20+ Amazing Pepper Recipes - Balkan Lunch Box

Who doesn't like bright, bold and flavorful peppers? Here we've compiled a perfect recipe list that goes from creamy sauces to rich stewy Balkan classics. Whether roasted, simmered, or pickled, each dish tells its own delicious story. Shall we?

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Why You’ll Love These Recipes

🌶️ Incredible flavor. Peppers bring natural sweetness, brightness, and depth to every bite.
🥘 Versatility to the max. Think sauces, salads, stews, mains, and sides!
⏳ Simple to make. Everyday ingredients, easy methods!
🫑 Work for every occasion! From casual weeknight meals to festive spreads, these pepper recipes are here to stay!

- Roasted Red Pepper Creamy Cheese Sauce

Roasted red pepper sauce blends sweet roasted peppers with creamy dairy and a touch of garlic for a silky, luxurious finish. It’s perfect for pairing with meats, vegetables, or pasta, adding a burst of color and flavor to every plate.

A creamy twist you’ll want on everything.

Pepper sauce in a white bowl on a table and a pepper in the background.

- Roasted Red Pepper Garlic Salad

Roasted red pepper garlic salad is a bright, zesty side made with roasted peppers, minced garlic, and a splash of oil. It’s simple but deeply flavorful, pairing beautifully with meats, bread, or cheese platters.

A punchy salad that always steals the show.

A fork holding red pepper salad above a plate on a marble table.

- Pindjur

Kind of like ajvar's easier to make cousin, pindjur is a rich, slow-cooked salad made with roasted peppers, tomatoes,and garlic. Its soft, smoky texture makes it perfect for bread dipping, pasta tossing, or serving alongside grilled meats.

A spoonful of pure Balkan comfort.

- Ajvar

Ajvar is a beloved pepper spread with a silky texture and a mild sweetness from roasted red peppers. Often made in big batches, it’s spread on bread, served as a condiment, or paired with meat dishes.

The queen of Balkan pepper spreads.

- Shopska Salad

Shopska salad is a fresh salad layered with chopped peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and plenty of cheese. Crisp, refreshing, and colorful, it’s a staple on Balkan tables, especially in summer.

A bright, crunchy classic you’ll crave.

Bowl of salad, tomatoes on vine, fork, napkin, bell pepper and grated cheese on white background.

- Classic Satarash

Classic satarash is a warm vegetable dish made by slowly simmering peppers, onions, and tomatoes until soft and fragrant. It’s simple yet deeply flavorful, often served as a side or light main.

A humble, homey dish with big flavor.

A white plate full of satarash dish on a white honeycomb table.

- Egg Satarash

Egg satarash takes the classic mix of peppers, onions, and tomatoes and elevates it with gently cooked eggs folded in. The result is a rich, hearty breakfast or light lunch bursting with flavor.

A rustic dish that warms the soul.

A plate with eggs and peppers (satarash) with two halves of integral bread with a fork and two eggs on a dark marble background.

- Djuveč

Djuveč (Balkan ratatouille) is a vibrant vegetable dish with peppers at its heart. Slow-cooked with tomatoes, carrots, and spices, it’s hearty and fragrant—perfect as a side or main.

A cozy one-pot wonder.

- Veggie Risotto

Veggie risotto with peppers is rich, and full of layered flavors. The peppers bring a touch of sweetness that balances the creaminess of the rice beautifully.

A colorful twist on a classic favorite.

A bowl with risotto and a fork in it and vegetables in the background on a white honeycomb background.

- Pepper and Eggplant Veal Sauce

Our favorite veal sauce is a flavorful red pepper sauce with a garlicky kick, perfect for pairing with rice or mashed potatoes. Smooth, tangy, and lightly spicy, it adds instant depth to any meal.

A sauce that transforms the ordinary.

Round white casserole sitting on a kitchen towel, containing eggplant, red peppers, garlic and beef scooped on a silver spoon on a light background.

- Paprikash

Chicken paprikash is a hearty pepper stew slow-cooked with meat, onions, peppers and plenty of paprika. The peppers melt into the sauce, creating a comforting, deeply savory dish best enjoyed with bread or potatoes.

A warm hug in a bowl.

- Jaeger Schnitzel

Jaeger schnitzel, really a pepper schnitzel is a fusion favorite—soft schnitzel topped with a rich pepper sauce. The sauce adds brightness and complexity to every juicy bite.

A satisfying classic with a peppery twist.

A spoon holding a schnitzel in a stainless steel pan.

- Rich Couscous Sauce

Couscous with a rich pepper and veggie sauce is packed with flavor. Sweet peppers give this simple grain a vibrant touch, making it a perfect dinner.

A dish that feels special.

Bowl of couscous on a plaid kitchen towel.

More Delicious Recipe Collections

Here are a few more of our very favorite recipe collections including heartwarming soups, stews and beef dinners!

- Stuffed Eggplant

Stuffed eggplant with peppers combines smoky eggplants with a savory pepper and meat (or veggie) filling. It’s a hearty, beautifully layered dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

A Mediterranean favorite with Balkan charm.

- Bosnian Pot

Bosnian Pot (bosanski lonac) is a slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables, and peppers are its star flavor boosters. Layered and simmered for hours, it delivers rich, deep flavors in every bite.

A traditional dish made to share.

Black ceramic pot with a spoon inside on a gray background.

- Meza

Meza with peppers is a colorful appetizer platter featuring roasted or fresh peppers alongside meats, cheeses, and spreads. It’s perfect for entertaining or a casual family meal.

A vibrant spread that brings people together.

Rectangular wooden tray filled with different meats, cheeses, vegetables and nuts on a gray background.

- Dolma

Dolma, another word for stuffed vegetables is a classic stuffed dish made by filling peppers, tomatoes, onions, zucchini with a savory rice and meat mixture. Slowly cooked until tender, the peppers especially infuse the filling with gentle sweetness.

A beloved comfort food across generations.

Metal dish with a lid on gray background filled with filled veggies, red kitchen underneath, and a pan and spoon.

- Turšija

Turšija is a Balkan-style pickled vegetable mix with peppers and carrots as key ingredients. Crisp, tangy, and bright, it’s served as a side dish or relish during cold months.

A jar full of tradition and crunch.

Jar filled with different pickled veggies on a gray background.

- Peppers Stuffed With Potatoes

Peppers Stuffed with Potatoes pair fluffy potatoes with sweet roasted peppers, creating a cozy, colorful bite. This dish is both hearty and playful, perfect for family tables.

A comfort food with a pop of color.

Cast iron pan filled with yellow stuffed peppers and a kitchen towel on a gray background.

- Hash Brown Peppers

Hash Brown Peppers mix crispy potatoes with sautéed peppers for a satisfying, golden-brown dish. The peppers bring brightness and sweetness that balances the crisp edges beautifully.

A simple side that wins every time.

A forkful of potato stuffing being held above a black pan with peppers.

Thoughts?

If you made any recipes in our best stews collection, and liked them, please consider giving it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5-star) rating. This helps others find the recipe more easily!

Also, feel free to leave a comment (I read each one!), and don't forget to tag a photo #balkanlunchbox, or us @balkanlunchbox, on IG.

Prijatno, Dobar Tek, and Bon Appetit!