Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate finger food that’s both vibrant and wildly satisfying, this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe checks every box. Sweet, crisp mini peppers get filled with a lush, savory blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions—creating a melty, bite-sized appetizer that’s impossible to resist. Whether you need a stunning party snack or a cheerful family treat, these little gems deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of accessible ingredients, the Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe proves that bold flavors don’t have to be complicated! Each component adds a unique twist—think creamy, crunchy, salty, and just a hint of freshness. Gather these essentials and you’ll be minutes away from a craveable, colorful dish everyone will love.
- Mini sweet peppers: Naturally sweet and perfectly sized for filling; they add vibrant color and crunch to every bite.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Softened to blend easily, it’s the luscious base that holds everything together and keeps the filling ultra creamy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings sharpness and extra melt; aim for fresh-shredded for the best melt and flavor.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (½ cup): Provides irresistible smokiness and crunch in every mouthful—swap with sun-dried tomatoes for a tasty vegetarian version.
- Green onions (2, finely chopped): These give a gentle onion kick and a pop of color that really freshens up the filling.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds that subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For just a hint of heat and balance—you can always adjust to taste.
How to Make Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you are. Grab your mini sweet peppers and slice each one in half lengthwise. Gently remove the seeds and any white ribs—this not only makes them easier to fill, but also helps them bake evenly and look extra neat on your tray. You’ll love how the colors pop already!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, cooked and crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s thoroughly blended and smooth—the mixture should be creamy and speckled with savory bits. Don’t be afraid to sneak a taste to make sure the flavors are spot on!
Step 3: Fill the Peppers
Using a spoon (or a piping bag for extra precision), generously fill each pepper half with the creamy cheese mixture. Don’t worry about being too neat—these are all about rustic charm. Arrange the filled peppers cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each a bit of space so the cheese can get bubbly and golden all over.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the peppers bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is beautifully melted with golden spots on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen and might just have everyone gathering around before they even come out!
Step 5: Cool Slightly & Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, let the peppers cool for just a few minutes. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle—plus, nobody wants a burnt tongue! Now, plate them up and watch how quickly they disappear. The Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe has instant crowd-pleaser written all over it.
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these mini pepper beauties is part of the fun! Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a burst of green and fresh flavor. For an extra kick, a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce looks striking and brings a layer of warmth that truly wakes up the dish.
Side Dishes
The Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe pairs well with an assortment of sides. Serve them with crisp veggie sticks, a light salad, or even a platter of assorted olives and pickles for a full appetizer spread. For game days or cookouts, they’re fantastic alongside sliders, grilled meats, or tangy coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything when it comes to party bites! Arrange the stuffed peppers in a rainbow circle on a big platter for instant wow-factor, or serve them in individual shot glasses for a playful touch. Skewering a few peppers onto party picks makes for easy grabbing and an Instagram-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days and are just as satisfying chilled or gently reheated for a quick snack or lunch.
Freezing
These stuffed mini peppers can be frozen before or after baking. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag to save space. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time until warmed through and melty.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the peppers back onto a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven brings back the perfect texture and keeps the filling from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon or swap it for chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of toasted nuts for added texture and depth of flavor.
How far ahead can I assemble the peppers before baking?
You can prepare the peppers and the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble and store them covered in the fridge, then just bake right before serving for a fuss-free, hot appetizer.
Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Pepper jack or Monterey Jack brings a bit of spice, and a touch of Parmesan on top adds a lovely salty, toasty flavor.
Are these mini stuffed peppers good for meal prep?
Definitely! The Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is fabulous for meal prepping small bites or snacks. They’re easy to grab from the fridge for a satisfying low-carb, high-flavor bite.
What’s the best way to make these spicier?
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture or mix in finely chopped jalapeños. Topping with a swirl of your favorite hot sauce after baking adds fiery flair as well!
Final Thoughts
Once you whip up this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for gatherings and hungry afternoons alike. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe—these cheesy, colorful bites are truly memorable. Go ahead, give them a try, and get ready to delight all your pepper-loving friends and family!
Print
Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed pepper halves 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers are a delightful appetizer or snack that bursts with flavor. Sweet mini peppers are filled with a creamy mixture of cheeses, bacon, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even just a tasty bite at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound mini sweet peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make them vegetarian by omitting the bacon or replacing it with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- These can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or hot sauce to the filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed halves
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
