If you’ve been searching for a truly delightful yet approachable appetizer to please your friends or family, this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. These colorful bites bring together the mild sweetness of mini peppers with a rich and creamy cheese filling, accented by smoky bacon and fresh green onions. The final result is a flavorful, eye-catching dish that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy snack, these peppers hit all the right notes between taste, texture, and visual charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe, you only need a handful of basic yet flavorful ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy cheeses to the crunch of bacon and fresh pop from green onions, every component adds a unique touch to the dish.
- 20 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeds removed: Their natural sweetness and vibrant colors make this dish so inviting and tasty.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a silky base for the filling, balancing the savory with gentle richness.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy flavor and a slight melty texture when baked.
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon: Brings smoky saltiness and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Offers a fresh, slightly pungent brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers subtle depth and warmth to the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors harmoniously.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a splash of color and a hint of herbal freshness when serving.
How to Make Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by halving the mini sweet peppers lengthwise and carefully removing the seeds. This step is key to creating little boats that will hold the delicious filling. The peppers’ natural crispness and sweetness form the perfect foundation for the rich mixture you’re about to make.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy, with all the flavors mingling beautifully. This mixture is the heart of your Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe—bursting with smoky, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each halved pepper evenly with the cheese mixture. Don’t worry about making them perfect—the rustic, inviting look adds to the charm! Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to keep things tidy and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The peppers should become tender but still hold their shape, while the filling turns warm and slightly golden on top. This baking step intensifies the flavors and melts everything together for that irresistible bite.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the stuffed mini peppers cool for a few minutes. This brief rest helps the filling to set just right. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if you want a fresh herbal touch and a pop of green color to make these appetizers even more inviting.
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a light dusting of smoked paprika provide an extra layer of color and flavor that amplifies the dish’s appeal. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red chili flakes can also add a sophisticated twist and surprising bite.
Side Dishes
These stuffed mini peppers work beautifully alongside crisp green salads, light vegetable soups, or even a charcuterie board with assorted meats and cheeses. Their rich filling pairs nicely with something fresh or tangy to balance out each mouthful.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the peppers on a decorative platter lined with leafy greens or edible flowers for a stunning presentation. You can also serve them skewered on cocktail picks or nestle them inside lettuce cups for easy grab-and-go finger food that looks as fancy as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover stuffed mini peppers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect quick snack or appetizer to enjoy later without any fuss.
Freezing
While the fresh peppers taste best, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed peppers for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to freezer bags. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help preserve their texture and bring back that melty, delicious filling you love.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an equally flavorful filling that keeps it vegetarian without losing the tasty punch.
What cheese works best for the filling?
The combination of soft cream cheese with sharp cheddar is ideal for texture and flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different twists.
How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?
Choose firm, fresh mini peppers and bake just until tender to avoid mushiness. Also, removing the seeds helps keep the filling stable and the peppers crisp.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the peppers and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or busy entertaining days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it great for those following a gluten-free or low-carb lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels special but goes together effortlessly. Every bite delivers a wonderful combination of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors that you’ll love sharing. So next time you want a simple appetizer that’s bursting with personality, give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite to make again and again!
Print
Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed pepper halves (serves 6–8 as an appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free,Low Carb
Description
This Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers recipe is a flavorful, cheesy appetizer featuring sweet mini peppers filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. Perfect for gatherings, these baked stuffed peppers are quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 20 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeds removed
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each halved and seeded mini pepper, ensuring each pepper is evenly filled with the cheesy mixture.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the stuffed mini peppers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is warm and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and substitute with chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
- These stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of serving.
