Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cream cheese stuffed mini peppers! They’re one of my all-time favorite appetizers, and they couldn’t be easier to whip up. I mean, who doesn’t love a pop of vibrant color and flavor on their plate? When I serve these at gatherings, they’re usually the first to disappear! The creamy filling pairs perfectly with the sweet crunch of the peppers, making them a delightful bite. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, which is always a win in my book. Whether I’m having friends over for game night or just need a quick snack while binge-watching my favorite show, these stuffed peppers are my go-to. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every occasion!
Ingredients List
- 12 mini bell peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important for ensuring those peppers bake evenly and come out perfectly tender. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Prepare the Mini Peppers
Next, grab those colorful mini bell peppers and cut them in half lengthwise. Make sure to remove all the seeds inside; we want the focus to be on that delicious filling! It’s like unwrapping little gifts of flavor!
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s creamy and well-blended. This filling is where the magic happens!
Stuff the Peppers
Now, take a spoon and fill each pepper half generously with that cheesy mixture. Don’t be shy here—load them up! They should look plump and inviting, ready to be baked to perfection.
Bake the Peppers
Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, making sure they’re all facing up. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is nice and warm. The aroma will be simply irresistible!
Serve Warm
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute before serving. These little beauties are best enjoyed warm, so consider garnishing with a sprinkle of extra green onions or a dash of hot sauce if you like a kick. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Easy to make, perfect for beginner cooks.
- Flavorful combination of creamy cheese and crunchy peppers.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for everyone.
- Perfect as an appetizer or snack for any occasion.
- Customizable—add your favorite herbs or spices for extra flair!
Tips for Success
To make these cream cheese stuffed mini peppers turn out perfectly, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, always use room temperature cream cheese. It blends so much easier and gives you that smooth, creamy filling we all love. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding fresh herbs like basil or chives for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños for a smoky or spicy kick! And remember, taste your filling before stuffing to make sure it’s seasoned just right. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these as general guidelines. For a serving size of two cream cheese stuffed mini peppers, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Fiber: 1g
This makes them a delightful, satisfying snack without a ton of guilt! Enjoy these tasty bites while keeping an eye on those nutrition numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and stuff the mini peppers a day in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for parties!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Mixing different cheeses can really elevate the flavor profile of your stuffed peppers!
What can I serve with these stuffed peppers?
These cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a dipping sauce. Try serving them with ranch dressing, tzatziki, or a spicy salsa for an extra flavor boost.
Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight into the oven from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Are these peppers spicy?
The mini bell peppers themselves are sweet and mild, so this recipe is not spicy. However, if you want to add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the cheese filling!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long!), let the stuffed peppers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit mushy! Enjoy those tasty bites again!
For more delicious recipes, check out stuffed mini peppers or creamy chicken pasta!
Print
Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers: 5 irresistible bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed peppers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are a tasty and easy appetizer.
Ingredients
- 12 mini bell peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the mini peppers in half and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pepper half with the cheese mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- These can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Experiment with different herbs for added taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed peppers
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cream cheese stuffed mini peppers, appetizer, easy recipe
