How to roast peppers

How to prepare peppers

When roasting peppers, you can either choose to halve them or keep them whole. Halving them is the preferred method, as it's best to get the fiddly prep done before cooking. Cut each pepper in half through the stalk, then remove the white membrane with a small serrated knife. Scoop the seeds out with a dessert spoon and discard.

Different ways to roast peppers

There are several different cooking methods to choose from. The key things to remember when roasting are:

• Use baking parchment instead of foil (as this can transfer a metallic flavour to the peppers).
• Blackening and blistering the peppers is a good thing. The more blackened the skin becomes, the easier it will be to peel. This also gives a tasty, lightly charred flavour to the flesh of the peppers.
• Stick with red peppers. These have the sweetest flavour and work best for roasting. Most varieties of red pepper work well, including Romano.

How long to roast peppers

The cooking time for roasting peppers varies with cooking temperature and method, as detailed below. Roasting peppers in a conventional fan oven at 200C should take 30-35 mins.

If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen kit, here are some of our tried, tested and top-rated favourites that would come in handy for roasting peppers.

Basic roasted pepper cooking methods

How to roast peppers in the oven

1. Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7.
2. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment.
3. Halve the peppers and arrange on the baking sheet cut-side down.
4. Roast for 30-35 mins, until the skin is shrivelled and lightly blistered.
5. Set aside to cool completely before peeling.

How to grill peppers

This is a speedier method for roasting peppers.

1. Heat a grill to high.
2. Halve the peppers and arrange on a nonstick, unlined baking sheet cut-side down (do not use baking parchment, as this can easily catch under the grill).
3. Grill for 15-20 mins until blistered and softened.

How to roast peppers on the hob

Traditionally, roasted peppers are cooked directly on a gas hob. This method is particularly useful if you're looking to achieve a smokier, charred flavour.

1. Put whole peppers directly on the flame of a gas hob and cook for 10-15 mins, turning often, until completely charred. You'll know they're done when they reach a deep, blackened colour.

How to peel roasted peppers

Once your peppers are roasted, pile them (still hot) into large food bags and seal. Set aside to cool in the bags, then peel off the skins and scrape away any lingering seeds. Alternatively, leave your peppers to cool at room temperature before peeling. The skin should slip right off if the peppers have been roasted well, so if you’re having trouble removing the skins, it may be worth cooking your peppers for slightly longer.

How do I store roasted peppers?

Once peeled and cooled, you can store your peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for five days. Alternatively, slice the peppers and put them in a jar with good-quality olive oil and crushed garlic cloves, then store in the fridge for up to one week. Do not freeze the peppers.

Roasted pepper recipe ideas

Roasted peppers work beautifully in so many dishes. They can be blitzed into a homemade hummus, tossed through a salad or eaten as part of an antipasto platter. Make a large batch to use in different dishes. Homemade roasted peppers are more budget-friendly and often tastier than their shop-bought counterparts.

1. Really easy roasted red pepper sauce

Make a batch of our easy roasted red pepper sauce and use in a variety of dishes. Freeze bags of it for handy pasta sauces, or try making our roasted pepper baked eggs for a healthy brunch option. This flavourful sauce is also great in our gnocchi with roasted red pepper sauce.

2. Stuffed peppers

Elevate your midweek dinner with this simple yet satisfying dish. Start by pan-frying beef mince with onions, garlic, tomatoes and oregano. Then, fill tender roasted bell peppers with this savoury mixture and top them off with melted mozzarella. It's a surefire way to please the whole family.

3. Walnut & red pepper pesto pasta

Homemade pesto is always a step above store-bought in our book, especially with the addition of vibrant roasted peppers. Add a dollop of our easy walnut & red pepper pesto to pasta for an earthy take on the classic Italian sauce. Top with plenty of parmesan and serve for a simple midweek meal.

4. Spanish chicken traybake with chorizo & peppers

Enhance your culinary repertoire with this effortless dinner recipe. Just put seasoned herby chicken thighs in a roasting dish alongside an array of vegetables like peppers, tomatoes and black olives, plus spicy sausage for an extra kick of flavour. For those following a keto diet, serve this dish with keto bread to keep it low-carb and satisfying.

5. Roasted red pepper & tomato soup with ricotta

Liven up a comforting favourite with our roasted red pepper & tomato soup with ricotta topping. With just a few tasty variations, turn a boring bowl of soup into a vibrant, healthy meal packed with flavour. This easy, low-calorie recipe is best served with a slice of fresh bread for dunking.

What's your favourite recipe for roasted peppers? Leave a comment below...