Are you searching for a simple yet elegant appetizer for your next gathering? Mini Peppers Stuffed with Cream Cheese are the perfect choice. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare and delivers a burst of fresh flavors that will impress your guests.
I've been making this recipe for years, ever since I discovered it in an old cookbook. It's one of those versatile dishes that I turn to when I need something quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Sometimes, I stuff the cheese mixture into mini peppers, as I did this time, but other times, I serve it as a dip with fresh vegetables or slices of French baguette.
Mini peppers are a staple in my kitchen—they're thin-skinned, with small seedpods, and they add a sweet, crisp bite to any dish. Whether I'm tossing them into scrambled eggs, soups, or salads, I always have a bag in the refrigerator ready to go. If you can't find mini peppers, don't worry—bell peppers work just as well, and you can simply slice them into smaller pieces. This recipe is all about flexibility and flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.
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💝 Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for Mini Peppers Stuffed with Cheese is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
Versatile Flavors: The combination of creamy cheese, fresh dill, and a hint of caraway seeds offers a unique, yet universally loved flavor profile. You can also customize the filling to suit your taste preferences.
Simplicity: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious and visually appealing appetizer that looks more complex than it is.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The filling can be prepared in advance, allowing you to assemble the peppers right before serving, saving you time on the day of your event.
📝 Ingredients and Possible Substitutions
- Mini Sweet Peppers: These small, colorful peppers are perfect for stuffing and add a sweet crunch to the dish. If mini peppers aren't available, you can substitute with larger bell peppers cut into smaller pieces.
- Cream Cheese: Farmer cheese, ricotta, or cottage cheese can be used as substitutes.
- Sour Cream or Mayonnaise: These add creaminess to the cheese mixture. Sour cream gives a tangy flavor, while mayonnaise adds richness. You can choose based on your preference or even use a combination of both.
- Green Onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor to the filling. If preferred, you can substitute with chives or finely chopped shallots.
- Fresh Dill: Provides a fresh, herby flavor. Dried dill also works, though you'll need less of it since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Caraway Seeds: Adds a distinctive, slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with the cheese. If you’re not a fan of caraway, you can omit it or replace it with a pinch of fennel seeds or cumin for a different flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Optional Ingredients:
- Sweet Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and color to the cheese mixture, making it slightly pink.
- Garnishes: If you choose to serve the cheese as a dip, consider decorating it with olives, radishes, or additional chopped peppers for added visual appeal.
🥣 How To Make Stuffed Mini Peppers
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Use a fork to soften the cheese in a small bowl. Add the sour cream or mayonnaise, depending on your preference, and mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the Flavorings: Stir in the chopped green onion, fresh or dried dill, caraway seeds, and salt. If you like, add sweet paprika for a touch of color. Mix everything thoroughly, then taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Stuff the Peppers: Halve the mini sweet peppers lengthwise and remove any seeds. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pepper half, making sure to fill them generously.
Garnish and Serve: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter. For an extra touch, sprinkle them with additional chopped dill or green onions. If you've prepared the filling in advance, allow it to come to room temperature before assembling and serving.
💡 Expert Tips
- Room-Temperature Cheese: To mix the cream cheese more easily, let it come to room temperature before you start preparing the filling.
- Uniform Slicing: When cutting the mini peppers, aim for even halves to ensure a uniform appearance and easy handling for your guests.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even a bit of grated garlic for an extra kick.
What to Serve with Mini Peppers Stuffed with Cream Cheese
These stuffed mini peppers are versatile and pair well with a variety of other appetizers:
- Crackers or Crostini: Serve alongside a selection of crackers or toasted bread for a more substantial appetizer spread.
- Fresh Vegetables: Add some variety to your appetizer platter with other fresh vegetables, such as cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks.
- Charcuterie Board: These peppers make a great addition to a charcuterie board.
Storage Instructions
The cheese mixture can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before stuffing the peppers.
Leftovers: Store any assembled stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
More Appetizer Recipes
- Vegetarian Mini Quiche Recipe
- Farmer Cheese Sweet Pastries
- 28 Best Dip Appetizer Recipes To Make All Year Round
- Pineapple Pecans Cheese Ball Appetizer
📖 Recipe
Mini Peppers Stuffed With Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 10 mini sweet peppers halved lengthwise
- 8 ounces cream cheese or ricotta, farmer cheese, or cottage
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise
- 1 medium green onion or more according to your taste chopped small
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh chopped dill or ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to your taste
- ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika that will make the cheese a little bit pink
Instructions
- In a small bowl, softened the cheese with a fork. Add the sour cream or the mayo.
- Add the chopped green onion, dill, caraway seeds and salt. Optional add sweet paprika.
- Mix everything well and correct the salt if necessary.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into pepper halves. Place them on a platter and sprinkle over them chopped dill or green onions chopped small.
- The cheese mixture will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving. The mixture can be made ahead of time.
Notes
- If you're short on time, you can serve the cheese mixture as a dip with the mini peppers arranged around it instead of stuffing each one, or slices of fresh French baguette.
- This recipe can easily be adapted for dietary restrictions by using a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Kavya says
I made this and it was awesome.. although i felt just slitghtly tosting the peppers on a pan was more delicious for me. The stuffing is amazing thanks for the recipe