Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp mini pepper stuffed with creamy, melted cheese that explodes with flavor in your mouth! These Mini Sweet Pepper Poppers are about to become your new go-to party snack that will have everyone begging for the recipe. Whether you're hosting a game night, looking for a quick appetizer, or simply craving something deliciously addictive, these poppers are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you'll create a mouthwatering treat that looks like it took hours to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 mini sweet peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Carefully slice each mini sweet pepper lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes to create a boat-like shape for stuffing.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pepper half generously with the cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- If desired, sprinkle bacon bits on top of the cheese-filled peppers for additional flavor and crunch.
- Arrange the stuffed pepper poppers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm as an appetizer or party snack.
Tips
- Choose peppers that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for smooth, easy mixing.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the poppers for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- If you don't have bacon bits, crispy chopped bacon or even pancetta work wonderfully.
- Use a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with the corner cut off for neat, even cheese filling.
- Let the poppers cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and allow the cheese to set.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking - just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
