These Stuffed Mini Peppers are a vibrant, guilt-free snack or appetizer, bursting with creamy herb flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Packed with protein from cream cheese and healthy fats, plus fiber from the colorful peppers, they make a nourishing choice.
Quick to prepare and visually stunning, they’re perfect for everyday snacking, entertaining, or meal prep.
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Equipment
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Handheld electric mixer (optional)
- 1 plastic piping bag or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound tri-colored mini bell peppers about 18
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Everything Bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Mini Peppers: Start by washing the tri-colored mini bell peppers thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Carefully slice each pepper in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Once halved, gently remove the seeds and the white ribs inside. This creates a hollow cavity perfect for holding the creamy filling. Set the prepared peppers aside on a plate or cutting board, ensuring the cut sides face up for easy filling.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Before making the filling, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, spreadable texture. You can leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes or give it a few quick pulses in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to slightly soften. Avoid melting it; you want it soft but still firm enough to hold shape.
- Mix the Creamy Herb Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a handheld electric mixer for the smoothest results, or a sturdy spatula if you prefer manual mixing. Add the minced fresh dill, chopped chives, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, coarse salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy, fluffy, and evenly blended, making sure the herbs are distributed throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare for Filling the Peppers: For a neat and professional presentation, transfer the creamy herb mixture into a plastic piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, a small resealable sandwich bag with a corner snipped off works perfectly. Alternatively, you can also use a small spoon or butter knife to fill the peppers, but piping gives a cleaner, more uniform appearance.
- Fill the Mini Peppers: Pipe or spoon the prepared filling into the hollow cavities of each mini pepper half. Fill generously, but don’t overstuff, as the filling should sit just slightly above the edges of the peppers. Take your time with each pepper to ensure even portions and an appealing look.
- Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning: Once all the peppers are filled, evenly sprinkle the top of each with Everything Bagel seasoning. This adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor, complementing the creamy herb filling perfectly. You can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your taste preference.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: These stuffed mini peppers are best served immediately for the freshest crunch and vibrant color. If preparing ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a few hours. Avoid storing for too long, as peppers may lose their crisp texture. Serve on a platter, and enjoy as a wholesome snack, appetizer, or party treat.
- Optional Garnish and Presentation Tips: For added flair, you can garnish the platter with extra fresh herbs, such as a few sprigs of dill or chives. Arrange the peppers in a single layer on a decorative serving tray to make them visually appealing for parties or gatherings. These colorful bites not only taste delicious but also brighten up any table.
Notes
- Choose firm, colorful mini bell peppers for the best presentation and crunch.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Fresh herbs like dill and chives add bright flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch.
- Everything Bagel seasoning can be replaced with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or paprika for a different flavor profile.
- These peppers are best served immediately for maximum crispness but can be lightly chilled before serving.
- Use a piping bag for a clean, professional look; a spoon works fine for casual snacking.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Flavor
To elevate this dish, the key is balancing freshness and creaminess.
Softening the cream cheese completely before mixing ensures a smooth, airy filling that spreads easily without tearing the peppers.
Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs—dill and chives bring brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
Lemon juice adds a subtle tang that lifts the overall flavor.
For added texture, lightly toast the Everything Bagel seasoning in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before sprinkling; this releases extra aroma and crunch.
Finally, slice the peppers just before filling to retain their crispness.
Serving Suggestions For Mini Peppers
These stuffed mini peppers shine as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Arrange them on a decorative platter for parties or casual get-togethers.
They pair beautifully with a variety of dips like tzatziki, hummus, or roasted red pepper dip.
For a light lunch or picnic, serve alongside whole-grain crackers, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
You can also add a small sprinkle of crumbled feta or smoked paprika on top for extra flavor complexity.
Their vibrant colors make them an attractive addition to any table spread.
Storage Tips For Best Results
If you need to store these mini peppers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 24 hours; beyond that, the peppers may start to soften and lose their crunch.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of both the peppers and filling will degrade.
If making ahead, fill the peppers just before serving to maintain maximum freshness.
For parties, you can prep the filling and slice the peppers in advance, then assemble them quickly right before guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other cheeses instead?
Yes! Cream cheese is ideal for its smooth texture, but goat cheese or ricotta can be used for a slightly tangier flavor. Mixing in a bit of shredded cheddar or mozzarella adds richness and meltiness.
2. Are these peppers low-carb?
Absolutely. Mini bell peppers are naturally low in carbohydrates, and this recipe is high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy snack option for low-carb or keto diets.
3. Can I make these vegan-friendly?
Yes. Replace cream cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives. Silken tofu, cashew cream, or vegan cream cheese blends well with herbs to create a similar creamy filling.
4. How far in advance can I prepare them?
The filling can be prepared 1–2 hours ahead of time and kept refrigerated. Slice the peppers right before filling to maintain their crisp texture. Assemble just before serving for the best appearance and taste.
5. Can I adjust the seasoning?
Definitely. While Everything Bagel seasoning is recommended, you can use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. Adjust garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your personal taste.
