Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

Colorful, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy, Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a perfect appetizer for parties, potlucks, or a quick snack. These bite-sized delights combine the natural sweetness of mini bell peppers with a rich, cheesy filling that’s easy to customize to your taste. Whether you serve them warm or cold, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
2. Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite flavors or dietary preferences.
3. Perfect for All Occasions: Works well as a snack, appetizer, or party finger food.
4. Nutritious and Delicious: Low-carb and packed with vitamins from the peppers.

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Wash and Slice: Rinse the mini peppers under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Halve and Core: Slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or your fingers to remove the seeds and membranes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and green onions.
2. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother consistency, mix with a hand mixer or whisk until creamy and well-combined.
3. Customize: Fold in any optional add-ins like bacon, jalapeños, or herbs.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill the Peppers: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Be generous to ensure every bite is flavorful.
2. Smooth the Tops: Level off the filling for an even bake, or leave it slightly mounded for a more decorative look.

Step 4: Bake or Serve

Option 1: Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
3. Arrange the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers on the sheet, filling side up. Optionally, brush the pepper skins with olive oil for a glossy finish.
4. Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are lightly golden.

Option 2: Serve Cold

• Skip the baking step and serve the stuffed peppers chilled for a refreshing, crunchy appetizer.

Garnish and Serve

1. Add Final Touches: Sprinkle the baked or chilled peppers with fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for color.
2. Serve Immediately: Arrange them on a platter and serve warm or cold.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

1. Use Fresh, Firm Peppers: The fresher the peppers, the better the crunch and flavor.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing and filling easier.
3. Don’t Overfill: Overfilling can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
4. Roast Before Stuffing: For extra flavor, lightly roast the pepper halves before adding the filling.

Variations

1. Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the filling.
2. Buffalo Style: Mix in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
3. Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil into the filling.
4. Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese for a plant-based version.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed mini peppers pair wonderfully with:

• Main Dishes: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
• Party Platters: Combine with other finger foods like deviled eggs, sliders, or veggie trays.
• Dips and Sauces: Offer with ranch dressing, marinara, or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of the peppers complements the savory, tangy filling perfectly.
2. Versatility: You can serve them warm or cold, making them suitable for any season or event.
3. Easy to Customize: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings to make it your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use full-sized bell peppers instead?

Yes! Slice them into quarters and follow the same recipe for a larger serving size.

2. How can I make these spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

3. Can I grill these instead of baking?

Absolutely! Preheat the grill to medium heat, place the stuffed peppers on a grill-safe tray, and cook until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.

4. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

It already is! Mini peppers are low in carbs, and the cheese filling fits perfectly into a keto diet.

Final Thoughts

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Their creamy, cheesy filling paired with sweet, crunchy peppers creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a quick snack, this recipe is sure to impress.

Yield: 8

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

Print

Colorful, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy, Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a perfect appetizer for parties, potlucks, or a quick snack. These bite-sized delights combine the natural sweetness of mini bell peppers with a rich, cheesy filling that’s easy to customize to your taste. Whether you serve them warm or cold, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb mini sweet peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• Optional: crumbled bacon, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Peppers

1. Slice the mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise.
2. Use a small spoon to remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Make the Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
2. Mix well until the filling is smooth and fully combined.

4. Stuff the Peppers

1. Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture.
2. If desired, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top of the stuffed peppers for added flavor.

5. Bake the Peppers

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and slightly golden.
2. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to achieve a crispier topping.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

• These stuffed peppers make a great appetizer for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings.
• Pair them with ranch dressing or a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.
• Serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to make mixing easier.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
• Customize the Filling: Add chopped jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to personalize the flavor.