Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers 🫑🧀🌿 Creamy, Crisp, and Crowd-Pleasing With Bold Cheese and Fresh Crunch

These bites are as colorful as they are craveable. Sweet mini bell peppers are halved and filled with a rich, savory cheese mixture, then chilled or baked depending on your vibe. They’re fast to make, easy to riff on, and perfect for any spread.

Ingredients (Makes ~20 halves)

For the peppers

• 10 mini bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• Olive oil (if baking)

For the cheese filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional for tang)
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped green onion, parsley, or chives
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika

To finish

• Extra herbs for garnish
• Drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze (optional)
• Crushed nuts or crispy breadcrumbs for crunch (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the peppers

• Slice mini bell peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
• Set aside raw for a fresh crunch or drizzle lightly with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes if you want them softer.

Step 2: Mix the filling

• In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, feta (if using), sour cream, garlic, herbs, and seasonings.
• Mix until creamy and scoopable. Taste and adjust salt, spice, or tang.

Step 3: Fill the peppers

• Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each pepper half.
• Arrange on a platter if serving cold, or return to the oven for 5–7 minutes if serving warm and melty.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

• Top with fresh herbs, a drizzle of glaze, or crispy toppings if desired.
• Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 day in advance.

Flavor Variations

• Add cooked bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped olives
• Use whipped ricotta or herbed goat cheese instead of cream cheese
• Mix in pesto or roasted garlic for deeper flavor
• Try jalapeños instead of mini peppers for a spicy version
• Turn it Tex-Mex with taco seasoning and pepper jack

Pro Tips

• Let cheeses come to room temp for smooth blending
• Don’t overfill — a rounded spoonful per half is perfect
• Chill if prepping ahead, then bring to room temp before serving
• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped for cleaner filling

Final Thoughts

Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers are easy, elegant, and endlessly versatile. Whether you serve them fresh and cool or warm and melty, they’re always the first thing to vanish from the plate.

Fill it. Chill it. Watch them disappear. 🫑🧀🌿

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