Creamy Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Introduction
Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers make a delightful and simple appetizer that’s bursting with flavor. These colorful, tender peppers filled with creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs are perfect for parties or a light snack.
Ingredients
- Mini peppers, 12 pieces
- Goat cheese, 4 ounces
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or thyme), 2 tablespoons finely chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the mini peppers and slice them in half lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the goat cheese with the chopped fresh herbs until well combined. Spoon the mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.
- Step 3: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is slightly golden on top.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- Try mixing goat cheese with garlic powder or lemon zest for a different twist.
- Use different herbs like basil or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve with a balsamic glaze drizzle for a touch of sweetness.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed mini peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold as a snack.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the mini peppers ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Bake them fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Cream cheese, feta, or ricotta can be good substitutes, but goat cheese adds a distinctive tang that complements the peppers well.
PrintCreamy Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
This Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers recipe is a delightful and easy appetizer perfect for any occasion. Sweet mini peppers are filled with creamy goat cheese and aromatic herbs, then baked until tender and slightly caramelized, delivering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed mini pepper halves 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Peppers
- 20 mini sweet peppers
Filling
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the peppers: Rinse the mini peppers under cold water and pat dry. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with chopped parsley, chives, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the goat cheese mixture generously into each pepper half, smoothing the tops for even baking.
- Bake the peppers: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is slightly golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving as a warm appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle the peppers with olive oil before baking.
- These can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Variations include adding a touch of garlic or substituting goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder taste.
- Best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Keywords: goat cheese, stuffed mini peppers, appetizer, baked, easy recipe, party food, vegetarian
