If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful appetizer or snack that’s as charming to serve as it is delicious to eat, you have to try this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe. These little beauties are bursting with a savory blend of seasoned ground meat and creamy cheese, baked to perfection until the peppers are tender and the filling is irresistibly melty. Bright, colorful, and packed with fresh herbs, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe are straightforward but essential—they combine to create a perfect balance of textures, flavors, and visual appeal. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s the sweetness of the mini peppers, the richness of the cheese, or the seasoning that elevates the meat filling.
- Mini sweet peppers: Choose a variety of colors for a vibrant plate, and make sure they’re firm and fresh for the best texture.
- Ground turkey or beef: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base; lean turkey keeps things light, while beef adds richness.
- Cream cheese or cheddar cheese: Adds creamy meltiness that binds the filling and contrasts perfectly with the peppers.
- Garlic powder: Brings warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory notes and complements the garlic for a well-rounded flavor.
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro): Adds a fresh, bright finish that lifts the whole dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Peppers
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking tray for easy cleanup. Slice each mini sweet pepper in half lengthwise, removing the seeds carefully. Laying them cut-side up on the tray ensures they cook evenly and hold the stuffing perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your choice of ground turkey or beef until it’s fully browned and fragrant. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy. Stir in garlic and onion powders to infuse the meat with a subtle yet savory seasoning foundation.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in your cream cheese or cheddar while the mixture is still warm. The cheese will gently melt into the meat, creating a luscious filling that’s ready to be spooned into the pepper halves.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Generously fill each pepper half with the meat and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy here; these little peppers have plenty of room to hold big flavors, and the more filling, the more satisfying every bite will be.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You want the edges of the peppers to char slightly for a bit of smoky depth, and the filling to bubble warmly—this signals those irresistible flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the top. This final flourish not only adds a pop of color but also delivers a fresh, herby brightness that makes these peppers truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are a classic choice for garnishing these stuffed mini peppers. Parsley lends a mild earthiness, while cilantro offers a zesty, citrusy note. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add an exciting twist.
Side Dishes
This Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a light grain such as quinoa or couscous, which help balance the richness of the stuffed peppers and make a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, present these peppers on a rustic wooden board or a bright platter arranged by color for a stunning visual effect. You can also serve them with small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy aioli or tangy yogurt dip to add variety and encourage everyone to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover stuffed mini peppers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, where the flavors will continue to meld nicely. For best texture, reheat gently to avoid drying out the peppers.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these peppers ahead of time, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Arrange them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your baking time to ensure thorough cooking.
Reheating
To reheat, place the peppers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides cream cheese or cheddar?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch, feta for tang, or even pepper jack if you want a little heat. The cheese you choose will influence the flavor, but any melting cheese will work well.
Are mini peppers the only option for this recipe?
While mini sweet peppers are perfect because of their size and sweetness, you can also use larger bell peppers cut into smaller pieces or other sweet varieties. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and size.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe holds up well for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time, then simply reheat portions as needed to enjoy quick, satisfying snacks or meals throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just season it as you would the meat for a delicious vegetarian alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
What can I serve with these peppers for a party?
These peppers are fantastic finger food! Pair them with other appetizers like hummus and veggie sticks, cheese boards, or stuffed mushrooms to create a colorful and crowd-pleasing spread.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is such a joy to make and share, with its vivid colors, mouthwatering flavors, and inviting aroma filling your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, an appetizer, or part of a meal, it’s bound to bring smiles around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own—it’s simply too good to keep to yourself!
Print
Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 3 stuffed peppers per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers recipe features vibrant mini sweet peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey or beef blended with creamy cheese and aromatic spices. Baked to perfection, these colorful appetizers or snacks are quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and garnished with fresh herbs for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 12 mini sweet peppers
Filling
- 1/2 pound ground turkey or ground beef
- 1/2 cup cream cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line or prepare a baking tray to ensure easy cleanup and proper baking.
- Prepare peppers: Slice the mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise and remove all seeds carefully. Arrange the pepper halves cut side up on the baking tray.
- Cook meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground turkey or beef until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Season and combine: Stir the garlic powder and onion powder into the cooked meat. Then remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the cream cheese or cheddar until the mixture is smooth and cheese is melted.
- Stuff peppers: Generously spoon the meat and cheese mixture into each pepper half, filling them completely.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the peppers are slightly charred and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or beef with ground chicken or plant-based meat for different dietary preferences.
- Using cream cheese provides a creamier filling, while cheddar cheese offers a sharper flavor.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the meat and use a mixture of beans or lentils with cheese and spices.
- Serve these stuffed mini peppers as appetizers, snacks, or a side dish for gatherings and family meals.
