Consider this your guide for how to cut bell peppers.
Here’s How to Cut a Bell Pepper the Right Way
Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
Red, yellow, orange or green, bell peppers are a staple in a wide variety of delicious dinners, from stir-fries to cheesy casseroles. But while you may use them a lot in your meals, these veggies aren’t exactly the easiest to prepare. If you don’t know how to cut a bell pepper the right way, you’ll often end up with seeds all over the counter, weirdly uneven slices or, worse, a lot of the pepper wasted due to awkward cuts.
Don’t give up yet, though. Turns out there is a right way to prep peppers…and it’s a lot easier than you’d think. Follow our step-by-step tutorial below on how to cut bell peppers for less mess in meal making.
Show off your knife skills with these recipes.
Sheet-Pan Chicken and VegetablesThis sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken BreastElevate your everyday dinner with this show-stopping asparagus-stuffed chicken breast. Deli ham, cheese and Dijon mustard bring extra flavor to the party.
Chicken Pesto PizzaThis chicken pesto pizza is the only pizza I make now. We love it! Keeping the spices simple helps the flavors of the chicken and vegetables come through. The pizza tastes incredible and is good for you, too. —Heather Thompson, Woodland Hills, California
Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme CrustThis gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. It's lovely for fall and winter dinners, but you can enjoy it anytime. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Chicken Quinoa BowlTry this chicken quinoa bowl with balsamic dressing for a quick and healthy family meal. Ready in 40 minutes, it's packed with flavor and easily customizable with fresh seasonal vegetables.
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken FajitasFor our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Artichoke ChickenIf you love artichoke hearts, you'll love this easy artichoke chicken recipe! Chicken, artichokes and mushrooms bake in a savory rosemary-infused sauce that keeps the chicken breasts juicy and tender.
Roasted Chicken with RosemaryHerbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal-in-one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah
Chicken Mushroom StewThe flavors blend beautifully in this pot of chicken, vegetables and herbs as it simmers slowly. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
Lemon Chicken and RiceThis bright and savory lemony chicken and rice recipe is delicious, easy to prepare and so incredibly satisfying that it will have you rethinking your list of go-to comfort foods.
Sunday Chicken SupperI make this slow-cooked sensation with chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It's a hearty, homespun dish that satisfies the biggest appetites. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio
Chicken SkewersNothing says summertime like a grill full of chicken skewers. Our grilled chicken kabob recipe uses a garlicky, lemony marinade to ensure the chicken turns out juicy, tender and flavorful.
Garlic-Roasted Chicken and VegetablesThe first time my Greek father-in-law made this chicken, he proudly shared the recipe with me. It's my favorite way to roast chicken. —Jessica Pardalos, Shelton, Washington
Honey Chicken Stir-FryWho needs takeout when you've got this quick and delicious honey chicken stir-fry! Simple ingredients and a full-proof method mean dinner will be ready in a flash.
Cobb Salad WrapsA homemade dressing lightens up these refreshing tortilla wraps. The avocado, bacon, blue cheese and tomato deliver the flavors I enjoy most while keeping me on my healthy eating plan. —Lynne Van Wagenen, Salt Lake City, Utah
Chicken Artichoke SkilletMy fast chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender. —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado
Tarragon ChickenTarragon chicken sounds fancy—like you might need to know at least four French cooking techniques to pull it off—but you’ll be surprised at how simple this recipe really is. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a dinner party winner.
Chicken with CouscousMy sister shared this recipe, and it’s been a hit with me, my husband and our friends ever since. After working all day, I love that this dish is fast to prepare. Plus, it's irresistibly bright and delicious. —Shari Ruffalo, Watertown, New York
Chicken Lettuce WrapsFilled with chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts and carrots, these lettuce wraps are both healthy and yummy. The gingerroot, rice wine vinegar and teriyaki sauce give them delicious Asian flair. —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri
Casablanca Chutney ChickenIf you enjoy Indian food, you'll love this dish. An array of spices and dried fruit slow cook with boneless chicken thighs for an aromatic and satisfying meal. To make it complete, serve over Jasmine or Basmati rice. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Tangy Tropical ChickenIn this colorful dish, exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple beautifully complement the chicken and lend a pleasant hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a bit of soy sauce. —Christina Aho, Naples, Florida
Shredded Buffalo ChickenThis easy shredded buffalo chicken recipe slow-cooks your favorite buffalo wing sauce with ranch dressing and chicken breasts. Make them as spicy (or not) as you like.
Chicken & Goat Cheese SkilletMy husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice BowlsThis tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Poached ChickenYou can't beat poaching for chicken that is moist and tender. Once it's cooled, store extra in the freezer for quick meals.—James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Cherry-Chicken Lettuce WrapsI came up with this amazing recipe when I had a load of cherries on hand. My family polished them off fast, and asked for more. Luckily I had enough fruit to make them again the next day! —Melissa Barlow, Fruit Heights, Utah
Balsamic Chicken with Broccoli CouscousThis quick-fix recipe uses an ingenious shortcut: The broccoli cooks right along with the couscous. The result is pure satisfaction on a plate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chicken Sausage & Gnocchi SkilletI had a bunch of fresh veggies and combined them with sausage, gnocchi and goat cheese when I needed a quick dinner. Mix and match your own ingredients for unique results. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Sweet Orange ChickenThis orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Sausage Veggie SkilletThis sausage veggie skillet recipe is a no-fuss, filling meal. Made with potatoes, onions, spinach and corn, this hearty dish is surprisingly quick to prepare and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Tarragon ChickenI tried this dish one night when I had friends coming over for dinner and was pleased with how fresh-tasting it was. Serve it with crusty French bread to soak up all the delectable sauce. —Shanelle Lee, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Chicken with Garlic SauceSkip the takeout order and make this 30-minute Chinese chicken with garlic sauce recipe at home. It'll take the same amount of time—without spending extra money or leaving the house!
Baked Chicken ParmesanBaked chicken Parmesan is just as tasty as the original, without the fuss and hassle of frying. This recipe cooks your vegetable side dish right alongside the chicken, in the same pan, for added ease.
Chicken and Broccoli with Dill SauceI've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Chicken and Shrimp with Lemon Cream SauceMy kids love this creamy pasta. Whenever I make it, I know that they will happily clean their plates. —Joe Milholland, Smelterville, Idaho
Spicy Sausage and Rice SkilletThe spicy sausage in this quick skillet dish gives it a kick, and the sliced apples are a pleasant, tart surprise. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Bavarian Apple-Sausage HashThis awesome recipe reflects my German roots. In the cooler months, nothing is as comforting as a hearty hash. Serve this versatile recipe as a side dish at a holiday meal or as a brunch entree over cheddar grits or topped with a fried egg. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh HerbsThe key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Chorizo Spaghetti Squash SkilletGet your noodle fix minus the pasta with this spicy one-dish meal. It's a fill-you-up dinner that's low in calories—which makes it a weeknight winner in my book! —Sherrill Oake, Springfield, Massachusetts
Mongolian ChickenThis is a fun way to make chicken. Mongolian chicken has a lot of flavor and a bit of heat for good measure. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Apple-Marinated Chicken & VegetablesI actually invented this chicken with vegetables dish at a campground, so you know it's easy. Using the same marinade for the meat and veggies keeps it simple so we can spend more time outside and less time making dinner. —Jayme Schertz, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & SpinachWhat could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Slow-Roasted Chicken with VegetablesEven a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Artichoke Chicken PastaThis artichoke chicken pasta combines tender chicken, crisp veggies and a creamy sauce for a delicious meal that feels restaurant-worthy, all made in your kitchen. It's easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and can be adapted for various dietary needs.
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & PeasSome amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Slow-Cooker Roast ChickenMake the perfect slow-cooker roast chicken with our easy-to-follow recipe. It's minimal prep, maximum flavor and a foolproof method for a delicious dinner every time.
Monterey ChickenThis quick and easy Monterey chicken recipe requires just seven ingredients and 25 minutes of prep and cook time. Amp up the spice with a splash of hot sauce before serving.
Stovetop Tarragon ChickenMy oldest daughter can't get enough of the tarragon sauce. She uses biscuits to soak up every scrumptious drop. My husband and I like it over mashed potatoes. —Tina Westover, La Mesa, California
Mediterranean Chicken PastaFor special days, I make this cheesy pasta bake loaded with chicken and all sorts of veggies. Want a vegetarian version? Use vegetable stock and garbanzo beans. —Liz Bellville, Havelock, North Carolina
Veggie Chicken CreoleI ladle this vegetable-packed chicken dish over jasmine rice. It’s a long-grain rice that’s not as sticky as most, but any cooked rice, including brown, works here.—Virginia Crowell, Lyons, Oregon
How to Cut a Bell Pepper
Step 1: Rinse it off
Wash off a pepper by rinsing it under cool water, then dry.
Pro tip: Even if the peppers are pre-washed, it is best practice to give them another cleaning just to be safe.
Step 2: Start at the top
Lay the pepper on a cutting board and slice off the top of the pepper (the part with the stem), about a half-inch down. You can also cut off a half-inch on the bottom, too, but if you want to maximize the amount of pepper, it is absolutely OK to leave the bottom on.
Step 3: Remove the insides
Using your fingers (yes, really!), pull out the flesh, ribs and seeds from inside the pepper. Another option is to use a small knife to cut around the inside edge of the pepper in a circular motion, detaching the ribs carefully from the actual pepper first. This makes it easier to remove the innards cleanly and smoothly. If any seeds are left behind, simply turn the pepper upside down over the trash bin and shake to remove.
Step 4: Halve it
Place the pepper on its side on the cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it in half, lengthwise (from top to bottom).
Step 5: Slice, slice, slice
Take each half and slice it into thin, evenly sized strips. You can then leave the strips as they are (use them in a dish like baked chicken fajitas or just serve them raw with hummus) or continue by lining up the strips and cutting across in rows, forming perfectly diced pieces. If you like this, try our favorite old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers.
Voila! Now that you know how to cut bell peppers the right way, you have a ton of recipes at your disposal. Pickled bell peppers, anyone?
Want your peppers stuffed instead?
Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Next time you need a comforting dinner, these stuffed peppers with rice will answer the call. With tender peppers, rice, beef and velvety cheese, the balance of flavors and textures is on point.
Stuffed Pepper SoupStuffed pepper soup is quicker and easier to make than regular stuffed peppers—yet it is just as delicious! If you love the classic comfort food, you'll love this variation.
Sausage Stuffed JalapenosEasy to make, just spicy enough to excite and great-looking, too, these sausage-stuffed jalapeños will be an appetizer you prepare again and again.
Slow-Cooker Stuffed PeppersMake dinner a breeze with slow-cooker stuffed peppers. These flavorful peppers are filled with a delicious combination of South American inspired ingredients, making them a hit with the whole family.
Stuffed Peppers for TwoMy husband likes stuffed peppers, but my original recipe made too many servings. I cut it down to accommodate just the two of us. It helps to use a small casserole dish so the peppers won’t tip over while they bake. For color, I serve steamed carrots to round out the meal perfectly. —Elaine Carpenter, Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle PeppersHere's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
Stuffed Peppers for FourTruly a meal in one, this quick supper has it all: Veggies, meat, pasta and sauce, packed into tender peppers. It’ll look so pretty on your table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mexican-Style Stuffed PeppersWe've always liked stuffed peppers, but everyone is pleasantly surprised at this mildly spicy version. For convenience, you can assemble these pretty peppers ahead of time and bake them later.
—LaDonna Reed of Ponca City, Oklahoma
Stuffed Peppers with CheeseStuffed peppers with cheese is a filling, tasty dish that's packed with essential nutrients for a hearty, healthy, all-in-one meal that can be made in 45 minutes or less.
Fiery Stuffed PoblanosI love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Turkey-Stuffed Bell PeppersThese well-seasoned ground-turkey-stuffed peppers are so tasty, you won’t even miss having real cheddar cheese. Round out the meal with a salad or a side of rice. —Judy Hand-Truitt, Birmingham, Alabama. Looking for more? You must try this old-fashioned stuffed bell pepper recipe.
Stuffed Mini PeppersLooking for a tasty snack or quick appetizer? Try these stuffed mini peppers with a mouthwatering filling of cream cheese, chives and fresh broccoli.
Chicken Chiles Rellenos CasseroleMy husband likes Mexican food and casseroles, so I combined the two. This chicken with poblanos and chiles satisfies our craving for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. —Erica Ingram, Lakewood, Ohio
Brown Rice Stuffed PeppersFor extra flavor, I sometime add beef bouillon to the dish while the peppers bake. It also steams them a little. If also make these with ground chicken or turkey; then I'll use chicken bouillon instead. —Hope Huggins, Santa Cruz, California
Chiles Rellenos SquaresMy family requests this chiles rellenos dish regularly—it's easy to prepare and makes a nice hors d'oeuvre or complement to a Mexican or Spanish meal. A friend I worked with shared the recipe with me several years ago. —Fran Carll, Long Beach, California
Blue Cheese & Bacon Stuffed PeppersWhenever I put out a plate of these cute little appetizers, people come flocking. Good thing there are lots of peppers in each bag. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado
Chili-Stuffed Poblano PeppersFor an updated version of an old favorite, try these chili-stuffed poblano peppers. They're loaded with hearty meat and chili, plus a few extra tasty ingredients for good measure!
Turkey-Thyme Stuffed PeppersChloe, my 3-year-old, is a big fan of these healthy peppers, which have a wonderful thyme flavor. She likes to help mix the ingredients and make meals with me. —Jennifer Kent, Media, Pennsylvania
Quinoa & Black Bean Stuffed PeppersIf you're thinking about a meatless meal, give these no-fuss peppers a try. They come together with just a few ingredients and put a tasty spin on a low-fat dinner! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini PeppersMini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Vegetable & Beef Stuffed Red PeppersI love making this stuffed pepper recipe. It's one of the few ways I can get my husband to eat veggies. Make it meatless by replacing the beef with eggplant and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or squash. You can also replace the rice with barley, couscous or even orzo. —Jennifer Zimmerman, Avondale, Arizona
Stuffed Jalapeno Grilled CheeseNot your ordinary grilled cheese, these sandwiches are all grown up! Made with a comforting combination of jalapenos, roasted garlic, cream cheese, bacon and provolone, they please just about all adults—and even adventurous kids! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Stuffed Sweet PeppersItalian sausage and feta cheese give zest to the rice filling in these tender peppers I've prepared often over the years. When I was married in 1970, slow cookers were the rage. In our home, it's one appliance that's never gone out of style. —Judy Earl, Sarasota, Florida
Beef-Wrapped Stuffed PeppersWe love Mexican flavors and spicy foods––and this recipe has it all. Try serving our flank steak-wrapped peppers with rice, beans and sour cream.—Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Unstuffed PeppersThis unstuffed peppers recipe has all the flavor of stuffed peppers without the fuss. It's packed with ground beef, instant rice and, of course, green peppers for a quick meal you'll come back to again and again.
Feta Stuffed PeppersOne of my favorite meals when I was younger was a recipe my mother made called Quick Chili Rice Casserole. I put a Greek spin on it and stuffed it in a pepper. It works great paired with a garden salad and fresh bread. —Sacha Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
