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