Mini Bell Peppers with Creamy Filling

My family and I are always on the lookout for snacks and appetizers that are both healthy and exciting. We’re a busy bunch, so quick and easy recipes are a definite win in our household. Recently, I stumbled upon the idea of using mini bell peppers as edible vessels for a creamy filling, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The vibrant colors of the peppers, coupled with the smooth, flavorful filling, created a snack that was not only visually appealing but utterly delicious. Even my picky eaters devoured these little bites, and they’ve become a regular request for after-school snacks, weekend gatherings, and even potlucks. The best part? They are incredibly versatile – you can adjust the filling to suit your taste and dietary needs, making them perfect for almost everyone. If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both impressive and effortlessly simple, look no further. These Mini Bell Peppers with Creamy Filling are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

• Mini Bell Peppers: (About 24-30, assorted colors) – The stars of the show! Choose a mix of red, yellow, orange, and even purple for a beautiful and colorful presentation. Their sweetness is perfectly balanced by the savory filling.
• Cream Cheese: (8 ounces, softened) – The base for our creamy, dreamy filling. Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat for a lighter option. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Sour Cream: (1/4 cup) – Adds a touch of tang and thins out the cream cheese to create a perfectly spreadable consistency. Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for a slightly healthier alternative.
• Mayonnaise: (2 tablespoons) – Contributes to the creaminess and adds a subtle richness. Use your favorite brand – full-fat or light mayonnaise will both work.
• Fresh Dill: (2 tablespoons, finely chopped) – Provides a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers and the richness of the cream cheese. Fresh dill is highly recommended for the best flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon).
• Fresh Chives: (2 tablespoons, finely chopped) – Adds a mild oniony and fresh flavor that enhances the overall taste profile. Like dill, fresh chives are preferred, but dried chives can be substituted (use about 1 teaspoon).
• Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) – Provides a subtle savory depth and enhances the other flavors in the filling.
• Onion Powder: (1/2 teaspoon) – Complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of savory flavor.
• Salt: (To taste) – Enhances all the flavors in the filling. Start with a pinch and adjust to your preference.
• Black Pepper: (Freshly ground, to taste) – Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for the best flavor.
• Optional Add-ins: (Shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeno, everything bagel seasoning) – These are just suggestions to customize your filling and add extra layers of flavor and texture. Feel free to get creative!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers: Begin by washing the mini bell peppers thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each pepper lengthwise, from stem to tip. Remove the seeds and membranes from each half. You can use a small spoon or your fingers to gently scoop them out. Ensure you remove all seeds and membranes for the best eating experience.
2. Make the Creamy Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat these ingredients together until they are smooth, creamy, and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
3. Add the Flavor Boosters: Add the chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh chives, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper and adjust as needed after tasting.
4. Mix Thoroughly: Mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or garlic powder depending on your preference. This is also the time to incorporate any optional add-ins like shredded cheese or bacon bits if desired.
5. Fill the Peppers: Take a spoonful of the creamy filling and carefully spoon it into each mini bell pepper half. Fill them generously, mounding the filling slightly on top. You can use a small spoon, a piping bag for a neater look, or even just your fingers to fill the peppers.
6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor and texture, cover the filled mini bell peppers with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and even more delicious. However, they can be served immediately if you are short on time.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the filled mini bell peppers on a serving platter and garnish with extra fresh dill or chives if desired. Serve them chilled or at room temperature and watch them disappear!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving of approximately 2 filled pepper halves)

• Servings: Approximately 12-15 servings (depending on pepper size and filling amount)
• Calories: Approximately 80-100 kcal
• Fat: 7-9g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and amounts of ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes – This includes washing, slicing, and seeding the peppers, as well as making the creamy filling. The process is quick and straightforward, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended) – While chilling is not strictly necessary, it enhances the flavor and texture, making the peppers even more enjoyable.
• Total Time: 20-50 minutes – From start to finish, including optional chilling time, you can have these delightful appetizers ready in under an hour. If serving immediately, the total time is just 20 minutes!

How to Serve

These Mini Bell Peppers with Creamy Filling are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Appetizer: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a starter before a meal. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavor make them an instant crowd-pleaser.
  • Arrange them on a platter alongside other appetizers like olives, crackers, and cheese for a beautiful and diverse spread.
  • Serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing at a cocktail party or buffet.
• Snack: A healthy and satisfying snack for any time of day. They are a much better option than processed snacks and provide a good source of vegetables.
  • Pack them in lunchboxes for a colorful and nutritious midday treat.
  • Enjoy them as an afternoon snack to tide you over until dinner.
• Side Dish: A colorful and flavorful addition to a light lunch or brunch.
  • Serve them alongside a salad or soup for a complete and balanced meal.
  • Pair them with grilled chicken or fish for a light and healthy dinner.
• Party Platter: Create a visually stunning and delicious party platter by arranging these filled peppers with other colorful vegetables and dips.
  • Combine them with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, celery sticks, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant and healthy vegetable platter.
  • Add bowls of hummus, guacamole, or ranch dip for extra dipping options.
• Garnishes: Enhance the presentation and flavor with simple garnishes:
  • Sprinkle extra fresh dill or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
  • Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the peppers for a touch of sweetness and tang.
  • Dust with paprika for a subtle smoky flavor and visual appeal.
  • Top with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and crunch.

Additional Tips for Perfect Mini Bell Peppers with Creamy Filling

1. Choose the Right Peppers: Select mini bell peppers that are firm, brightly colored, and free from blemishes. A mix of colors is not only visually appealing but also offers a slightly varied flavor profile.
2. Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth and creamy filling. Microwaving cream cheese can make it too soft or even melt it, so allow it to soften naturally at room temperature for the best results.
3. Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack the peppers with filling, avoid overfilling them. Overfilled peppers can be messy to eat and the filling might spill out. Fill them generously but leave a little space at the top.
4. Make it Ahead: These filled peppers are perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes them ideal for party prep or busy weeknights.
5. Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeño to the filling. You can also use a flavored cream cheese, such as jalapeño cream cheese, for extra heat.
6. Vary the Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs in the filling. Try using parsley, cilantro, basil, or a combination of your favorites. Each herb will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish.
7. Add Cheese to the Filling: For a richer and cheesier filling, incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or even crumbled feta cheese. Stir in about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor and texture.
8. Bake for Warm Appetizers (Optional): If you prefer warm appetizers, you can bake the filled peppers. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled peppers in a baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened and the filling is warm. Be careful not to overbake, as the peppers can become too soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mini Bell Peppers with Creamy Filling

Q1: Can I make these filled peppers ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! In fact, making them ahead of time is highly recommended. They can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes them perfect for party prep.

Q2: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A: While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if fresh are not available. For every tablespoon of fresh herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly less vibrant with dried herbs.

Q3: What are some variations I can make to the creamy filling?
A: The creamy filling is incredibly versatile! You can add shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, feta), cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even different spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder to customize the flavor.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or Neufchâtel cheese. Each cheese will provide a slightly different flavor profile. Goat cheese will add tanginess, ricotta will be milder, and Neufchâtel is a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese.

Q5: Are these mini bell peppers with creamy filling gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure all your ingredients, particularly mayonnaise if you are very sensitive, are certified gluten-free. Bell peppers, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and the herbs are all naturally gluten-free.

Q6: Can I freeze these filled peppers?
A: Freezing is not recommended for these filled peppers. The texture of the cream cheese filling can change upon thawing, becoming grainy or watery. It’s best to make them fresh or prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Q7: Can I bake these filled peppers instead of serving them chilled?
A: Yes, you can bake them for a warm appetizer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened and the filling is warm. Be careful not to overbake them.

Q8: What if I don’t have mini bell peppers? Can I use regular bell peppers?
A: While mini bell peppers are ideal for bite-sized appetizers, you can use regular bell peppers. Cut regular bell peppers into quarters or smaller wedges, and then stuff them with the creamy filling. Keep in mind that regular bell pepper pieces will be larger and may be more suitable as a side dish or a heartier appetizer. You may also need to adjust the baking time if you choose to bake regular bell pepper wedges.