Do Share Recipe

I recently tried making a Bell Pepper Sandwich Recipe, and I have to say, it completely changed the way I think about sandwiches! Using crisp, fresh bell peppers instead of bread was not only fun but also surprisingly satisfying. I loved layering creamy avocado, cheese, and ham into those crunchy pepper halves.

It’s a quick, easy, and nutrient-packed lunch that keeps me full without feeling heavy. If you’re craving a low-carb twist on your regular sandwich, you can also enjoy a Healthy Breakfast Sandwich Recipe for another delicious morning option.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make a bell pepper sandwich. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and nutrition:

Bell pepper – I used a red bell pepper for its sweetness, but yellow, orange, or green peppers work too. Green peppers are slightly lower in carbs.
Cream cheese – Full-fat cream cheese adds creaminess. For a dairy-free option, use keto mayonnaise or dairy-free cream cheese.
Avocado – Pick a ripe avocado that yields slightly when pressed. Adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.
Deli ham – Choose a quality brand without added water. Sliced chicken, turkey, or bacon can be great alternatives.
Sliced cheese – I went with Gouda, but Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Provolone, or Emmental work too. Dairy-free cheese is also an option.
Lettuce leaves – Butterhead lettuce adds crunch and freshness. Cucumber slices are another tasty addition.
Black sesame seeds – Optional, but they add a nice crunch and flavor. Everything bagel seasoning is also delicious.
Horseradish – A small amount mixed into cream cheese elevates the flavor. Wholegrain or Dijon mustard, garlic, or onion powder also work.

Note: Several servings depending on the size of the bell peppers and fillings used.

Variations

This sandwich is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit different tastes:

Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add keto hummus with roasted eggplant slices.
Italian: Layer pesto, mozzarella, arugula, tomato, provolone, Parma ham, and avocado.
Breakfast: Use cream cheese, sprouts, bacon, hardboiled or scrambled eggs, avocado, cucumber, and lettuce—similar to a Healthy Breakfast Sandwich Recipe for more low-carb inspiration.
Greek: Combine cream cheese, avocado, feta, cucumber, salad, kalamata olives, and tomato.
Pescatarian: Use smoked salmon, tuna, or mackerel with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon.
Reuben-style: Sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your fillings!

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no baking required)
Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

Knife – To slice the bell peppers and other ingredients.
Spoon – For mashing avocado and spreading cream cheese.
Bowl – To mix cream cheese and horseradish.
Cutting board – Keeps your prep organized and clean.
Plate – For assembling and serving the sandwich.

How to Make Bell Pepper Sandwich Recipe

Slice the Bell Peppers

Start by cutting your bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove the stems, seeds, and ribs. This creates a perfect “bread-free” vessel for all your fillings.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Mix cream cheese with a bit of horseradish or your preferred seasoning. Spread the mixture evenly inside each pepper half to create a flavorful base.

Mash the Avocado

Mash the avocado with a pinch of sea salt. Layer it inside the pepper halves and sprinkle over black sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Add the Fillings

Layer deli ham, sliced cheese, and lettuce (or other salad greens) into the pepper halves. Close the pepper like a sandwich and slice in half if desired for easier handling.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I like using red peppers because they’re naturally sweet and juicy.
Make sure your avocado is perfectly ripe for the creamiest texture.
I sometimes sprinkle a little lemon juice on the avocado to prevent browning.
For extra crunch, I toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding.
If I’m extra hungry, I add an extra slice of cheese or a few bacon strips.

How to Serve Bell Pepper Sandwich Recipe

This sandwich is visually striking and can be served as a snack or a main meal. Arrange the pepper halves on a plate with a small side salad or sliced cucumbers. Garnish with additional sesame seeds or a drizzle of olive oil for a polished look. You can even cut them into smaller portions for party platters or lunchboxes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of what each bell pepper sandwich contains:

Calories: Approximately 250–300 per serving
Protein: 12–15g from cheese and ham
Carbohydrates: 5–7g net carbs (mainly from peppers)
Fat: 18–20g from avocado and cheese

This makes it an excellent option for low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerator

A fully assembled bell pepper sandwich is best eaten fresh. However, you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day in an airtight container or wrapped in cling film.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this sandwich as the peppers and avocado can become mushy when thawed. It’s really best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Since this is a no-cook recipe, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a warm filling, you can heat the cheese and ham separately, then assemble into fresh pepper halves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons I keep making this bell pepper sandwich:

Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the fresh peppers and vegetables.
Allergy-friendly: Gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, and egg-free. Can be made dairy-free too.
Filling: Healthy fats from avocado and cheese keep me satisfied for hours.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 5 minutes with no cooking required.
Low-carb and keto-friendly: A perfect bread-free alternative without compromising on flavor.

This bell pepper sandwich recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious low-carb meal. With endless variations, it’s easy to customize to your taste and dietary preferences, making it a lunch or snack favorite.

Ben Carraoli