Mini bell peppers are naturally sweet and provide a perfect crunchy vessel for creamy fillings.
This recipe combines fresh herbs with tangy goat cheese for a delicious, no-bake appetizer ready in minutes.
Ideal for entertaining, these stuffed peppers require minimal prep and no cooking, making them a hassle-free party starter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The natural sweetness and crisp texture of mini bell peppers complement the tangy, creamy herbed goat cheese perfectly.
- No cooking needed, ensuring quick preparation and allowing fresh flavors to shine.
- The combination is visually appealing and colorful, great for festive gatherings.
Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers with Herbed Goat Cheese
These colorful mini bell peppers stuffed with creamy herbed goat cheese make a delightful appetizer, perfect for parties or light starters.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 0 minutes
- Servings
- 12
- Yield
- 12 stuffed mini bell peppers
Ingredients
- 12 mini bell peppers, assorted colors
- 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers Rinse the mini bell peppers and pat dry. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes carefully to keep the halves intact.
- Make the Herbed Goat Cheese Filling In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Mix well until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle in the olive oil if using, and mix again for a creamier texture.
- Stuff the Peppers Spoon or pipe the herbed goat cheese mixture evenly into each pepper half. Arrange on a serving platter.
- Chill and Serve Cover the stuffed peppers with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and to keep the filling firm. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips
- Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off for easier and cleaner filling of the peppers.
- For variation, add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the goat cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Make sure peppers are fresh and firm for the best texture.
- If not serving immediately, keep refrigerated and consume within 24 hours.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store stuffed mini bell peppers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Consume within 24 hours for best freshness and safety.
Do not freeze, as the texture of the peppers and cheese may degrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these stuffed mini bell peppers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated and covered until ready to serve.
Are these mini bell peppers appetizer vegetarian?
Yes, this appetizer contains no meat and is suitable for vegetarians. However, it contains dairy from the goat cheese.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
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