Keto Bell Pepper Sandwich Stacks (No-Bread!)
Forget the bread, not the satisfaction! These Keto Bell Pepper Sandwich Stacks are a vibrant, crunchy, and incredibly flavorful low-carb alternative to traditional sandwiches. They're quick to assemble, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for a healthy, keto-friendly lifestyle.
Ingredients
For the Pepper "Buns":
- 1 large red bell pepper approx. 180g / 6.3oz, or use 1 medium red and 1 small yellow/orange pepper to yield 3 sturdy halves
Creamy Base & Healthy Fats:
- 3 tablespoons 45g / 1.6oz full-fat cream cheese
- 1 small to medium ripe avocado approx. 110g / 3.9oz
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Fresh Greens:
- A small handful of fresh spinach leaves approx. 20g / 0.7oz
- 3 large lettuce leaves e.g., Romaine, Iceberg, or Butter lettuce
Protein & Cheese Filling:
- 75 g 2.6oz thinly sliced cooked ham (choose a quality, low-sugar variety)
- 3 slices total 75g / 2.6oz Gouda cheese (or Cheddar, Provolone)
Flavor Boosters:
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon black sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice the bell pepper(s) lengthwise to create three robust halves. Remove and discard the stem, seeds, and any white pith from the inside of each pepper half.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and smoked paprika. Mix well until the paprika is evenly incorporated. Spread this seasoned cream cheese mixture evenly over the inside surface of all three pepper halves.
- Prepare the Avocado Layer: Scoop the avocado flesh into another bowl. Add the pinch of sea salt and gently mash with a fork to your preferred consistency (slightly chunky or smooth). Divide and spread the mashed avocado over the cream cheese layer on each pepper half. Sprinkle the black sesame seeds generously over the avocado.
- Layer the Goodness: Arrange the fresh spinach leaves on top of the avocado. Follow by layering the sliced ham, Gouda cheese slices, and finally, the crisp lettuce leaves, distributing these fillings amongst the three pepper halves.
- Assemble Your Stacks: To create a "sandwich stack" (considered one serving for nutritional purposes), take two of the filled pepper halves and place them together. The third filled pepper half can be enjoyed open-faced, or used to start a second, smaller stack. For neatness, you can slice the assembled stack crosswise before serving.
Notes
- Yield & Serving Clarification: This recipe makes enough filling for 3 bell pepper halves. A "full serving" (for which nutritional information is provided) consists of two of these halves assembled into a "sandwich stack". The total recipe yield is therefore 1.5 such servings.
- Customization: Feel free to substitute the ham with sliced turkey, grilled chicken, or even a plant-based deli slice. Experiment with different cheeses or add other thinly sliced keto-friendly vegetables like cucumber.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the assembled stacks or individual filled pepper halves tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness, though the avocado may brown slightly.
- Calories: 509 kcal
- Protein: 26.6 g
- Fat: 38.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 17.5 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 17.8 g
- Dietary Fiber: 8.7 g
- Total Sugars: 7.3 g
- Net Carbohydrates: 9.1 g