If you are looking for a snack that’s bursting with flavor, simple to make, and absolutely addictive, the Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is going to become your new go-to. These colorful little peppers are crisp on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and seasoned just right to keep every bite exciting. Whether you need a quick appetizer for a get-together or a delightful side dish to brighten up dinner, this recipe delivers on both taste and ease, making it a total winner in my book.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like assembling little flavor powerhouses. Each one plays a crucial role, from giving the dish its creamy texture to adding savory depth and a splash of vibrant color that makes these mini peppers irresistible.
- Mini sweet peppers: Their natural sweetness and crunchy texture make them perfect for stuffing and eating fresh or baked.
- Cream cheese: Softened to creamy perfection, it creates the luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with the pepper’s crispness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty richness that complements the cream cheese.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder: Enhances the filling with a gentle sweetness and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and lifting all the flavors.
- Chopped chives: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color as a garnish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Then, slice off the tops of each mini sweet pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This step ensures every pepper has plenty of room to be filled without bitterness from the membrane.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly flavored. This filling will be the star of the show, so make sure all those ingredients are well incorporated for a creamy, cheesy delight.
Step 3: Stuff the Mini Peppers
Using a spoon or a piping bag, generously fill each pepper with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy here — the more filling, the better the bite! The colors of the peppers paired with the creamy white filling already look enticing and inviting.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the peppers become tender and the cheese filling melts and takes on a slight golden hue. This baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to reach that perfect balance of tender and creamy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the peppers to cool for a moment before sprinkling the chopped chives on top. This final touch adds freshness, a mild bite, and a pretty burst of color that makes these treats feel elevated and special.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh chives are the classic choice here, bringing a delightful contrast in flavor and color to the creamy filling. You can also experiment with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, fresh parsley, or even some crispy bacon bits for an extra flavor kick and texture.
Side Dishes
These peppers pair wonderfully with light salads, grilled chicken, or even a charcuterie board to add a vibrant pop of color and creamy texture. They make a fantastic appetizer alongside a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange them beautifully on a platter with colorful edible flowers or fresh herbs around for an inviting presentation. You could also serve them skewered on cocktail picks for easy grab-and-go bites that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their deliciousness for up to 3 days, making them an excellent make-ahead snack or quick lunch addition.
Freezing
Freezing these stuffed mini peppers is not recommended because the peppers may become mushy and the texture of the cream cheese filling can alter. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, place the peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will warm them through nicely without drying out the creamy filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese watery and the peppers soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds a nice sharpness, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder melt or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just make sure to balance the flavors with your seasonings.
Are mini sweet peppers healthy?
Yes, mini sweet peppers are low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious and colorful choice for snacks or appetizers.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can stuff the mini peppers and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just cover tightly to keep the filling fresh.
What if I don’t have garlic or onion powder?
You can substitute with finely minced fresh garlic or onion, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the filling. Alternatively, some dried herbs like thyme or oregano can add nice flavor notes.
How spicy are these stuffed peppers?
Mini sweet peppers are naturally mild and sweet, so this recipe results in a gentle, creamy, and savory bite without heat. For some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy peppers instead.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is one of those simple yet impressive dishes that always brings smiles. The combination of sweet peppers with a rich, flavorful cream cheese filling is so easy to pull together and feels special every time. Give it a try for your next snack or party platter — I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 12 stuffed mini peppers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers, perfect as an appetizer or snack. These colorful mini sweet peppers are filled with a creamy and flavorful cheese mixture, baked to tender perfection and topped with fresh chives for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 12 mini sweet peppers
Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off each of the mini sweet peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow vessel for the filling.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Stuff Peppers: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each hollowed mini pepper with the prepared cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the stuffed peppers upright on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is melted and slightly golden on top.
- Cool: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly to make handling easier and to let flavors settle.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives over the warm stuffed peppers for added color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the cream cheese stuffed mini peppers warm as a delightful appetizer or snack and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- Mini sweet peppers can be found in various colors like red, orange, and yellow to enhance presentation.
- These stuffed peppers can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- To make them gluten-free, ensure that the seasoning powders are certified gluten-free.
