Grilled Corn Stuffed Bell Peppers: Your Ultimate Healthy Summer Side Dish

These Corn Stuffed Grilled Peppers are the epitome of summer dining – a healthy, vibrant, and utterly delicious grilled side dish that’s perfect for any barbecue or weeknight meal. Bursting with the sweet flavor of fresh corn, savory cheese, aromatic onion and garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs, these peppers offer a fantastic meatless and gluten-free option. Plus, they are incredibly Weight Watchers friendly, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Beyond their irresistible taste, these stuffed bell peppers stand out for their sheer convenience. They are remarkably easy to prepare, whether you’re whipping them up last minute or planning ahead. You can easily make them in advance or simply prep the components, saving precious time when you’re ready to fire up the grill.

The inspiration for these delightful Corn Stuffed Peppers comes from the fresh, seasonal tastes found in my popular Corn Succotash recipe. They are an excellent accompaniment to a variety of grilled mains, complementing dishes like my savory Marinated Grilled Maple Lemon Pork and the comforting Onion Soup Mix Baked Potatoes.

🥘Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

Crafting these delectable stuffed grilled bell peppers requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that combine to create a burst of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some insights into why each ingredient plays a crucial role:

• Yellow, Red, and Orange Bell Peppers: These vibrant colored bell peppers are not just beautiful; they are also sweeter and less bitter than their green counterparts, making them ideal for stuffing and grilling. Their firm structure holds the filling well, and grilling them brings out their natural sweetness and a slight smokiness.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to precisely control the overall salt content of your dish. Salted butter can vary significantly in its sodium level from brand to brand, so opting for unsalted gives you culinary freedom.
• Corn: For convenience and consistent sweetness, canned corn is an excellent choice. However, if you have fresh corn on the cob, cutting it off the cob will elevate the flavor even further. Frozen corn is another great alternative, offering a quick and easy solution without compromising taste too much.
• Cheddar Cheese: We recommend sharp, low-fat cheddar cheese to add a robust flavor without excess fat. The distinctive tanginess of sharp or old cheddar beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a balanced and addictive filling.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Oregano, Parsley, and Chives): Don’t skip the fresh herbs! They are the secret to taking these grilled peppers from good to extraordinary. Fresh thyme, oregano, parsley, and chives infuse the stuffing with an earthy, vibrant, and incredibly fresh aroma that truly shines in grilled dishes.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic staples form the flavor base of our stuffing. When cooked with butter, they become sweet and tender, creating a rich foundation for the corn and cheese.
• Olive Oil: A light brush of olive oil on the outside of the peppers before grilling helps them soften beautifully, prevents sticking, and adds a subtle richness.
• Chicken Bouillon (Gluten-Free): A touch of chicken bouillon adds a savory depth to the corn mixture. Ensure it’s gluten-free if catering to dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian option, simply swap it for vegetable bouillon.
• Salt and Ground Pepper: Essential for seasoning, allowing you to adjust the taste to your preference.

*Please see recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities.

📖Creative Variations & Easy Substitutions

This recipe for corn stuffed grilled peppers is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations and substitutions to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Corn Alternatives: While corn is the star, you can get creative with other fillings. Consider using cooked white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Remember, the corn truly adds a unique sweetness and texture that’s hard to beat!
• Pepper Choices: Feel free to use green bell peppers if you prefer their slightly more assertive, less sweet flavor, or if they are more readily available. Any color will work beautifully.
• Onion Options: Swap white onions for red onions, which offer a slightly sharper, sweeter bite, or use milder green onions (scallions) for a delicate flavor profile.
• Cheese Swaps: If you’re not concerned about fat content, full-fat cheddar will provide an even richer flavor and creamier texture. Monterey Jack cheese is another excellent choice, offering superb meltability and a milder taste. Parmesan cheese can also be sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy finish.
• Making it Vegetarian: To ensure this dish is completely vegetarian, simply substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon. The savory depth will remain, keeping it delicious for everyone.
• Herb Experimentation: Fresh basil is a fantastic addition to the existing herb blend, or it can be used as a substitute for any of the other herbs. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs, but remember that dried herbs are more concentrated. Use only about 2 teaspoons of a dried herb blend, or opt for 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning for a balanced flavor.
• Adding a Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, incorporate a pinch of chili pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a teaspoon of chili powder into the corn mixture.
• Even More WW Friendly: To further reduce Weight Watchers points, consider using a light butter alternative. This small change can make a difference in the overall point value while still delivering great flavor.
• Garnish Ideas: Instead of chives, chopped green onions make an excellent garnish, adding a fresh, oniony crunch. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top just before serving will also add an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Kid-Friendly Adjustments: This recipe is often a hit with kids already! To make it even more appealing for picky eaters, increase the amount of cheese in the filling or add an extra layer of melty cheese on top before grilling.

🔪How to Make Delicious Corn Stuffed Grilled Peppers

These flavorful stuffed grilled peppers with cheese are not only impressive but also surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. Follow these simple steps to create a delightful side dish for your next meal.

• Begin by preheating your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature of about 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the grill is hot and ready for even cooking.
• Carefully slice your bell peppers in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or your hands, thoroughly remove all the seeds and the white pith (the membrane inside the pepper). You can choose to remove the stems for easier eating or leave them on for presentation, but remember they are not edible.

• Once cleaned, lightly brush the outside of each pepper half with olive oil. This step helps to prevent the peppers from sticking to the grill grates and promotes even charring and softening. Set the oiled peppers aside while you prepare the filling.

• In a large bowl, combine the canned corn with the chicken bouillon. Stir well to ensure the bouillon dissolves and coats the corn, infusing it with savory flavor. Set this mixture aside.
• In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the diced onion, unsalted butter, and minced garlic. Microwave this mixture for approximately 4 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even softening.

• Once the onion mixture is cooked, add the fresh herbs, the corn and bouillon mixture, and ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese (making sure to reserve the remaining ¼ cup of cheese for topping) into the bowl.
• Stir everything together until well combined. The warmth from the onions and butter will help the flavors meld and slightly soften the cheese.

• Evenly divide the delicious corn and cheese mixture among the prepared bell pepper halves. Generously stuff each pepper half, ensuring they are well-filled.
• Once all peppers are stuffed, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of each pepper. This will create a beautiful, melted cheese crust during grilling.

• Carefully place the stuffed pepper halves, filling side up, directly onto the preheated and oiled grill grates.
• Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your grill and the thickness of the peppers. Grill until the peppers have softened to your liking and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbly. For even cooking, rotate the peppers at least once during the grilling process.
• Once cooked, remove from the grill. Garnish generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh chives before serving.

Hint: For the best grilling experience and to prevent sticking, always ensure your grill grates are clean. Let the grill run for 4-5 minutes to burn off any remnants, then clean it thoroughly with a good grill brush. I highly recommend using a bristle-free barbecue brush (affiliate link) for safe and effective cleaning.

Expert Recipe Tips for Flawless Stuffed Peppers

• Stabilize the peppers on the grill: Bell peppers can sometimes be wobbly on the grill grates. To prevent them from tipping over and spilling their delicious filling, slice a very thin layer off the rounded bottom of each pepper half. Make sure not to cut through the pepper entirely, just enough to create a flat base that helps them sit securely.
• Use a grill-safe tray or pan: For ultimate convenience and to ensure no precious filling falls through the grates, consider placing the stuffed peppers on a grill-safe metal tray or a disposable aluminum foil pan. This makes for easier handling, moving, and cleanup.
• Preheat the grill properly: Patience is key for grilling success. Always allow your grill to heat up for at least 10 minutes with the lid closed before you start cooking. A properly preheated grill ensures even cooking, creates beautiful grill marks, and prevents sticking.
• Embrace fresh herbs for the best flavor: While dried herbs are a good fallback, fresh thyme, oregano, parsley, and chives truly elevate the flavor profile of this dish. They infuse the stuffing with a bright, aromatic essence that complements the smoky grilled peppers perfectly.
• Microwave time-saving tip: Cooking the onions, garlic, and butter in the microwave is a clever shortcut that saves time on the stovetop. Just be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and stir the mixture halfway through the cooking time to prevent any hot spots and ensure even softening.
• Prevent overcooking the peppers: The goal is tender-crisp peppers, not mushy ones. Grill the peppers just until they are softened and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Overcooking can cause the peppers to become too soft, potentially collapsing or losing their attractive shape.
• Smart grill cleanup hack: The easiest time to clean your grill grates is when they are hot. After preheating and before adding food, give them a good scrub with a bristle-free grill brush. This prevents food from sticking, helps create better searing, and improves the overall flavor of your grilled dishes.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give your peppers plenty of space on the grill. Overcrowding can lower the grill’s temperature and lead to steaming rather than grilling, resulting in less flavorful peppers. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Check for doneness: You can easily check if the peppers are tender enough by gently piercing them with a fork. It should slide in with minimal resistance.

🥗 What to Serve with Stuffed Peppers with Corn

These Corn Stuffed Grilled Peppers are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic side dish for almost any grilled entree. Their fresh, savory-sweet profile pairs beautifully with a range of proteins, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Consider serving them alongside:

• Grilled Chicken: The sweetness of the corn and peppers complements chicken wonderfully. Try them with Maple Cider Grilled Chicken Kabobs for a touch of sweet and tangy, or the classic flavors of Monterey Chicken – Bonanza Copycat.
• Pork: Grilled pork chops or tenderloin are another excellent match. My Marinated Grilled Maple Lemon Pork adds a bright, zesty contrast.
• Beef: A perfectly grilled steak or even burgers would be elevated by these flavorful peppers.
• BBQ Favorites: They are a natural fit for any barbecue spread, especially with dishes like this hearty BBQ Beer Can Chicken Recipe (healthy), which is shown below.

If you’re looking for even more delightful side dishes to complete your grilled feast, be sure to check out these delicious Sides for Beer Can Chicken.

🍽Essential Equipment for Grilling Success

To prepare these easy and delicious corn stuffed grilled peppers, you won’t need a lot of specialized kitchen gadgets. Here’s a rundown of the basic equipment that will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable:

• Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly slicing the bell peppers in half and finely chopping the onion and garlic. A good quality sharp knife makes prep work much safer and more efficient.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for all your chopping and slicing needs, protecting your countertops.
• Outdoor Grill/BBQ: The star of the show! An outdoor grill or BBQ (affiliate link) is crucial for imparting that wonderful smoky flavor and tender texture to the peppers. Any gas or charcoal grill will work.
• BBQ Brush: A good barbecue brush is indispensable for cleaning your grill grates before and after cooking, preventing sticking and ensuring the best flavor. Remember the hint above about using a bristle-free brush!
• BBQ Tongs: A pair of BBQ tongs (affiliate links) are incredibly useful for safely placing and removing the peppers from the hot grill and for rotating them during cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to combine all the delicious ingredients for the corn stuffing.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For softening the onions and garlic quickly in the microwave.

🌡️Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Planning ahead for these delicious Grilled Stuffed Peppers is easy, and proper storage will keep them fresh for enjoyment later.

• Storage: Leftover grilled stuffed peppers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. They are wonderful reheated in the microwave or a warm oven, or even enjoyed at room temperature.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, these ingredients, particularly the bell peppers and corn, do not hold up well to freezing after being cooked. The texture of the peppers can become overly soft and watery upon thawing, and the corn may lose its crispness. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh or within the refrigerator storage window.
• Make-Ahead Prep: If you want to get a head start, you can prepare the corn and cheese filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to grill, simply stuff the peppers, sprinkle with the reserved cheese, and proceed with grilling. This significantly cuts down on active prep time on grilling day.

👪Adjusting the Serving Size

This fantastic grilled stuffed bell peppers recipe yields 6 delicious servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. However, if you’re cooking for a smaller crowd or need to cater to a larger party, adjusting the serving size is incredibly simple.

You can easily halve this recipe if you’re cooking for just one or two people, or double or even triple it for a big barbecue or special event. To adjust the quantities, simply locate the serving number in the recipe card below and click on it. You’ll then be able to select your desired number of servings, and all the ingredient quantities will automatically adjust to scale the recipe up or down accordingly. This convenient feature ensures you always have the right amount of ingredients, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

🔢Weight Watchers Friendly & Diet Compliant

These BBQ stuffed peppers are not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably Weight Watchers friendly, making them a fantastic choice for anyone monitoring their intake. Each serving clocks in at just 4 WW points!

For those looking to reduce the points even further, there’s a simple trick: swap out regular unsalted butter for a light butter alternative. This small change can bring the dish down to an impressive 3 WW points per serving, allowing you to enjoy this delicious side dish with even less guilt.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so filling and satisfying, you often don’t even need to pair it with a traditional starch. When combined with a lean protein like my Marinated Grilled Maple Pork Chops (which are only 3 WW points per serving), you can enjoy a complete and incredibly delicious dinner for a total of only 6 WW points! It’s a testament to how flavorful and healthy meals can be. And for dessert, why not treat yourself to my delightful Weight Watchers White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Dessert to complete your WW-friendly feast?

❔Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

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