Cream Cheese Mini Peppers Appetizer

• Mini bell peppers: Choose vibrant red yellow and orange for a pretty presentation Look for firm shiny peppers that feel heavy for their size
• Cream cheese: Full fat gives the silkiest texture but you can use light if you want to cut calories Let it soften at room temp for easy mixing
• Cheddar cheese: Optional but adds a little sharpness A good aged cheddar will offer bolder flavor and shred it yourself for best melt and taste
• Sour cream: This loosens the filling and brings tanginess Choose full fat for richness
• Garlic powder: Lends savory depth Use a fresh bottle for the best flavor
• Fresh parsley or chives: Brings a garden fresh note and looks beautiful Chives work in a pinch if you prefer their gentle oniony flavor
• Lemon juice: Optional Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the cheese Fresh is best if you have it
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste Start light and add more after tasting the finished mix
• Olive oil: Optional for drizzling Adds shine and a little fruity flavor Use extra virgin for the best quality

Step-by-Step Instructions

Wash and Prepare the Mini Peppers:

Rinse mini peppers well under cold running water Slice each one in half from top to bottom Scoop out and discard all seeds and white membranes to keep the peppers sweet and easy to fill

Season and Drizzle Peppers:

If you like a boost of flavor drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the cut sides of the peppers Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the natural sweetness of the peppers

Mix the Creamy Filling:

Place softened cream cheese in a medium bowl Add in cheddar cheese if using sour cream garlic powder chopped parsley or chives lemon juice if using and a small pinch each of salt and pepper Mix vigorously with a spatula or hand mixer until very smooth and slightly fluffy

Adjust the Filling:

Taste your cream cheese mixture and tweak the seasoning as desired Add a little more salt lemon or herbs if you feel it needs a lift

Fill Each Pepper Half:

Use a small spoon or a piping bag to dollop the cream cheese mixture into each pepper half Fill them generously but neatly for the prettiest presentation

Chill and Serve:

For best flavor cover and chill the filled peppers for at least five minutes if you have time This helps the flavors meld beautifully Arrange on a platter Garnish with extra herbs or a shake of paprika if you want a splash of color

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My favorite twist is to add a little bit of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese for an extra zing One holiday my niece helped stuff the peppers and made her own batch with extra chives I still remember everyone laughing and picking out their favorite color of pepper from the tray

Storage Tips

Store leftover stuffed mini peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator They keep their texture and flavor for up to three days If you want to make them ahead mix the filling a day before and fill the peppers just before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in goat cheese or feta for part of the cream cheese if you want a tangy twist Vegan cream cheese and a plant based shredded cheese makes these totally dairy free Add finely chopped nuts or roasted garlic for layered flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve these as part of a colorful crudité platter alongside crisp veggies and hummus They are also great tucked into lunchboxes or as a party side with grilled foods Offer extra filling on the side as a dip with crackers

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Cultural and Historical Notes

Stuffed vegetables have a rich history in cuisines worldwide Cream cheese stuffed peppers are a popular American appetizer today and you can riff on classic flavors from Mediterranean or Tex Mex roots depending on your filling customizations

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular bell peppers instead of mini peppers?

Yes, you can substitute with regular bell peppers. Just slice them into smaller pieces for easy serving and adjust filling amounts as needed for size.

→ How can I make the filling more flavorful?

Add minced garlic, fresh herbs, or cooked bacon to enhance the flavor. Try smoked paprika, chives, or even chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.

→ Can I prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until serving. For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature briefly before serving.

→ Are these suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Absolutely—mini peppers are naturally low in carbs, and the cream cheese filling makes these a protein-rich, low-carb option.

→ Can I make these completely dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap out dairy cream cheese and cheese for plant-based alternatives to create a dairy-free version.