Name: Pepper Appetizers Stuffed: 5 Irresistible Party Starters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 stuffed pepper halves (serves 6–8 as appetizers)
Cuisine: American, Party Food
Ingredients: Mini sweet peppers (12–15 pieces): washed, halved, and deseeded; Cream cheese (8 oz), softened; Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup); Garlic powder (1/2 tsp); Paprika or smoked paprika (1/2 tsp); Fresh parsley (2 tbsp), chopped; Optional add-ins: Crumbled bacon; Finely diced jalapeños; Everything bagel seasoning

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Looking for party snacks that disappear faster than you can say “appetizer”? According to Google Trends, searches for quick party bites spike by over 40% during holiday and event seasons. That’s where Pepper Appetizers Stuffed come in they’re colorful, quick, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game night, holiday gathering, or casual dinner party, these stuffed pepper bites strike the perfect balance between simplicity and wow-factor.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create the ultimate Pepper Appetizers Stuffed platter:

Mini sweet peppers (12–15 pieces): Washed, halved, and deseeded. Bell pepper minis offer the best crunch and color variety.
Cream cheese (8 oz): Softened. Adds creamy richness.
1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
Paprika or smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and color.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Bright, herby garnish.
Optional add-ins:
- Crumbled bacon for a smoky kick
- Finely diced jalapeños for heat
- Everything bagel seasoning for crunch and tang

Substitution Ideas:

You can use goat cheese or ricotta for a distinct flavor.
Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for milder flavor

Timing

These Pepper Appetizers Stuffed are a total time-saver, making them perfect for last-minute prep:

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M

That’s 20% faster than the average baked appetizer recipe, giving you more time to mingle with guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Halve and deseed the mini peppers.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, put the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix everything together to form a special filling. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Place the prepared stuffing in each pepper half. Fill generously but without overflowing.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place stuffed peppers on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley or your favorite seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Per 2-piece serving:

Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 150mg

Data based on averages; actual values may vary depending on substitutions and toppings.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to make your Pepper Appetizers Stuffed even lighter?

To reduce saturated fat, we can use light cream cheese.
For fewer calories, we can replace cheddar cheese with low-fat mozzarella cheese.
Add chopped spinach or kale for extra fiber and nutrients
Go dairy-free with a plant-based cheese alternative
Try air-frying instead of baking for a crisp finish without oil

These changes maintain flavor while making the dish keto-friendly, low-carb, or suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.

Serving Suggestions

Pepper Appetizers Stuffed shine brightest when paired with:

A dipping sauce like ranch, tzatziki, or sriracha mayo
A veggie platter for texture contrast
A charcuterie board with crackers and olives

Pro Tip: For a holiday twist, use only red and green peppers and sprinkle with parmesan “snow.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing the peppers: Leads to messy overflow.
Skipping parchment paper: Cheese can stick and burn.
Using cold cream cheese: Makes mixing difficult and uneven.
Baking too long: Can cause peppers to wilt and lose crunch.
Undersalting the mix: Taste before stuffing to adjust seasoning.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Pepper Appetizers Stuffed fresh:

Keep refrigerated. Can be stored in airtight glass containers for up to 3 days.
You can Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Freeze unbaked stuffed peppers for up to 1 month. Thaw and bake when needed.
Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Conclusion

These Pepper Appetizers Stuffed deliver bold flavors, colorful presentation, and effortless prep all in under 30 minutes. They’re your new go-to party snack. Try them out, leave a comment with your favorite twist, or subscribe to our newsletter for more bites like this!