Original and Crispy Bell Pepper Cutlets

These bell peppers are roasted until soft and sweet, skinned, dressed in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried until golden and crispy. You can enjoy this dish as an appetizer, a side dish paired with salad, potatoes, or a bowl of creamy dip.

What Are Bell Pepper Cutlets?

Instead of using meat or mashed potatoes as the base, this version uses roasted bell peppers. Recipes like this are especially common in home cooking traditions where vegetables are treated with the same care as a main dish rather than an afterthought. Bell peppers originated from Central and South America, and settled in so comfortably that they became a staple in countless regional dishes.

Pro Tips for the Best Bell Pepper Cutlets

• Roast the peppers until they’re truly soft, and this is not the time for half-done peppers. You want the peppers fully softened so they peel easily and flatten nicely for breading.
• Roasted peppers hold a lot of moisture, and if they go into the flour still damp, the coating won’t stick as well. A clean cloth or kitchen towel gives them a chance to dry off before the breading begins.
• Fine breadcrumbs coat the peppers more evenly and help create a crisp shell without leaving awkward bald patches.
• The original recipe keeps things beautifully simple, but you can add salt, black pepper, dried herbs, or grated cheese to the breadcrumbs if you want a little more personality in the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I Have to Roast the Peppers First?

Yes, and this is one of the key steps that makes the recipe work. Roasting softens the peppers, loosens the skin, and gives them a sweeter, richer flavor. Raw peppers wouldn’t have the same silky texture, and they’d be far more awkward to coat and fry.

Can I Bake Them Instead of Frying?

Frying gives the most even, crisp golden coating, while baking tends to produce a drier crust. If you bake them, drizzle or spray them lightly with olive oil and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Bake at a fairly high temperature and turn them once so both sides get a chance to brown.

Can I Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs and Flour?

Yes, this recipe adapts very well to gluten-free ingredients. The only thing to watch is texture, since some gluten-free breadcrumbs brown a little faster than standard ones. Keep the heat moderate and check the cutlets as they fry so the crust doesn’t darken too quickly.

How to Store Leftovers

You can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, arrange them in a single layer or place parchment paper between layers so the coating doesn’t stick and tear. To reheat, use a frying pan, air fryer, or oven rather than the microwave. The microwave will warm them, but it also softens the crust.

How to Make Bell Pepper Cutlets

Step 1

Step 1

Arrange the bell peppers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Arrange the bell peppers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 2

Step 2

Roast them in a preheated oven at 180°C/360°F for about 50 minutes. Take the peppers out of the oven and let them cool, then peel the skin. Once peeled, place the peppers on a clean cloth and let them dry.

Roast them in a preheated oven at 180°C/360°F for about 50 minutes. Take the peppers out of the oven and let them cool, then peel the skin. Once peeled, place the peppers on a clean cloth and let them dry.

Step 3

Step 3

Set up three bowls or plates: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Take each pepper and coat it first in flour.

Set up three bowls or plates: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Take each pepper and coat it first in flour.

Step 4

Step 4

Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.

Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.

Step 5

Step 5

Finally, press it into the breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Finally, press it into the breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 6

Step 6

Pour olive oil into a pan and place it over medium heat. Fry them until the underside is crisp, then turn and cook the other side.

Pour olive oil into a pan and place it over medium heat. Fry them until the underside is crisp, then turn and cook the other side.

Step 7

Step 7

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!