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Besides elegant endive and our favorite fiery appetizer, the jalapeño popper, there are so many more veggies that benefit from a little filling. Everything from avocados (yes, technically a fruit, but we’re okay with bending some rules for these creamy beauts) to zucchini make a beautiful canvas to load up with extra flavor. Enjoy these 21 stuffed vegetable recipes — they’re a great way to pack more produce onto your plate and turn veggie haters into lifelong fans.
1. Paleo Stuffed Avocados With Cilantro Cream Sauce: Creamy avocado stuffed with seasoned, shredded chicken and drizzled with a lovely crema are a treat any time. Serve these up for Cinco de Mayo or as a hearty-yet-healthy appetizer for your Super Bowl party. (via Fed and Fit)
2. Cheesy Stuffed Peppers: Tons of cheese and a few briny additions keep these vegetarian stuffed peppers just as exciting as their meat-filled counterparts. (via Devour)
3. Ricotta and Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes: Enjoy the classic Italian flavors stuffed inside these sweet roasted tomatoes. Although an accompaniment is not necessary, a crusty loaf of no-knead bread would bring it to the next level. (via Sugar Et Al)
4. Queso-Stuffed Padron Peppers: Use toasted slices of bread to scoop up these oozing peppers served over a kicky romesco sauce. (via Little Ferraro Kitchen)
5. Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi: A terrific alternative to the usual dill pickles and standard cabbage kimchi. You get a good dose of heat and pickle-y action in every bite. (via K Solomon)
6. Chile Rellenos With Chipotle Cream Sauce: There’s no shortage of stringy, cheesy goodness and spice here. (via Perpetually Hungry)
7. Blue Cheese Guacamole Stuffed Mushrooms With Buffalo Sauce: Everyone will love this fusion of a few favorite appetizers. Loaded with guacamole and blue cheese, they’re nothing short of irresistible. (via Half Baked Harvest)
8. Italian Stuffed Peppers: The filling is nearly a meal in and of itself. Featuring veggies, potatoes, meat and a whole lotta cheese, you’ll be stuffed when you’re through. (via The Nourishing Home)
9. Lemon-Garlic Stuffed Artichokes (Gluten-Free): Simple and elegant, stuffed artichokes are a great way to transition from the jarred kind to a fresher, more delicious approach. (via The Sensitive Foodie)
10. Crab and Couscous Stuffed Tomato Salad: Save this one for when tomatoes are at their peak sweetness at the farmers’ market. A quick-cook stuffing of dressed crab and couscous just screams summertime fun. (via She Knows)
11. Chicken and Mushroom Stuffed Peppers: Packed with tons of produce and flavor, this lightened-up stuffed pepper is crave-worthy fare that you can feel good about. (via Foodie Crush)
12. Caprese Quinoa Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms: Tossing the mushrooms on the grill not only gives them great flavor, but also keeps your kitchen cool at the same time. Serve up these stuffed ‘shrooms at your next cookout. (via Half Baked Harvest)
13. Mexican Millet Stuffed Peppers: A combo of beans and millet make for one filling filling. The host of sweet, savory and spicy additions definitely kick things up a notch too. (via Healthfully Ever After)
14. Vegan Zucchini Sweet Potato Rolls: What a fun new way to stuff zucchini. You’ll love the creamy intermingling of sweet potatoes and avocado in the middle, as well as the abbreviated ingredients list — only FOUR items plus salt and pepper. (via Lemons and Basil)
15. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: Make these delish appetizers for any winter celebration — they go from New Year’s to Super Bowl with ease. (via Mummy’s Fast and Easy)
16. Wild Rice and Sausage Stuffed Peppers: In search of a classic, Italian-style stuffed pepper? Look no further: This pesto-enhanced version is a total winner. (via Fork Knife Swoon)
17. Salsa, Bacon and Cheese Dip Stuffed Mushrooms: Let’s just say rich, creamy cheese plus bacon and a spoonful of salsa make for some totally poppable treats. (via Diethood)
18. Smoky Breakfast Stuffed Poblano Peppers: Talk about a great way to wake up your tastebuds in the morning. A hearty hash brown and egg stuffing gives these bad boys some serious staying power. (via A Spicy Perspective)
19. Provencal-Style Stuffed Onions: Serve these well-seasoned onions on the side of a simply roasted chicken or pork loin. Heads up: They just might steal the spotlight. (via The View From the Great Island)
20. Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados With Mango-Jalapeño Salsa: A double dose of mango action enlivens these shrimpy stuffed avocados with a tropical flair. (via Chocolate for Basil)
21. Triple Threat Potatoes: Baked, mashed and fried, these potatoes showcase all of the spud’s good sides in just two bites. (via Brit + Co)
Which vegetables do you enjoy stuffing with flavorful fillings? Share yours with us below!
Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.