Mini Stuffed Peppers: A Perfect Appetizer
Stuffed mini peppers make for a delightful appetizer all year round, but during the holiday season, these mini versions become even more appealing with their festive green and red colors.
Picture a tray of these adorable peppers at your next party, and you’ve got yourself an appetizer that not only tastes amazing but also adds a touch of holiday charm to your table.
These stuffed mini peppers are a unique twist on the classic jalapeno poppers, combining the spiciness of green jalapenos with the sweetness of red mini-sweet peppers.
The creamy cheese filling, including cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and goat cheese, brings a burst of flavor to each bite. Topped with crispy bacon, these little morsels will vanish faster than Santa can say “Ho, ho, ho”!
Mini Stuffed Peppers Ingredients:
Peppers:
- 6 Small-Medium Jalapeno Peppers
- 6 Mini Sweet Red Mini Peppers
Cheese Filling:
- 1/2 Brick Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 Roll Herb Flavored Goat Cheese, softened (Alternatively, plain goat cheese can be used)
- 1 Cup Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Finely Chopped Chives
- 1/4 Teaspoon Lawry’s Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
Topping:
- 3 Slices Bacon, finely chopped
Equipment:
- 1 Baking Sheet, lined with parchment paper
Optional:
- Gloves (for handling jalapenos, to avoid irritation from the oils)
Note: The number of peppers and the amount of filling can be adjusted according to your preferences and the number of servings needed. Feel free to experiment with the cheese types and spice level to suit your taste.
Getting Started: Preparing the Peppers
Before you start, it’s crucial to find 12 mini peppers of the same size, ideally with their stems attached.
The stems not only add a decorative touch but also make them easier to handle while stuffing and eating.
The first step is to slice each pepper lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds.
When doing the jalapenos you may want to wear gloves. The oils from the peppers can burn your fingertips. Make sure you clean out all the seeds because that’s where the real heat is. You don’t want them to be too spicy.
Cheesy Goodness: Preparing the Filling
These stuffed mini peppers are all about the delicious cheese filling!
In a bowl, combine half a brick of softened cream cheese, a roll of herb-flavored goat cheese (plain goat cheese works just as well), and a cup of finely shredded cheddar cheese.
The combination of creaminess from the cream cheese, tanginess from the goat cheese, and richness from the cheddar creates a tantalizing blend of flavors.
To elevate the taste, add a tablespoon of finely chopped chives, lending a mild oniony kick to the mix.
Season the filling with a quarter teaspoon each of Lawry’s salt and garlic powder, enhancing the overall savory experience.
Stuff and Assemble: Bringing It All Together
With the cheese mixture ready, it’s time to fill those lovely peppers!
Using a knife, carefully stuff each pepper with the cheese blend.
Remember not to overstuff them, as the filling might ooze out during baking, affecting their appearance.
Once each pepper is filled, use the back of the knife to flatten the filling gently, ensuring an even distribution.
The mini peppers are now ready for their final touch – a generous topping of finely chopped bacon.
The bacon adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that complements the creamy cheese beautifully.
Baking Time: Bringing Out the Festive Colors
Place the stuffed mini peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake the peppers for 20-25 minutes or until they turn slightly brown.
This baking time allows the flavors to meld together, while the peppers maintain their vibrant colors, making them visually appealing.
Prepare Ahead: The Perfect Party Host
To make your holiday entertaining stress-free, you can make these stuffed mini peppers the night before your party.
Simply cover them and refrigerate overnight.
Before baking, bring them to room temperature.
This way, you can effortlessly serve these restaurant-worthy appetizers without the guests suspecting you whipped them up in no time.
Conclusion
With this recipe in your holiday arsenal, you can confidently prepare a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious appetizer for any festive occasion.
The combination of green jalapenos and red mini-sweet peppers not only brings holiday cheer to your table but also offers a balance of sweet and spicy flavors that cater to everyone’s taste buds.
The creamy and tangy cheese filling and the smoky bacon topping elevate these stuffed mini peppers to a new level of gourmet goodness.
Whether it’s a Christmas gathering, a Super Bowl party, or any celebration, these festive stuffed mini peppers will surely become a cherished favorite among your family and friends.Â
So, kick back, relax, watch a heartwarming Christmas movie, and let these appetizers work their magic in spreading holiday joy!
Some More Christmas Appetizers You’ll Enjoy!
Naughty & Nice Stuffed Mini Peppers
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet Lined in parchment
Ingredients
- 6 Small-Medium Jalapeno Peppers
- 6 Mini Sweet Red Mini Peppers
- 1/2 Brick Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 Roll Herb Flavored Goat Cheese Softened – Can use plain
- 1 Cup Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 TB Finely Chopped Chives
- 1/4 Tsp Lawry's Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 3 Slices Bacon Finely Chopped
Instructions
- Slice both type of Peppers the long way and remove seeds – keep stem intact on one side of pepper if applicable – Be careful cleaning the jalapenos as they can be hot you may want to wear gloves if you have them
- Mix all three cheeses and add seasoning
- Finely chop chives and add them to cheese mixture
- Stuff each pepper with the filling – do not overstuff as it will just melt out of the pepper when baked
- Evenly divide the finely chopped bacon on top of each pepper
- Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes
