Cream Cheese Stuffed Sweet Peppers are a delicious and easy appetizer or side dish that’s both sweet and savory. The creamy, tangy cream cheese filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy, sweet mini bell peppers, making them a perfect bite-sized treat for parties, game days, or family gatherings!
Here’s a simple recipe for Cream Cheese Stuffed Sweet Peppers:
Cream Cheese Stuffed Sweet Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12-15 mini sweet bell peppers (or any small colorful peppers)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (or green onions)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a little smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crumbled bacon (optional, for topping)
- Parsley or additional chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Peppers:
- Wash and slice the peppers: Cut the mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. If you’re using larger bell peppers, you can cut them into rings or strips.
- Place the peppers on a cutting board or tray, cut side up.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or a spoon.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the filling is creamy and smooth.
- Stir in the chopped chives (or green onions) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stuff the Peppers:
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each sweet pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling!
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top of each stuffed pepper for added flavor and crunch.
- Garnish with some extra chopped chives or parsley for color.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips:
- Variation: You can add jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or parsley to change the flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed peppers a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. This also allows the flavors to deepen.
- For extra crunch: You can top the peppers with a bit of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for added texture.
These Cream Cheese Stuffed Sweet Peppers are super customizable and always a hit at any gathering. The sweetness of the peppers pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy filling, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Enjoy!