thermometer. If the internal temperature reaches 1 65°F. They are safe to eat.

Over stovetop

One of the convenient methods of reheating. It yields better results in achieving the original flavors and textures of the stuffed peppers, when comparing to microwave method. 

Since we are reheating the stuffed peppers on the stove in a low heat, the flavors of the stuffed peppers become more intense and complex in the desired way.

On the negative side constant monitoring and care is needed. And also there is some chance of uneven heating, as the heat is concentrated more on the bottom side. 

If unattended, this stove top method can turn the bottom surfaces charred but without heating the center or the top. 

How to reheat the stuffed peppers over the stove top

• Over stove top, place a deep skillet in medium heat.
• Add water to cover the bottom of the pan for about one inch.
• Place a trivet or a steamer. 
• And bring the water to boil.
• Place the stuffed peppers and close it with the lid.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook it for about 15 to 20 minutes until the center turns warm. 

Few tips to consider

• Use a meat thermometer to test the center. The peppers are good to eat when the center portion of the stuffed peppers reaches 165°F.
• Also keep an eye on the liquid level to ensure that the pan does not dry out of water.

In the air fryer

Reheating the stuffed peppers in the air fryer has got multiple advantages.  Importantly, it's convenient and great for retaining the texture. Since the hot circulating air helps to retain the stuffed peppers original texture. 

Plus, it is great for even heating and it's also faster when compared to the methods of reheating. And top of all the crispy toppings can be achieved similar to the oven baking method. 

The only problem with this method is that you need to work with a small quantity. 

How to reheat the stuffed peppers in the air fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. 
• Arrange the stuffed peppers facing upside in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook that stuff peppers for about 10 to 15 minutes until the center turns warm. 
• Please also make a note that cooking time varies depending on the size of the papers and the capacity of the air fryer.

Few tips to consider

• Make sure to leave some space around that to make the hot air circulate. This makes them good for even heating.
• You may also brush the peppers with cooking oil or a cooking spray to prevent them from drying out.
• Check the stuffed peppers in between to make sure it's not over or undercooked
• You may use a food thermometer to check the reheated stuffed peppers. When the temperature inside the stuffed peppers reaches 165 degree Fahrenheit, they are ready for eating.

In the Instant Pot

Similar to stovetop, microwave, air fryer, this is also a very convenient method for reheating stuffed peppers. 

It also ensures even heating, retains flavor, reduces cooking efforts, and it's super handy. 

The only downside of this method is that the crispiness cannot be achieved. And there is also a risk involved, as there are some chances for getting over cooked as well.

How to reheat the stuffed peppers in the instant pot

• Pour one cup of water into the instant pot’s inner pot.
• Place a trivet into the instant pot.
• Arrange the stuffed peppers over the trivet. 
• Close it with the lid and also make sure the pressure valve is a set of sealing.
• Select the manual on the Instant Pot’s button. And set it for five minutes on high pressure.
• And once the timer is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then quick release for the remaining pressure.
• Open the instant pot. Remove the stuffed peppers using a slotted spoon or tongs.
• And serve hot.

Few tips to consider

• Make sure it does not touch the sides of the instant pot. 
• Check the doneness by checking the center manually. If it's warm, then the stuffed peppers are ready for eating. 
• You may check if the dish is ready or not, by using a food grade thermometer. If the thermometer reads above 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the stuffed peppers are ready to serve.