Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for the perfect appetizer, you’ve got to try these cream cheese stuffed mini peppers! They’re not just easy to make, but they’re also packed with flavor and color, making them a total showstopper at any gathering. Trust me, the creamy richness of the cheese paired with the sweet crunch of the mini peppers is a match made in heaven. Plus, they’re so versatile! You can serve them warm straight from the oven or let them cool and enjoy them at room temperature. Whether it’s for a party or just a cozy movie night at home, these little bites are sure to impress. So, let’s dive into making these delightful treats!
Ingredients
- 12 mini bell peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 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 because it ensures that your peppers cook evenly and get that lovely golden touch on the cheese. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Prepare the Mini Peppers
Now, grab those adorable mini bell peppers! Cut each one in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds. I like to use a small spoon for this part; it makes the job quicker and easier. Plus, you want to make sure there’s enough room for that delicious cream cheese filling!
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I usually start with a fork to mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. You want it to be well combined, so every bite is packed with flavor!
Stuff the Peppers
Now comes the fun part—stuffing those peppers! Take a spoon and fill each mini pepper half generously with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy here; you want them to be overflowing with that cheesy goodness. Just imagine that first bite!
Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Place your stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the peppers are tender and the cheese is slightly golden. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re out of the oven, let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature—perfect for parties or as a snack while binge-watching your favorite show. Just be ready to share, because everyone’s going to want a taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish!
- Deliciously creamy and flavorful with the perfect balance of cheese and fresh veggies.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for all your guests.
- Versatile enough to serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for any occasion.
- Great for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night in—everyone loves them!
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices or herbs for a unique twist.
- Healthy snacking option packed with vitamins from the mini peppers!
Tips for Success
Want to make your cream cheese stuffed mini peppers even more amazing? I’ve got you covered with some pro tips that I swear by!
- Experiment with Cheese: If you want to mix things up, feel free to swap out the cheddar for different cheeses. Creamy goat cheese or tangy feta can add a whole new flavor dimension!
- Add Some Heat: For those who love a kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture. It’s a game changer!
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs can elevate your peppers in a big way! Try adding some chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or even basil to the cheese mix for a burst of freshness.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance! Just stuff them, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Bake them right before serving!
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pile on the cream cheese filling, be careful not to overstuff. Give them just enough filling to stay intact while baking!
- Try Different Peppers: While mini bell peppers are adorable, you can also use other types like banana peppers or even hollowed-out jalapeños for a spicier version!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top right before serving makes them look extra fancy!
With these tips, your stuffed mini peppers will be a total hit! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these cream cheese stuffed mini peppers! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use. But here’s a breakdown to give you a general idea:
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed peppers
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
These little delights are not only tasty but also pack a good amount of vitamins from the mini peppers! Enjoy them guilt-free at your next gathering!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these irresistible cream cheese stuffed mini peppers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I hear:
Can I make these stuffed mini peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the fridge. Just cover them with plastic wrap on the baking sheet and bake them right before your guests arrive. This way, you can enjoy the party without stressing about last-minute cooking!
Can I use different types of peppers?
For sure! While mini bell peppers are fantastic, you can also use jalapeños for a spicy twist or even banana peppers for a slightly tangy flavor. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you’re using larger peppers!
What if I don’t have green onions?
No problem at all! If you’re out of green onions, you can substitute them with finely chopped red onions or even chives. They’ll still add that lovely onion flavor without missing a beat.
Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
Yes! Just make sure to freeze them before baking. Place the stuffed peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Keep an eye on them! They’re ready when the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. You’ll know when that delicious aroma fills your kitchen! Just resist the urge to dive in right away—let them cool for a few minutes first!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No problem! These cream cheese stuffed mini peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. I love using glass containers, but any sealed container will do the trick!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is super simple. You can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, just until they’re heated through. This way, they’ll regain that deliciously melty cheese texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just heat them for about 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or the peppers can get a little soggy. I recommend checking them halfway through!
Whether you’re reheating for a snack or serving them again at a gathering, these stuffed peppers are still going to be a hit. Enjoy every last bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out this tomato soup recipe or this chicken and broccoli salad!
Z nadrukami
Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers: 7 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 stuffed peppers 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are a delicious and easy appetizer. They are perfect for parties or as a snack.
Składniki
- 12 mini bell peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each mini pepper half with the cream cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is slightly golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add spices or herbs to the cheese mixture.
- These can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Appetizer
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 2 stuffed peppers
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 10g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: cream cheese stuffed mini peppers, appetizer, party food, vegetarian recipe
