Stuffed Mini Peppers with Cheddar

These super simple and flavorful Cream Cheese and Cheddar Stuffed Mini Peppers make the perfect appetizer for any event, and bake in just 20 minutes! These tangy mini pepper appetizers are always a hit at parties and tailgates!

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These easy cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are like a jalapeño poppers' sweet cousin! Stuffed with two different kinds of cheese and tasty spices, these peppers are a great snack for any event!

Why you'll love this recipe

They're easy to make: These easy stuffed mini peppers are made with simple ingredients you can pick up in your local grocery store.

Vibrant and fun appetizer: The colorful mini bell peppers with creamy filling stand out on any party food table, and are a real crowd pleaser! 

Easy and fast: These peppers are super quick and easy to make, and come together from start to finish in less than 30 minutes!

Good on your wallet: These peppers are very inexpensive to whip up, so you can keep your party snacks under budget!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make these quick and easy Stuffed Mini Peppers:

• Sweet mini peppers. These tiny tasty peppers are the perfect size for this recipe. Depending on their size, you may have a few peppers leftover. The flavor is kind of like what miniature bell peppers would be like, if they were perfectly ripe and sweet. You can find bags of sweet mini peppers in most grocery stores produce section. 
• Softened Cream cheese (at room temperature). This will serve as the base for the filling.
• Sharp cheddar cheese. For best results, use a sharp cheddar that is not aged, as aged cheeses do not melt well, and could break in the oven. I also suggest shredding your own cheese for best results.
• A couple scallions (aka green onions), thinly sliced. These add a great fresh bite to the filling.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper.
• A bit of cornstarch, to help bind the filling, and keep it homogenous while baking.
• Smoked sea salt, for finishing (optional, but recommended). (See recipe card below for full breakdown).

How to make the Stuffed Mini Peppers

These easy Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers come together in less than 10 minutes, and bake to creamy perfection in just 20 minutes. Here's how to make them:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees f. 
2. Combine cream cheese, cheddar, scallions, spices, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise, with the stems intact, and remove the seeds and ribs. 
4. Stuff each pepper half with the cream cheese filling, being cautious not to overfill. (Peppers should be filled just to the cut edge). 
5. Arrange peppers on a sheet pan (preferably lined with parchment for easy cleanup), and bake.
6. Top with smoked sea salt (optional) just after baking, and serve!  (see recipe card below for full instructions and ingredients list).

Tips and Tricks

• Use parchment paper on your sheet pan for super easy cleanup. You can also use a baking dish to make this recipe instead of a sheet pan.  
• Make the filling up to a day ahead of time, and store in an airtight container. This way, all you need to do is stuff the little sweet peppers right before your ready to bake. 
• Prep the peppers in advance, and store them in a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to a day ahead for even easier prep. 
• Leave the stems intact for easy eating for your guests (or yourself!)
• Don't overstuff! To keep the peppers easy to eat (and make less mess), make sure you only fill them to the cut edge.

Finishing touches

Once these peppers come out of the oven, I like to top them with a sprinkle of smoked sea salt flakes. This adds a great crunchy texture, as well as a subtle smokiness, and really helps bring out the flavors in the cream cheese mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook these peppers in the air fryer?

Yes! You can air fry the mini peppers at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes!

Can I add to the filling for this recipe?

You can add some cooked crumbled ground beef, Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even cooked bacon to the filling! If adding meat to this recipe, make sure to keep it well crumbled or finely diced so it blends well with the cheesy filling. I like to add about ½ cup of the meat to the cream cheese mixture, and make sure the fat is fully drained prior to mixing into the filling. You may need a few additional pepper halves as well, since adding meat will increase the volume of your filling.

Can these peppers be enjoyed cold?

These peppers are also delicious served cold (no baking required). If you opt not to bake them, omit the cornstarch.

Substitutions and Additions

This tasty appetizer is easily adjusted to your personal tastes and using what you have on hand in your refrigertor and pantry. Here are a few great additions and substitutions you can do to make this recipe your own! 

• No green onions? Try chopped chives or fresh parsley!
• Replace the cream cheese with goat cheese!
• Try mild cheddar or pepper jack cheese in place of the sharp cheddar. You could also do mix of cheddar and parmesan cheese for an extra salty and tangy bite!
• Substitute the cheddar for feta cheese for an extra tangy, Greek-style tangy bite!
• Swap the smoked sea salt topping for some everything bagel seasoning!

More fun stuffed recipes you may enjoy

If you love these Stuffed Mini Peppers, you'll love these fun stuffed finger foods, too!

• Goat Cheese Stuffed Hot Cherry Peppers
• Sausage and Mini Pepper Poppers
• Roasted Stuffed Roma Tomatoes
• Crab Imperial Stuffed Mushrooms
• Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

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