Bell Pepper Balls with Melty Cheese Center (Baked or Fried)

These Bell Pepper Balls with Melty Cheese Centers are crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, and bursting with the sweet flavor of roasted peppers. Made with a mixture of red and yellow bell peppers, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, each ball hides a gooey core of scamorza cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food, you can bake them for a lighter option or fry them for extra crunch.

What Are Bell Pepper Balls?

Bell pepper balls are savory vegetarian croquettes made with cooked bell peppers, soaked bread, Parmesan, herbs, and eggs—shaped into balls and stuffed with cheese. They are coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before baking or frying for a golden, crisp finish.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Sweet roasted bell peppers give a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Two cooking options—baked for lighter, fried for ultimate crispiness.
• Melty scamorza cheese center for a delicious surprise.
• Perfect for appetizers, party platters, or game-day snacks.
• Great make-ahead recipe—shape in advance and cook when ready.

Cooking Tips

1. Cook peppers slowly to release their natural sweetness.
2. Squeeze soaked bread well to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
3. Use scamorza or mozzarella for the melty cheese center.
4. Fry in batches so the oil temperature stays hot for crispy results.
5. If baking, drizzle with olive oil for a golden crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Only One Color of Bell Pepper?

Yes, but using both red and yellow peppers adds sweetness and visual appeal.

Can I Use a Different Cheese for the Center?

Mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar work well as substitutes for scamorza.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Yes—prepare and shape the balls, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I Make Mini Veggie Balls for Appetizers?

Yes! Simply shape the mixture into smaller bite-sized balls (about 20g each). Reduce cooking time slightly—around 10–12 minutes in the oven or a shorter fry—to keep them tender inside while still crisp outside.

How Do I Serve Them?

Serve with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a fresh green salad.

How to Freeze

Freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen.

How to Store

Store leftover cooked bell pepper balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

How To Make Bell Pepper Balls

Step 1

Step 1

Cook the Peppers:
Wash, clean, and dice the peppers. Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and peppers, season with salt, and cook over low heat for 15–20 minutes until soft. Let cool.

Cook the Peppers:
Wash, clean, and dice the peppers. Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and peppers, season with salt, and cook over low heat for 15–20 minutes until soft. Let cool.

Prepare the Bread Mixture:
Soak stale bread in water for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.

Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine soaked bread, cooked peppers, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until compact.

Step 2

Step 2

Prepare the Bread Mixture:
Soak stale bread in water for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.

Shape and Stuff:
Form balls with your hands, placing a cube of scamorza in the center of each.

Coat the Balls:
Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.

Cook:

Step 3

Step 3

Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine soaked bread, cooked peppers, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until compact.

Baked version: Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 360°F (180°C) for 20 minutes.

Step 4

Step 4

Shape and Stuff:
Form balls with your hands, placing a cube of scamorza in the center of each.

Fried version: Heat oil in a pot and fry until golden brown.

Serve:
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Step 5

Step 5

Coat the Balls:
Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.