Marinated Sweet Peppers & Fresh Mozzarella

With its mix of vibrant colors and mild flavors, this recipe for Marinated Sweet Peppers & Fresh Mozzarella is sure to be a crowd pleaser — and is perfect for a picnic. If your guests like fiery heat, substitute a spicy chile, such as serrano, for the banana peppers.

Marinated Sweet Peppers

With its mix of vibrant colors and flavors, this recipe for Marinated Sweet Peppers & Fresh Mozzarella is sure to be a crowd pleaser — and is perfect for a picnic. If you or your guests like fiery heat, substitute a spicy chile, such as serrano, for the banana peppers.

Yield: 8 – 10 servings

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 cups Mimi Red Pepper (or other sweet red pepper)
  • 1½ cups Lunchbox Snacking peppers (or other orange bell pepper)
  • 1½ cups sweet banana peppers
  • 8 ounces baby fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp grated orange rind
  • ¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano

Instructions

  • Preheat broiler to high.
  • Pour ½ cup of oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic. Heat until garlic is fragrant, but do not brown (about 8 minutes). Discard garlic cloves and set infused oil aside.
  • Combine peppers in a bowl and drizzle with remaining ¼ cup of plain olive oil; toss. Spread peppers on a heavy-duty baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil 8 inches from flame for 5 minutes on each side or until peppers are blistered; cool. Halve peppers and discard stems and seeds.
  • Combine broiled peppers and cheese in a bowl; sprinkle with salt, crushed red pepper, and orange rind. Pour garlic-infused oil over pepper mixture and toss. Cover and chill for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Sprinkle mixture with fresh herbs and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve immediately.
Marinated Sweet Peppers & Fresh Mozzarella recipe
Marinated Sweet Peppers & Fresh Mozzarella!

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Bell peppers are known for their sweetness and crunch, and these baby bells pack those same great attributes into a cute little package. Baby bell peppers are perfect for packing in a lunch, dipping in hummus for a snack, or slicing up for salads — but really, they can be used anywhere a regular bell pepper is called for. These crisp, juicy peppers are a great natural source of vitamin C and potassium. Baby bell pepper plants grow just as well in containers as they do in the ground or in raised beds, making them a great addition to limited-space gardens. Add baby bell peppers to your garden this summer.Article by Julianna K. Grimes, owner of Black Sheep Kitchen in Birmingham, AL.

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