The Zesty Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting delectable goat cheese stuffed mini peppers promises a delightful culinary adventure that sparks joy in every bite.

Colorful bell peppers become tiny vessels of creamy, tangy goodness waiting to surprise you.

Small yet mighty, these appetizers pack incredible flavor into compact, irresistible packages.

Soft goat cheese blends seamlessly with herbs and spices, creating a rich, memorable experience.

Each pepper serves as a perfect canvas for your creative cooking skills.

Guests will marvel at these elegant, bite-sized treats that look impressive but come together with surprising ease.

You’ll love how quickly these poppers become the star of any gathering.

What Makes Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers So Addictive

• Conquer Quick Cooking
• Customize with Confidence: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to swap herbs, adjust cheese types, or add personal spice touches that match your taste preferences.
• Wow Guests Effortlessly: Packed with vibrant colors and sophisticated flavors, these stuffed peppers look like a gourmet restaurant creation but require minimal culinary skills to prepare.
• Nutrition Meets Flavor: Loaded with fresh herbs, protein-rich goat cheese, and colorful mini peppers, this dish delivers a healthy snack that doesn't compromise on taste or visual appeal.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Goat Cheese Mini Peppers

• Mini Peppers: Sweet, colorful peppers that serve as the perfect edible vessel for the creamy cheese filling.
• Goat Cheese: Tangy and creamy cheese that forms the rich, flavorful base of the stuffing.

• Garlic, Fresh Herbs, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that add depth and complexity to the goat cheese filling.
• Chives, Lemon Zest: Fresh garnishes that provide a bright, zesty finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to enhance flavor, promote golden browning, and add a subtle richness to the peppers.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the peppers from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Slice and Clean Mini Peppers

Carefully cut each mini pepper down the middle, removing seeds and inner membranes. Create a clean boat-like shape perfect for cheese filling.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Cheese Mixture

• Goat cheese
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything in a bowl until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Fill Peppers with Cheese

Generously spoon the herbed goat cheese into each pepper half. Create a slightly rounded top for extra indulgence.

Step 5: Add Olive Oil Drizzle

Lightly coat the stuffed peppers with olive oil. This helps create a golden, crispy exterior and enhances overall flavor.

Step 6: Arrange Peppers for Baking

Place the peppers on the prepared baking sheet with cheese sides facing upward. This prevents cheese from leaking during cooking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and cook for 12-15 minutes. Watch for peppers to soften and cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Immediately sprinkle fresh chives and lemon zest over the hot peppers. These bright garnishes add a zesty pop of flavor.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Allow peppers to rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps the cheese set and prevents potential mouth burns.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Present these colorful, Mediterranean-inspired bites as a stunning appetizer or side dish. Perfect for entertaining or a special treat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mini Peppers Every Time

• Select Fresh Mini Peppers: Choose colorful, firm peppers without blemishes for the best texture and visual appeal.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Pat peppers dry after slicing to prevent watery filling and ensure crisp roasting results.
• Experiment with Cheese Variations: Swap goat cheese with feta, ricotta, or cream cheese to match personal taste preferences.
• Control Herb Intensity: Adjust herb quantities to balance flavors, using less for mild tastes or more for robust herb lovers.
• Elevate Presentation: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes on top for added crunch and subtle heat.

Creative Takes on Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

• Mediterranean Medley: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the goat cheese mixture for a rich, tangy flavor profile inspired by Greek cuisine.
• Spicy Southwest: Mix in diced jalapeños and sprinkle chili powder into the goat cheese, then top with crispy bacon bits for a bold, zesty kick.
• Truffle Elegance: Incorporate truffle oil and finely chopped fresh thyme into the goat cheese, finishing with a light dusting of truffle salt for a luxurious gourmet experience.
• Honey Walnut Crunch: Fold chopped toasted walnuts into the goat cheese and drizzle with local honey before baking, creating a sweet and nutty complement to the creamy filling.

What to Pair with These Flavorful Mini Peppers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the tangy goat cheese and herbal notes, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or baguette slices provide a perfect crunchy base for scooping up the melted goat cheese and catching extra herbs.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette creates a peppery, zesty contrast that enhances the mini peppers' delicate flavors and lightens the dish.
• Accompany with Charcuterie: Select light cured meats like prosciutto or speck to add a savory protein element that balances the creamy cheese and sweet peppers.

Storage Know-How for Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed peppers in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave heating to prevent cheese from becoming rubbery and peppers from becoming soggy.
• Prepare cheese filling and slice peppers up to 24 hours in advance.

Your Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Questions Answered

• Can I use different types of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese, feta, or ricotta for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

• Are mini peppers spicy?

Most mini peppers are mild and sweet, providing a gentle, slightly tangy flavor without significant heat. They’re generally kid-friendly and suitable for most palates.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Ensure the cheese mixture is thick and not too runny. Fill peppers generously but not overfilling, and position them cheese-side up while baking to minimize potential leakage.

• What herbs work best with goat cheese in this recipe?

Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, thyme, and basil complement goat cheese beautifully, adding brightness and enhancing the overall Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Colorful mini peppers become irresistible vessels for creamy goat cheese in this elegant Mediterranean-inspired appetizer. Delicate pepper shells cradle tangy cheese, promising a delightful bite that will transport you to sun-drenched Greek islands with each savory morsel.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 mini sweet peppers
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs (mixed)

Seasoning:

• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic (minced)

Garnish and Optional Additions:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Carefully slice each mini pepper lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes to create a clean vessel for the cheese filling.
3. Mix goat cheese with minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
4. Using a small spoon, generously fill each pepper half with the herbed goat cheese mixture, creating a slightly mounded appearance.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers, ensuring each piece gets a light coating for enhanced flavor and golden browning.
6. Arrange the peppers on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them with the cheese side facing upward to prevent spillage.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for the peppers to soften and the cheese to become slightly golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh chives and lemon zest to add brightness and a finishing touch.
9. Let the peppers cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning.
10. Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or side dish that showcases vibrant colors and fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Opt for soft, creamy goat cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling consistency.
• Consider swapping herbs based on personal preference or seasonal availability, like using basil, thyme, or oregano instead of mixed herbs.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute goat cheese with cashew-based cheese or almond cream cheese to accommodate plant-based diets.
• Enhance protein content by mixing in finely chopped cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits into the cheese filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 113
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 189 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg