Cooking in The Keys

  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact

×
Add us as a trusted site on Google
Home » Recipes » Appetizers

Raw Bell Pepper Cups

felice kaufman author bio
Modified: Aug 19, 2025 · by Felice Kaufman · This post may contain affiliate links ·
Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Raw Bell Pepper Cups are a crisp, healthy swap for tortilla chips. Just slice into wedges and scoop up your favorite dips. These naturally gluten-free veggies are sturdy enough to hold guacamole, salsa, or hummus-no corn chips needed. Simple, colorful, and ready in minutes!

bell peppers
Jump to:
  • What Can I Substitute for Chips at a Mexican Restaurant?
  • What is a Healthy Corn Chip Alternative?
  • How to Select and Store Bell Peppers
  • How to Make Bell Pepper Cups
  • How to Serve Bell Pepper Cups
  • Bell Pepper Chips
  • More Recipes You'll Love
  • Raw Bell Pepper Cups (Faux Corn Chips)

What Can I Substitute for Chips at a Mexican Restaurant?

When at a Mexican restaurant, the first thing they often bring to the table is a big bowl of corn chips. They taste great! I know, I used to eat them too.

When faced with this situation, I ask the server for cut-up vegetables, and they happily oblige.

This is a low carb "chip" that can be enjoyed in place of tortilla chips.

What is a Healthy Corn Chip Alternative?

For a healthy alternative to corn or tortilla chips, try these bell pepper cups!

Simply slice the peppers lengthwise and then crosswise to create a vehicle for transporting dip straight into your mouth.

How to Select and Store Bell Peppers

raw bell peppers

Red bell peppers are readily available at most grocery stores and farmers' markets. When selecting peppers, look for ones that are smooth and firm, with green stems rather than brown. Avoid peppers with blemishes, bruises, or soft spots, as these indicate decay.

For a healthier option, choose organic bell peppers over conventional ones.

To store bell peppers, place them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they can last for up to 5 days.

If you see any blemishes, soft spots, or mold on a pepper, toss the whole thing. Even one bad spot can mean the inside is already spoiled.

How to Make Bell Pepper Cups

  • Rinse the peppers under cold running water, making sure to clean the crevices near the stem.
  • Slice the peppers in half through the stem.
  • Use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and white membranes.
  • Rinse the peppers again.
  • Finally, cut each half into thirds, then halve each wedge.

You can prepare the raw bell pepper cups the day before serving.

Wrap the cut peppers in a damp paper towel and place them in a glass storage container in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator

How to Serve Bell Pepper Cups

Serve your Bell Pepper cups with fresh Mango Pico de Gallo, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, or Peach Mango Salsa. Hummus and onion dip would also be great.

Bell Pepper Chips

Bell Pepper Chips are a fresh, crunchy alternative to tortilla chips-and they're naturally gluten-free. These vibrant "chips" are perfect for scooping guacamole, salsa, or hummus. They're low in carbs, low in fat, and 100% corn-free, making them a great choice if you're skipping grains or looking for a lighter snack.

For your next party tray or snack board, try these faux corn chips. Just slice bell peppers into wide strips and dip away!

More Recipes You'll Love

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Salad
  • Keto Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes
  • Grass-Fed Beef Tacos
  • Five-Minute Cold Appetizers
  • Roasted Fairytale Eggplant with Lemon
  • Oven Roasted Mahi Mahi
  • Ray Peat Carrot Salad
Raw peppers shaped like tortillas with salsa.

Raw Bell Pepper Cups (Faux Corn Chips)

Felice Kaufman
Raw bell peppers cups can easily be sliced into wedges and enjoyed in place of tortilla chips. A grain-free and healthy alternative to corn chips, bell peppers are a hearty vegetable that is easily prepared to create a scoop for your favorite dips.
5
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Sides
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 23.8 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper
  • 1 orange bell pepper

Instructions
 

  • Slice the bell peppers in half through the stem.
  • Scoop out the seeds and the white membranes with a teaspoon.
  • Slice each half into thirds and then each wedge in half.
  • Seve with your favorite dip.

Nutrition

Calories: 23.8kcalCarbohydrates: 5.5gProtein: 1gTotal Fat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 3.6mgPotassium: 208.3mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2.9gNet Carbohydrates: 3.5g
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below & tag @cookinginthekeys on social!

More Appetizer Recipes

  • Corn mango salsa mixed in a glass bowl with diced mango, sweet corn, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime zest, and a spoon.
    Corn Mango Salsa
  • Gluten-free coconut chicken nuggets with sweet chili dipping sauce, lime wedges, and flaky sea salt.
    Gluten Free Coconut Chicken Nuggets
  • Crispy panko chicken strips served with honey mustard dipping sauce
    Crispy Panko Chicken Strips
  • Panko chicken nuggets served with ketchup dipping sauce
    Pan Fried Chicken Nuggets
5 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)
Felice Kaufman image

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Felice. I live in the Florida Keys and share easy recipes made with fresh seafood, steak, and seasonal vegetables. Everything is inspired by island life, simple, delicious, and made with real food.

More About Felice

Popular Recipes

  • pan cooked snapper fillets with lemon and veggies
    Pan Seared Snapper Fillets
  • pan seared shrimp on a plate with lemon wedge
    Pan Seared Shrimp
  • sweet creamy coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, peppers, and creamy dressing
    Sweet Coleslaw
  • Juicy slices of cooked steak arranged on a plate, ready to serve.
    Marinated Skirt Steak

More to Cook

  • key west spiny lobster rolls on teal plate
    Key West Lobster Rolls
  • Key lime pie with whipped cream.
    Authentic Key Lime Pie Recipe
  • blackened swordfish with sauteed tomatoes and shallots.
    Blackened Swordfish Recipe
  • overhead view of shrimp salad with pasta ready for servng
    Shrimp Salad with Pasta

Footer

↑ back to top

  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Privacy Policy
  • Photo Use Policy
  • Newsletter
  • Work with Me
  • Contact

Cooking in The Keys is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2025 Cooking in The Keys | All rights reserved

17 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.