How to Cut a Bell Pepper

5 from 229 votes

This is a simple tutorial to show my technique for cutting bell peppers. Learn the easiest way to cut bell peppers into rings, strips or dice for any recipe

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Follow along to learn the best methods for cutting up a bell pepper. Whether sliced into rings, matchsticks, or a fine dice, these sweet, zingy veggies are a key ingredient of chilis, stir-fries, omelets, sauces, salsa, crudité plates and more.

hand holding a green bell peppers

The bell pepper’s fresh flavor is matched only by its nutritional profile. They are bursting with vitamin C (especially red bell peppers) and offer up vitamin A, potassium, fiber, folic acid, and iron.

How do you cut bell peppers?

Cutting peppers into rings

To begin: Lay the pepper on its side on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife, preferably a chef’s knife, to slice off about ½ ” piece from the stem end and another 1/2″ inch from the bottom of the pepper. (Use the ends for snacking or freeze away for later use in soups, stews, or veggie broth.)

side by side pictures showing knife cutting the top and the bottom off yellow peppers

Run the knife around the inside of the flesh to remove the core; discard. Lay the pepper on its side and slice thinly slice into rings.

side by side pictures showing knife cutting out bell pepper core and knife slice a pepper

Rings can be used for a crudité plates or sandwich toppers. They can be fried in an air fryer or make a bold presentation in chilis or ratatouilles.

knife cutting a bell pepper into slices

Slicing peppers

As with slicing the bell peppers, start with cutting 1/2″ off the top and bottom of the bell pepper and reserve for another use.

side by side pictures of knife cutting the top and bottom off a red bell pepper

Next, cut two vertical slits through the flesh. Open the bell pepper and use the knife to remove the core; discard. Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board, skin-side down, and use a sharp knife to thinly slice into strips.

side by side pictures of a knife cutting the core from a bell pepper half and a knife cutting a bell pepper into strips

Put your cut-up bell pepper strips in salads, on crudité plates, or sauté them into chilis, soups, and stews.

knife cutting pepper into slices

Dicing bell peppers

Again, when it comes to cutting up bell peppers into large or small dices, start by cutting 1/2″ off the top and bottom of the bell pepper. For a small dice, you can use these parts, too.

side by side pictures of knife cutting the top and bottom off a green pepper

Cut two vertical slits through the flesh of the bell pepper. Open the pepper and use the knife to remove the core; discard.

side by side picture of knife cutting through a green pepper and a knife cutting out a pepper core

Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board, skin-side down, and use a sharp knife to cut into strips.

knife cutting bell pepper into strips

Rotate the pieces by 90 degrees and cut the strips into whatever size dice you wish. For a higher yield, dice the ends of the pepper as well.

knife dicing a green pepper

Diced bell pepper goes right into all sorts of recipes especially egg dishes, like omelets. Diced bell peppers are also part of the mirepoix for soups or stews, especially in Creole cuisine.

Recipes with bell peppers

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between green, yellow, and red bell peppers?

They are all from the same plant! Green bell peppers are picked first while yellow and red spend more time ripening on the vine, allowing them to become sweeter and more nutritious. Red bell peppers have six times the vitamin A and over twice the vitamin C of green peppers.

Can I freeze cut peppers?

Yes. Chop into your desired cut then flash freeze on sheet pans and store in airtight, freezer-safe container. They’ll stay nice for up to six months. In the regular fridge, they are good for about three days.

Is it worth paying more for organic bell peppers?

Bell peppers are among the foods designated by the Environmental Working Group as retaining high levels of pesticides on their skin even after washing. It is something to keep in mind.

vegetable on a chopping board

Whether crisp and juicy when eaten raw or smoothly piquant after being fire roasted or cooked slow, bell peppers are a staple in my kitchen, and I hope you’ll make them one in yours, too.

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How to Cut Bell Peppers

This is a simple tutorial to show my technique for cutting bell peppers. Learn the easiest way to cut bell peppers into rings, strips or dice for any recipe
5 from 229 votes
Servings 1 serving
Course Ingredient
Calories 37
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes

Video

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bell pepper

Instructions

  • Lay the pepper on its side on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice off about ½ inch from the stem end and ½ inch from the bottom of the pepper. You can use these for snacking or in soups and stews. Then follow one of the steps below for rings, sliced peppers or diced peppers.
  • Rings: Run the knife around the inside of the flesh to remove the core; discard. Lay the pepper on its side and thinly slice into rings.
  • Slices: Cut two vertical slits through the flesh of the bell pepper. Open the pepper and use the knife to remove the core; discard. Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board, skin-side down, and use a sharp knife to thinly slice into strips.
  • Diced: Cut two vertical slits through the flesh of the bell pepper. Open the pepper and use the knife to remove the core; discard. Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board, skin-side down, and use a sharp knife to cut into strips. Rotate the pieces by 90 degrees and cut the strips into diced peppers.

Notes

Storage: Store cut bell peppers in the an airtight container for up to 3 days. It helps to line the container with paper towel to absorb any extra moisture.
Freezing Instructions: Chop into your desired cut then flash freeze on sheet pans and store in airtight, freezer-safe container. They’ll stay nice for up to six months.
Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 251mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 3726IU, Vitamin C: 152mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Course: Ingredient

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