Zesty Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe: A Colorful Party Favorite

Colorful stuffed mini peppers burst with vibrant flavor and unexpected excitement for your next appetizer adventure.

Small peppers become delightful bite-sized treasures packed with creamy cheese and zesty seasonings.

Each pepper promises a perfect pop of taste that surprises and delights.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a simple yet elegant dish anyone can master.

Crisp vegetables and smooth fillings complement each other in delectable harmony.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these appetizers in minutes, impressing guests without hours of kitchen work.

Dive into this recipe and watch these petite peppers become the star of your next gathering.

Mini Peppers Stuffed with Flavor and Love

• Conquer Quick Appetizers: Impress guests with minimal cooking skills by creating restaurant-worthy stuffed peppers that look professionally prepared.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Bomb: Kids and adults will devour these bite-sized treats packed with cheesy meat filling, making them perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
• Speed-Load Your Meal Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps transform ordinary mini peppers into a delicious dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground meat with vegetarian alternatives, experiment with different cheese types, or add spicy seasonings to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients to Fill Mini Peppers Just Right

• Mini Sweet Peppers: Small colorful peppers that serve as the perfect bite-sized vessel for the savory filling.
• Ground Meat: Provides a rich and hearty protein base for the stuffed peppers.
• Cheese: Adds creamy texture and melts beautifully to bind the filling together.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the meat mixture with warm, aromatic spices.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the baked stuffed peppers.

How to Prepare Stuffed Mini Peppers with Care

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking tray ready for action.

Step 2: Prepare Peppers

Slice those cute mini sweet peppers right down the middle, pop out the seeds, and arrange them facing up on the tray.

Step 3: Cook The Meat

Toss ground meat into a sizzling skillet over medium heat. Brown the meat completely, then drain away any extra fat.

Sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Pull the skillet off the heat and mix in cheese until it melts into the meat, creating a creamy, dreamy filling.

Step 5: Stuff Those Peppers

Load each pepper half generously with the meat and cheese mixture. Make sure every pepper gets a delicious heap of filling.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Look for charred pepper edges and a bubbly, tempting filling.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Shower the peppers with freshly chopped herbs just before serving to add a bright, fresh finish.

Insider Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mini Peppers

• Choose mini peppers with even sizes for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Pat peppers dry after washing to help prevent soggy bottoms during baking.
• Replace ground meat with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier alternatives.
• Add extra flavor by mixing different cheese types like cheddar and mozzarella for complex taste profiles.
• Prepare mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance ingredient melding and save cooking time.

Tasty Variations for Stuffed Mini Peppers to Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground meat with crumbled tofu or black beans, using nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and adding diced mushrooms for extra texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or almond-based spread, using ground turkey or chicken for lean protein.
• Spicy Mediterranean Style: Mix ground lamb with feta cheese, sprinkle za'atar seasoning, and add chopped fresh mint for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Keto-Friendly Approach: Use ground beef with cream cheese and cheddar, adding crispy bacon bits for extra richness and maintaining low-carb requirements.

Pairings That Complement Stuffed Mini Peppers Well

• Choose a bold, spicy red like Syrah or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty stuffed peppers and cut through the cheesy filling.
• Create a light, crisp side dish with sliced cucumbers, dill, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the warmth and heaviness of the stuffed peppers.
• Select a chilled white wine with herbaceous notes to refresh the palate and enhance the garlic and onion powder flavors in the dish.
• Prepare a light grain side with fresh parsley, basil, and a squeeze of lemon to provide a bright, nutritious accompaniment that contrasts the richness of the peppers.

Storing Stuffed Mini Peppers to Keep Them Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store stuffed mini peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Place peppers in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Wrap individually in plastic wrap first to prevent freezer burn. Will last 2-3 months.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm individual peppers for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place peppers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 2-3 minutes to crisp edges.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for these stuffed mini peppers?

You’ll need mini sweet peppers, ground meat (beef or turkey), shredded cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Optional fresh herbs like parsley or chives work great for garnishing.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground meat with black beans, quinoa, or plant-based crumbles. Use a cheese that melts well like mozzarella or pepper jack for best results.

• How spicy are these mini peppers?

Mini sweet peppers are typically mild and slightly sweet, not hot. They provide a gentle, delicious flavor that’s kid-friendly and perfect for most taste preferences.

Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mini bell pepper boats filled with creamy herbed goat cheese become irresistible party appetizers. Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients create a simple, elegant starter you’ll adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 8 oz cream cheese or cheddar cheese
• 1 lb mini sweet peppers
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsps fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Carefully split mini sweet peppers lengthwise, removing all seeds and membranes to create uniform pepper boats.
3. Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles until no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from meat and season with garlic and onion powders, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Reduce skillet heat and mix in shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and bind with the seasoned meat.
6. Spoon meat and cheese mixture into each pepper half, ensuring a generous and even filling.
7. Arrange stuffed peppers on prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
8. Roast in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until pepper edges turn slightly crisp and filling becomes golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow filling to set.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for added color and herbal freshness before serving.

Notes

• Choose mini sweet peppers with uniform size for consistent cooking and even stuffing.
• Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or chicken for leaner protein options.
• Pat peppers dry after slicing to prevent excess moisture during baking and ensure crispy edges.
• Allow filling to cool slightly before stuffing to prevent peppers from becoming soggy and maintain their structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg