Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Discover your new go-to appetizer with these delightful Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers. This recipe features the classic Southern charm of creamy pimento cheese nestled inside crisp, sweet mini bell peppers. The combination of the rich, savory filling with the fresh crunch of the peppers creates a vibrant, perfectly balanced bite. Incredibly simple to prepare yet visually impressive, these stuffed peppers are ideal for parties, game days, or as a flavorful snack anytime. They are a guaranteed hit that will brighten up any appetizer spread.

Key Reasons to Make This Recipe

• Effortlessly Simple: With minimal prep and a quick baking time, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• A Crowd Favorite: The irresistible combination of creamy cheese and crunchy peppers is universally loved.
• Visually Appealing: The bright colors make for a beautiful presentation on any platter.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize the filling with extra spice or different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Great for Entertaining: You can prepare these peppers ahead of time and simply bake them when your guests arrive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This appetizer comes together with a few simple and flavorful components. (Note: Full measurements are typically found on a recipe card.)

• Mini Bell Peppers: Their small size, slight sweetness, and crisp texture make them the ideal edible container.
• For the Pimento Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The base that ensures the filling is extra creamy and smooth.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold, tangy flavor that is essential for pimento cheese.
  • Diced Pimentos: These sweet red peppers add the signature flavor and color.
  • Garlic & Onion Powder: A duo of savory seasonings that adds depth to the cheese mixture.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
  • Shortcut Option: You can use high-quality store-bought pimento cheese as the filling to save time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create these delicious cheesy bites.

1. Oven and Pan Preparation Begin by preheating your oven to 375∘F (190∘C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Mini Peppers Slice the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. This creates a boat-like shape perfect for holding the filling.

3. Create the Pimento Cheese Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, diced pimentos, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is uniform and creamy.

4. Stuff the Peppers Use a small spoon to generously fill each pepper half with the pimento cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake to Perfection Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The peppers should be tender-crisp, and the cheese filling should be hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Serve immediately.

Nutrition and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:

• Calories: 230
• Total Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 350mg

Serving Ideas and Tips

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for a stress-free appetizer.
• Add a Spicy Kick: For those who like heat, mix finely diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the cheese filling.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve these as a standalone appetizer, add them to a charcuterie board, or pair them with a simple green salad for a light lunch.
• Double the Batch: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled when serving a larger crowd. They always go fast!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this recipe with large bell peppers? A1: Yes, you can use large bell peppers. Slice them into rings or larger “scoops,” but be aware the baking time may need to be adjusted.

Q2: Is it possible to freeze these stuffed peppers? A2: Absolutely. You can freeze them before baking. Arrange the stuffed peppers on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time.

Q3: Is using store-bought pimento cheese okay? A3: Yes, using a good quality store-bought pimento cheese is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

Q4: How should I store any leftovers? A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer to restore their texture.

Q5: What are some good cheese variations? A5: Feel free to experiment! Smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a Colby-Jack blend would all be delicious alternatives to sharp cheddar.

Q6: How can I make a dairy-free or vegan version? A6: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply use your favorite brands of vegan cream cheese and vegan cheddar-style shreds.

Q7: Can I serve these cold or at room temperature? A7: While they are best served warm and bubbly from the oven, they are also tasty at room temperature, making them great for buffets.

Conclusion

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor. They deliver a creamy, cheesy filling inside a crisp, sweet pepper for a truly satisfying bite. Perfect for any gathering, this recipe is not only effortless to make but also incredibly versatile and consistently delicious. Once you see how quickly they vanish from the plate, you’ll understand why they are a must-have in any host’s recipe collection.

Print