Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a simple, versatile, and tasty appetizer or snack recipe! These bite-sized peppers are stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and everything bagel seasoning and can be eaten hot or cold. They are a low-carbs, low-calorie, and colorful alternative suitable for any occasion!
Do you enjoy these bite-sized peppers? I recommend you check out my Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Equipment Needed
- How To Make This Recipe
- Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
- Expert Tips
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers Serving Suggestions
- Storing Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Check out more delicious appetizers
- Recipe
- Everything Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
- 💬 Comments
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
This colorful, bite-sized snack recipe has so many wonderful aspects! What I like best about it is that it gives me a reason to consume a lot of cream cheese. That is simply unbeatable!
As a New Yorker who enjoys bagel … I would indulge in the creamy, tangy spread whenever I get the chance. Additionally, add some fresh peppers and bagel seasoning for extra taste and nutrients. It's only a dream!
There's still much to love, though. These are Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers:
- Easy-To-Make: This is a straightforward technique. Cut in half, stir, stuff, and savor. If you're trying for melty cheese, then bake or air fry. In any case, the procedure is simple and straightforward!
- Simple & Reasonably Priced: Even while I love elaborate appetizer ideas, there are times when I just want something simple and affordable. Ding, ding, ding! These are the ideal choice. Four elements are literally required. That's as complicated as it gets!
- Beneficial to You: Rich in vitamins and minerals from the sweet peppers, these babies are gluten-free and low in carbohydrates. I can't think of a more refreshing or light appetizer than these. Aside from simple raw vegetables, who actually eats it when it's available?
- Customizable: These stuffed peppers will be a smash whether you serve them hot or cold and add bacon or whipped ricotta. You can change the ingredients if you'd like! The vibrant vegetable is merely a container for all of your culinary explorations.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This delectable snack requires only four simple ingredients! It simply cannot get much better than that.
Furthermore, they work together to produce a low-carbs, lighter, and more nutritional alternative to traditional appetizers. We adore your cheesy baked dips and flatbread pizzas, but we're talking about you!
This quick and easy beginning, whether served hot or cold, does not skimp on taste. It's really a fiesta in your mouth! Here's what you'll need.
- Mini Sweet Bell Peppers: Mini bell peppers are one of my favorite snacks! They are colorful, crispy, and the ideal biting size. I love using whole peppers as a vehicle for wonderful fillings, so why not do the same for baby peppers? These turned out to be an excellent party snack, as opposed to the full-size stuffed peppers that I enjoy for dinners.
- Cream Cheese: I enjoy cream cheese. I seriously love it! I plan to utilize it as frequently and in as many ways as possible. I think it pairs well with fresh vegetables, such as these chilly and crunchy peppers. For added creaminess, I use whipped cream cheese, but ordinary softened cream cheese works just as well.
- Cheddar Cheese: More cheese is always a good thing! These cream cheese bell peppers are even more delicious with the addition of shredded cheddar. To get the greatest results, I recommend buying a block and shredding it yourself. Especially when it comes to melting.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Bagel seasoning is the ideal topping here. It packs so much flavor into each bite. Plus, if you really envision it, it can feel like you're eating a real bagel! LOL, just kidding. If you want the actual thing, I recommend Easy Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer With Honey. They are simply fantastic!
Equipment Needed
- Chef knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Cups and Spoons for Measuring
- Instant Slim 6QT Air Fryer Oven
- Small Baking Sheet
How To Make This Recipe
Making Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers is a really easy appetizer! They won't require much work on your side, whether you serve them hot or cold.
Cutting the peppers in half takes the most time, but I prefer to listen to music or podcasts on my headphones while I work. Time flies!
- First, get the sweet little peppers ready. Cut the tiny peppers in half first. Remove the seeds and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Step two, Make an easy cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and everything bagel seasoning. Mix well.
- Step three, Stuff the peppers. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto each half of the pepper. Spread equally after carefully packing the ingredients into each half. The best method to do this, in my opinion, is with a knife!
- Step 4: Present and Savor…
Option 1: Serve chilled. Add a little more everything bagel seasoning on top.
Option 2: Warm up. You may either bake or air fried the stuffed small bell peppers to serve them hot as an appetizer. Oven: arrange the peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until the cheese is melted to your desired consistency. Air Fryer: Air fry for three to five minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Personally, I think the air fryer method is better!
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
The number of ways you might modify this recipe for baby bell peppers with cream cheese is absolutely endless! The little pepper halves provide the ideal container for anything delicious you want to put inside of them.
I've got you covered whether you're dairy-free and can't eat cream cheese or you just want to give this nutritious snack a little flair. Continue reading for all of my delicious recommendations:
- Alternative Cheese: Not a fan of cream cheese? Don't worry! Even though I'm totally against you, you can still eat this food. It can be replaced with any soft or creamy cheese. such as goat cheese, whipped ricotta, brie cheese, and Boursin cheese (the garlic and herb kind is very delicious). Or cottage cheese, for that matter!
- Flavored Cream Cheese: For added flair, try experimenting with already-flavored cream cheeses if you enjoy them as much as I do. Onion and chives seem like a fantastic combination!
- Shredded Cheese: You could use any kind of shredded cheese in place of the sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe. It would be great with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.
- Fresh Herbs: To liven up and add a little brightness to all of my dishes, I adore using fresh herbs. Here, fresh dill or parsley would be fantastic choices. Green onions are also a beautiful garnish, but they are not a herb.
- Add A Meat: This is for all of you who enjoy meat! This simple snack would be heartier if it included meat. And maybe a tastier one! To the cream cheese filling, I would add sliced salami or pepperoni. You could also use Italian sausage or cooked ground beef. Why not?
- Seasoning: In my opinion, bagel seasoning was the obvious choice for this recipe for cream cheese-stuffed tiny peppers. The two go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly, really! However, you are free to use any spices or seasonings you like. For example, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, or Italian seasoning.
- Spice It Up: All you need is hot sauce or Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce to add some spiciness to this easy meal.
- Modify It Totally: Do you not feel like cream cheese at all? No issue! As previously stated, you can essentially load these peppers with anything. For a Mediterranean flair, use feta and hummus. or a homemade cold dip, such as Artichoke Parmesan Cheese Dip. French onion dip is one store-bought option. You really have the entire world to yourself!
Expert Tips
- Make use of whipped cream cheese! This type of cream cheese adds a smooth and opulent texture to the filling, which is why I adore using it. Additionally, if that interests you in any way, it is a lower calorie option.
- Make use of a piping bag! To tell the truth, I didn't use a piping bag to make my stuffed cream cheese peppers. As you can see from the pictures, they are a little disorganized! However, a piping bag would be a fantastic choice to achieve that look if you are serving these at a party or event and want a really tidy presentation.
- Dry your peppers with a pat! A soggy, wet stuffed pepper is not something anyone wants to bite into.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference! I found that the savory cream cheese filling was ideal when I added half a tablespoon of the bagel spice. Depending on what you believe you would like, you can always start with less or add more. Don't be afraid to add more herbs, seasonings, or fillings. All of my suggestions for various iterations of this appetizer are included above.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers Serving Suggestions
This dish for peppers and cream cheese is tasty, simple to prepare, and incredibly adaptable! You can always eat these tasty morsels whenever you want. Here are a few serving ideas I have:
- Party Appetizer: These peppers make a fantastic addition to any starting dish, whether it's for a baby shower, game day, Christmas dinner, or girls' night. As a contrast to some of the heavier apps that are probably on the table, I particularly enjoy serving them cold and crisp. such as Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups!
- Snack in the Afternoon: Have no plans to attend a party? These little peppers are still edible. They make the ideal midday snack. They're bright, nourishing, and simple to prepare. Additionally, you can enjoy a deconstructed version if it's just for you. Simply stir the cream cheese mixture, dip it in, and take a bite out of it. It sounds much like what I'm going to do later today!
- Adding a lunchbox: Include a few of these peppers in your child's school-day lunchbox. These delicious, cheesy morsels are the ideal way to encourage your children to eat their vegetables. Hell! They're an excellent method of encouraging you to eat your vegetables. Put them in your own work lunchbox.
- Charcuterie Board: I believe a charcuterie board would be a great place to include these peppers. They would provide a taste and color explosion, which is a perfect combination for a cheese board spread. It must look as delicious as it tastes, after all!
Storing Suggestions
These stuffed tiny peppers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container. They can last up to three days at their finest.
I would suggest constructing the cream cheese mixture and halving the peppers, but storing them separately to extend their shelf life. The peppers can then be stuffed as you go!
This is a terrific way to keep a yummy and nutritious snack on hand all week long without having to worry about the peppers being soggy or anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
My investigation has led me to conclude that when people, including myself, refer to "baby bell peppers" or "mini bell peppers," they are actually referring to tiny sweet peppers.
The traditional bell pepper and mini sweet peppers are extremely similar. The primary distinction is their sweetness and, of course, their diminutive size!
I think they are comparable in terms of nutrients. In many recipes, they can also be used interchangeably! However, bell peppers are better suited for grilling, stuffing, or roasting, while small sweet peppers are best for snacking and appetizers.
I find that cutting the tiny peppers in half lengthwise is the easiest way to get the seeds out.
The stem membrane should next be carefully removed with a sharp knife—a paring knife works best. The white, thin flesh within the pepper to which the seeds are affixed is called the stem membrane. Eliminating this should also remove the seeds.
You can tap the pepper on the cutting board to get any seeds that might still be within to fall out. If there are still stragglers, strike them out with your finger or knife.
It's incredibly easy to remove the peppers' seeds! It takes a small amount of time. It is, in my opinion, the most laborious step in this recipe's cooking process.
Both! This recipe makes both hot and cold cream cheese-stuffed peppers. Both are equally enjoyable to me! For a lovely variation, you could even serve both during a gathering.
The cold version is a crisp, refreshing choice. It feels lighter this way, too, I believe! It's more cheesy and ooey-gooey in the heated version. It also enhances the flavors. You can't go wrong either way!
Of course! Whether you plan to eat them hot or cold, you can make this pepper dish in advance.
Simply prepare these peppers and keep them in an airtight container or on a serving dish covered with plastic wrap until you're ready to serve them cold. However, I wouldn't make them more than 24 hours beforehand!
Prepare hot stuffed peppers to the same level as you would cook them. Then, as said before, store in the refrigerator. When it's ready to serve, place them in the oven or air fryer for the specified amount of time.
No! It is not necessary to bake the peppers before stuffing them. even in the event that you decide to serve them hot.
The baby sweet peppers don't need the additional baking time to soften because they are so little and thin. Not like in my Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers or Taco Stuffed Peppers!
All of the spice is just salt, dried garlic, dried onion, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds. It's likely available at your neighborhood supermarket, but if not, making it at home is not difficult.
If you tried this Everything Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
Check out more delicious appetizers
- Easy Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer With Honey
- Air Fryer Chili Cheese Nuggets: A Tasty Appetizer Or Snack
- Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
- Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad)
- The Best Taco Meat Recipe
- The Best Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
- The BEST Crispy Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Mashed Potato Cakes (Potato Patties)
- Easy 2 Ingredient Smoked Cream Cheese
- Spicy Diavola Pizza Recipe With Hot Salami
- The BEST Homemade Anchovy Pizza Recipe
- Louisiana Voodoo Fries Recipe (Wingstop Copycat)
- Baked Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
Recipe
Everything Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
INGREDIENTS
- 5 medium sweet peppers or 20 mini sweet peppers
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut the tiny peppers in half first. Remove the seeds and cut them in half lengthwise.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and everything bagel spice to make the simple cream cheese filling. Mix well.
- Next, split the cream cheese mixture between the two half of peppers. Spread equally after carefully packing the ingredients into each half. The best method to do this, in my opinion, is with a knife!
- Option 1: Serve chilled. Add a little more everything bagel seasoning on top. Serve and savor.
- Option 2: Warm up. You may either bake or air fried the stuffed small bell peppers to serve them hot as an appetizer. Oven: arrange the peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until the cheese is melted to your desired consistency. Air Fryer: Air fry for three to five minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Personally, I think the air fryer method is better! Serve and savor.
Comments
No Comments