Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Introduction

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a delicious, colorful appetizer that combines the sweetness of mini peppers with the rich, creamy filling of cream cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, offering a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a party appetizer, or a flavorful addition to your meal, these stuffed mini peppers will certainly be a crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and look impressive on any appetizer platter.

I remember the first time I made these for a casual family get-together. The vibrant colors of the peppers instantly brightened up the table, and everyone was drawn to their creamy filling. The combination of the peppers’ natural sweetness with the smooth, savory cream cheese filling was a hit, and they disappeared in no time. What’s great about these stuffed mini peppers is how versatile they are—you can add different seasonings to the cream cheese filling, like garlic, herbs, or even a touch of chili for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add extras like bacon or chives to customize the flavor.

These stuffed mini peppers are surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few ingredients, you can have a platter of these beautiful appetizers ready in no time. Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply enjoying them as a snack, these cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are sure to impress and satisfy!

Perfect for:

Party appetizers
Game day snacks
Light snacks or lunch
Holiday gatherings
Healthy snacks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers will become your go-to appetizer:

Sweet and Savory: The mini peppers add a natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the richness of the cream cheese filling.
Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients, these stuffed peppers come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days.
Customizable Filling: You can adjust the filling to your taste by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients like garlic or bacon.
Light and Healthy: A great low-carb option that’s full of nutrients from the peppers and protein from the cream cheese.
Impressive Presentation: Their vibrant colors and bite-sized shape make them an attractive addition to any platter.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 5 minutes (optional)
Servings: 12-15 stuffed peppers
Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers:

For the Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or chives)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Peppers:

12-15 mini bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
Olive oil for drizzling (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Mini Bell Peppers: These small, sweet peppers are perfect for stuffing and have a mild flavor that complements the rich filling.
Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy base for the filling, offering both smoothness and tang.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bit of sharpness and flavor to the filling.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or chives bring a fresh, vibrant note to the cream cheese mixture.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth to the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers:

Prepare the Mini Peppers:

Wash and Cut the Peppers: Rinse the mini peppers and cut them in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes.
Drizzle with Olive Oil (optional): If desired, lightly drizzle the peppers with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

Prepare the Filling:

Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar (if using), sour cream, garlic powder, parsley (or chives), lemon juice (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Stuff the Peppers:

Fill the Peppers: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each mini pepper half, filling them generously. You can use a small spoon or a piping bag for a neater presentation.

Serve:

Chill (optional): For best results, refrigerate the stuffed peppers for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a serving platter, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and garnish with more fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color.

How to Serve

With a Side of Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy dip for added flavor.
On a Charcuterie Board: Add to a platter with other snacks like crackers, meats, and cheeses for a fun appetizer spread.
With a Salad: These stuffed mini peppers also make a great topping for a fresh salad, adding a burst of flavor and color.
As a Snack: Perfect for a light and healthy snack that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
For Entertaining: Serve at parties or gatherings as a colorful, bite-sized appetizer.

Additional Tips

Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of this recipe.
Add cooked bacon crumbles or diced olives to the filling for a savory twist.
Use different herbs or spices like smoked paprika or cumin for unique flavor profiles.
You can roast the peppers slightly for a smoky flavor, or serve them fresh for a crisp bite.
To make ahead, prepare the filling and refrigerate the peppers until ready to stuff and serve.

Recipe Variations

Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Mini Peppers
Spicy Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Italian Herb Stuffed Mini Peppers
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Pesto Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mediterranean Style Stuffed Peppers (with feta and olives)
Sweet and Sour Stuffed Peppers (with a touch of honey)
Avocado and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Chicken Caesar Stuffed Mini Peppers
Vegan Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed mini peppers for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a zip-lock bag. Thaw before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

Electric mixer (optional, for easier filling)
Piping bag (optional, for neat stuffing)
Small spoon for stuffing

FAQ Section

Can I use regular bell peppers instead of mini peppers? Yes, but mini peppers are the perfect size for stuffing and provide a sweeter flavor.
Can I make these spicy? Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling for a kick of heat.
Can I use store-bought cream cheese? Yes, just make sure it’s softened to make mixing easier.
Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, you can make them ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Can I make them vegan? Yes, substitute cream cheese with a vegan version and use dairy-free cheese.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a vibrant and delicious snack that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. These little bites are packed with a creamy, flavorful filling, perfectly complementing the sweet crunch of the mini peppers. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a healthy snack, or part of a festive meal, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Quick to prepare and easy to customize, these stuffed peppers are as versatile as they are tasty. You can adjust the filling with your favorite herbs or spices to make them uniquely yours. Plus, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!

I’d love to see how your Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your colorful creations. Enjoy and happy cooking!