This delightful appetizer showcases the perfect blend of sweetness from mini peppers and the savory goodness of cheese and bacon. I often prepare these Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers with Bacon Crumbles for gatherings or enjoy them on a cozy night in. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite a true delight. Let me take you through the enjoyable process of making this mouth-watering dish!
Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers with Bacon Crumbles
Delicious mini sweet peppers stuffed with a creamy cheese blend and topped with crispy bacon crumbles, perfect for a savory appetizer.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients
- 12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the halved mini peppers, filling each evenly.
- Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chopped chives. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 100 calories
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 4g
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Facebook PinterestTo start off, gather your ingredients. You will need:
- Mini sweet peppers (about 12 pieces)
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, about 1 cup)
- Bacon (4-6 slices, cooked and crumbled)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives, for garnish)
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, prepare your mini peppers. I like to cut the tops off and remove the seeds, creating a vessel for the cheesy filling. Be gentle during this step to avoid tearing the peppers.
Next, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated. I find that taking my time with this step ensures a lovely, smooth filling.
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to stuff the peppers! I take a small spoon to fill each pepper generously with the cheese mixture. Don’t worry if some of the filling spills out; it adds a charming touch when baked. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes for easier cleanup afterward!
Now, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the tops are lightly golden. Keep an eye on the filling, as I prefer it bubbling just slightly for that extra cheesiness.
While the peppers bake, I often use this time to prepare my garnish. Chopping fresh herbs adds a beautiful touch and an additional burst of flavor to the dish. After baking, allow the peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving.
When ready to serve, I sprinkle the freshly chopped herbs over the stuffed peppers for a pop of color and flavor. Your Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers with Bacon Crumbles are now ready to impress! Enjoy them warm, and watch as your friends and family savor each cheesy, flavorful bite. This simple yet delicious recipe is sure to be a hit at any occasion!
