Tangy Balsamic Baby Peppers: Ina Garten’s Zesty Recipe

Vibrant colors dance across the plate as these balsamic roasted baby peppers invite you to savor their rich, caramelized essence.

Ina Garten’s simple yet elegant recipe turns ordinary peppers into a culinary masterpiece that sings with Mediterranean flavors.

Each pepper glistens with a deep, tangy glaze that promises to awaken your taste buds.

The combination of sweet baby peppers and robust balsamic vinegar creates a side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.

Roasting intensifies the natural sweetness, creating a charred exterior that locks in incredible depth of flavor.

These peppers are so irresistible, you’ll want to serve them alongside grilled meats, toss them into salads, or enjoy them straight from the baking sheet.

Get ready to elevate your cooking with this delightfully easy and delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How Ina Would Plate Roasted Baby Peppers

• Savor as a Vibrant Side Dish: Pair these roasted baby peppers alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a colorful and flavorful complement that adds excitement to your main course.
• Elevate Party Appetizers: Arrange the peppers on a rustic wooden board with fresh mozzarella, crispy crostini, and a drizzle of extra balsamic for an impressive Mediterranean-style starter that will wow your guests.
• Transform into Salad Topper: Chop the roasted peppers and scatter over mixed greens, crumbled feta, and toasted pine nuts to create a zesty, warm salad with incredible depth of flavor that transforms an ordinary green salad into something extraordinary.
• Blend into Sandwich Spread: Pulse the cooled peppers in a food processor with cream cheese or goat cheese to create a vibrant, tangy spread perfect for upgrading sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for crusty bread.

Storage Suggestions for Make-Ahead Peppers

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover roasted peppers into an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Refrigerate Efficiently: Keep the peppers chilled for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their vibrant taste and tender texture when stored properly in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Gently: Warm peppers slowly in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original roasted quality and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled peppers in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s Inside Ina Garten’s Balsamic Roasted Baby Peppers

• Baby Peppers: Vibrant, sweet gems that roast to perfection with a delightful caramelized exterior. Choose peppers that are firm, glossy, and free from blemishes or soft spots.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that infuses a subtle earthy essence during roasting. Select sprigs with bright green leaves and a strong, fresh fragrance.

• Olive Oil: Silky lubricant that helps peppers roast evenly and develop a gorgeous golden sheen. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Crisp seasoning that enhances the peppers' natural sweetness. Coarse texture helps distribute flavor more effectively.
• Black Pepper: Warm, pungent spice that adds a gentle kick to the roasted peppers. Freshly ground provides maximum aromatic impact.

• Aged Balsamic Vinegar: Luxurious, complex liquid that adds tangy depth and glossy richness. Select a high-quality, thick balsamic with deep, rounded flavor notes.

Tools for Roasting Baby Peppers Just Right

• Large Ceramic Baking Dish: Essential for roasting peppers in a single, even layer.
• Measuring Spoons: Perfect for accurately measuring salt and pepper.
• Measuring Cup: Helps pour the precise amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Tongs or Wooden Spoon: Great for tossing peppers with oil and seasoning.
• Thyme Sprigs: Fresh herbs add delicious flavor during roasting.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for any final prep or adjustments before serving.

How to Roast Balsamic Baby Peppers à la Ina Garten

• Oven Warmup

Get the oven nice and toasty at a perfect roasting temperature.

• Pepper Arrangement

Spread those colorful baby peppers across a spacious ceramic dish, keeping their cute little stems intact.

• Flavor Infusion

Shower the peppers with a generous splash of olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper to wake up their natural goodness. Give them a gentle toss so every pepper gets some love.

• Herbal Touch

Scatter fresh thyme sprigs across the peppers, letting their aromatic essence seep into every nook and cranny.

• Roasting Magic

Slide the dish into the oven and let the peppers transform. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color without any char – about 20 minutes of pure culinary alchemy.

• Final Flourish

Right after pulling them from the oven, drizzle aged balsamic vinegar over the peppers while they’re still steaming. This adds a tangy-sweet crescendo to their roasted melody.

• Serving Suggestion

Welcome these beauties to the table warm or at room temperature, ready to dazzle taste buds with their vibrant personality.

Tips to Add Layers of Flavor to Roasted Peppers

• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet baby peppers.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika before roasting to introduce a subtle heat and complex dimension to the dish.
• Choose baby peppers with vibrant colors and firm texture for the most visually appealing and delicious roasted result, mixing red, yellow, and orange varieties for a stunning presentation.
• Roast peppers up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, bringing them to room temperature before serving to maintain their robust flavor and tender texture.

Vibrant Ina Garten Balsamic Roasted Baby Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s balsamic roasted baby peppers showcase Mediterranean simplicity with bold flavor profiles. Colorful bell peppers caramelize under high heat, delivering a sweet and tangy side dish that welcomes eager palates to savor summer’s bounty.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds (900g) baby sweet peppers, mixed colors
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) good olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) aged balsamic vinegar (e.g., Villa Manodori)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or sea salt)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) with rack centered, selecting a large ceramic baking dish to accommodate baby peppers in a single layer while preserving their elegant stems.
2. Seasoning: Lavishly coat baby peppers with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring each pepper glistens uniformly, then generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently tossing to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Herbal Infusion: Artfully scatter fresh thyme sprigs across seasoned peppers, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate during the roasting process.
4. Roasting: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes until peppers achieve a delicate golden-brown hue without scorching, maintaining their vibrant character.
5. Finishing Touch: Immediately after removing from oven, discard thyme sprigs and drizzle aged balsamic vinegar over the peppers, creating a glossy, tangy glaze that elevates their natural sweetness.
6. Serving: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then present the roasted peppers warm or at room temperature as an elegant side dish or appetizer that celebrates the peppers’ natural brilliance.

Notes

• Pepper Perfection: Choose baby peppers with vibrant colors and firm texture for the best roasting results.
• Olive Oil Magic: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the peppers’ natural sweetness and create a beautiful sheen.
• Thyme Technique: Fresh thyme sprigs infuse subtle herbal notes, transforming the dish from simple to spectacular.
• Balsamic Brilliance: Opt for aged balsamic vinegar to add depth and complexity, creating a rich, tangy finish that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg