It was my first holiday party as a new homeowner, and I was determined to impress my guests with an unforgettable appetizer. That’s when I stumbled upon the perfect recipe – Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers. I spent the afternoon prepping and cooking these adorable bites, and let me tell you, they were an absolute hit! My friends and family raved about the savory-sweet flavor and how beautifully presented they were. I’ve been making these Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers ever since, and they’ve become a staple at all my gatherings.
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Why This Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
This Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers recipe is truly special because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy, tangy goat cheese is the star of the show, complemented by the sweet, crunchy mini peppers. And the best part? This recipe makes exactly 24 stuffed mini peppers, so you’ll have more than enough to share with family and friends.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers, you’ll need:
- 24 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeded
- 8 ounces of soft goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or chives)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Instructions
Preparing Your Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
This recipe takes 30 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a baking sheet, a small bowl, and a piping bag or spoon for assembly. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a small bowl, mix together the 8 ounces of soft goat cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3- Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each of the 24 mini pepper halves with the goat cheese mixture.
4- Arrange the filled pepper halves on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
5- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened, and the goat cheese is warm and melted.
6- Remove the Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a variety of colored mini peppers for a vibrant presentation.
- Don’t overstuff the peppers, or the filling may spill out during baking.
- Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to suit your taste buds.
- Make sure to thoroughly dry the pepper halves before stuffing to prevent a soggy texture.
Serving and Storing Your Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Perfect Pairings for Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers make the perfect appetizer for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday parties. Serve them alongside a crisp white wine, a refreshing summer cocktail, or a selection of other bite-sized hors d’oeuvres. Each serving is 2 stuffed mini peppers, and this recipe yields a total of 24 stuffed mini peppers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance, then bake them just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Creative Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Variations
Get creative with your Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers by trying different flavor combinations. Swap out the goat cheese for cream cheese or ricotta, and experiment with herbs, spices, or even a touch of honey. You can also try roasting the peppers before stuffing them for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Making Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Diet-Friendly
To make these Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers diet-friendly, you can use a low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese or ricotta cheese in place of the goat cheese. For a vegan option, try using a nut-based cheese alternative. These substitutions will allow everyone to enjoy these delicious bites, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of peppers besides mini sweet peppers?
A: Absolutely! While mini sweet peppers work best for this recipe, you can also use other small, bite-sized pepper varieties, such as mini bell peppers or mini Anaheim peppers.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 stuffed mini peppers, with each serving being 2 stuffed mini peppers.
Q: Can I make these Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the filled peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Q: How should I store any leftover Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers?
A: Leftover Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Q: What if my peppers are not holding their shape when stuffed?
A: Make sure to thoroughly dry the pepper halves before stuffing to prevent a soggy texture. You can also try using a piping bag to neatly fill the peppers, which can help them retain their shape better.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 stuffed mini peppers
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers – the perfect bite-sized appetizer that’s sure to wow your guests. Bursting with a creamy, tangy goat cheese filling and a sweet, crisp pepper exterior, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 24 mini bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
– 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or chives)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3. Spoon the goat cheese mixture evenly into the mini pepper halves.
4. 4. Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet.
5. 5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. 6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a variation, you can try substituting the goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta. You can also experiment with different herb combinations or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are the perfect bite-sized appetizer that are sure to impress your guests. With their creamy, flavorful filling and crunchy, sweet pepper shells, these little bites of heaven will have everyone coming back for more. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out in the comments below. Enjoy!
