If you’re craving a dish that bursts with tropical flavors and comforting warmth, Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers are exactly what you need. These colorful bell peppers are packed with a savory-sweet mixture of juicy ham, tangy pineapple, fragrant garlic, and melty mozzarella cheese, all brought together by a luscious teriyaki glaze. Every bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that transports your palate straight to an island getaway. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers never fail to delight and satisfy.

Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a balanced and vibrant dish. From the crisp bell peppers holding the stuffing to the savory ham and sweet pineapple mingling inside, every element contributes color, texture, and flavor.

4-6 large bell peppers: Choose bright red, yellow, or orange for a beautiful and sweet base that crisps just right while baking.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the onions for that perfect savory foundation.

3/4 cup red onion, diced: Brings a mild sharpness and vibrant color to the filling.
1 1/2 cups ham steak, cubed: The star protein that offers a smoky, salty depth and tender bite.

2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic punch that wakes up all the other flavors.
2 cups cooked white rice: A fluffy, neutral base that lets the bold parts shine while adding satisfying texture.
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce: Sweet and savory sauce that ties the filling components together with a luscious glaze.

1 cup pineapple, chopped: Fresh or canned pineapple chunks introduce bursts of juicy sweetness and a tropical vibe.
1/2 cup green onions, sliced: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery note for brightness and color contrast.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite and balance flavors.

1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated: Melts perfectly on top for a creamy, gooey finish that golden-browns beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and placing a 9×13-inch baking dish nearby. Carefully slice off the tops of each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. This hollow cavity is where all the delicious filling will go, so set the peppers aside in the baking dish as you prepare the stuffing.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Ham

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the diced red onion. Let it cook for about 3 minutes until it softens and releases its sweetness. Add the cubed ham and continue cooking until the edges get lightly browned, around 2 more minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to infuse that wonderful aroma without burning.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Teriyaki Sauce

Next, stir in the cooked white rice and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice is well coated and every ingredient is evenly distributed. Season gently with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.

Step 4: Fold in Pineapple and Green Onions

Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the chopped pineapple and sliced green onions. If you’re using canned pineapple, be sure to drain it well beforehand so the filling doesn’t get soggy. This final addition brings a lively freshness and sweet tropical notes that make Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers so uniquely delicious.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers and Bake

Spoon the savory-sweet filling generously into each bell pepper until they are well-packed. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly on top of the filling in each pepper, then arrange them all upright in your prepared baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers as they bake. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown and bubble the cheesy topping. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

Brighten up your presentation with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro or additional green onions sprinkled on top right before serving. A light drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce can also add an inviting glossy finish and deepen the flavor profile. These small touches add freshness and showcase the vibrant Hawaiian flair.

Side Dishes

Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers make a hearty, stand-alone meal, but they also pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and mango salsa. For something heartier, serve alongside coconut rice or roasted sweet potatoes to complement the tropical notes in the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, serve the stuffed peppers on a platter lined with fresh pineapple leaves or edible flowers for that island vibe. You can cut them in half after baking to show off the colorful filling if you prefer finger-food style servings. No matter how you present them, Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers make every meal feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers left over, store them promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal that tastes just as wonderful.

Freezing

These stuffed peppers freeze beautifully! Place cooled peppers in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in foil and then plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the frozen or refrigerated Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, give them a little extra time. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power, but baking helps maintain that perfectly tender pepper texture and melty cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use different types of rice in Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers?

Absolutely! While white rice is traditional for its neutral taste and fluffy texture, you can swap in brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for a nutty twist. Just keep in mind the cooking time and moisture content may vary slightly with different grains.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and substitute with diced mushrooms or firm tofu marinated in teriyaki sauce for that savory punch. This way, you still get the lovely mix of sweet and savory flavors without meat.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the filling and bell peppers a day in advance and keep them refrigerated, then assemble and bake right before serving. This saves time on busy days yet delivers fresh, hot Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers without fuss.

What can I use instead of teriyaki sauce?

If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, a mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar works well as a substitute to mimic that sweet-savory glaze. Adjust the quantities to taste for the perfect balance.

Are Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and check that any other packaged ingredients you use don’t contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and perfect for a gluten-sensitive diet.

Final Thoughts

I can say with full confidence that Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen adventures. Their bright colors, incredible flavors, and comforting textures come together in a way that feels like a warm hug from the islands. So grab some bell peppers and let your taste buds take a sunny trip—these stuffed peppers are waiting to wow you and everyone you share them with!

Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Hawaiian Stuffed Peppers combine tender bell peppers filled with a savory and sweet mixture of ham, pineapple, rice, and teriyaki sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This flavorful and colorful dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish for later use.
Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove all seeds and membranes, creating hollow vessels for the filling.

Sauté Aromatics and Ham: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced red onion and cook until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cubed ham and cook until edges begin to brown, approximately 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release the aroma.
Combine Filling: Add cooked white rice and teriyaki sauce to the skillet, mixing well to combine all ingredients. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
Add Pineapple and Green Onions: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped pineapple (drained if canned) and sliced green onions to add sweetness and freshness.

Stuff Peppers: Carefully spoon the warm filling into each hollowed bell pepper, filling them generously. Top each stuffed pepper with a generous sprinkle of grated mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake for 30 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Brown the Cheese: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown and melt the cheese topping.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious Hawaiian stuffed pepper meal fresh and hot.

Notes

If canned pineapple is used, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
Feel free to substitute white rice with brown rice for a heartier grain option.

For a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine: Hawaiian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 680 mg

Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g

Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Hawaiian stuffed peppers, bell peppers, ham and pineapple recipe, stuffed bell peppers, teriyaki stuffed peppers, easy dinner recipe