Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

If you’ve been looking for an appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers is the answer. These little bites of heaven combine the creamy, cheesy goodness of pimento cheese with the satisfying crunch of mini bell peppers. The result? A fun, vibrant, and irresistible dish that will disappear at any gathering faster than you can say “Pimento cheese!” Whether you’re throwing a party, having a casual snack, or just need something to wow your family at dinner, these stuffed peppers are a game-changer. Trust me, they’re as tasty as they are gorgeous!

Why You’ll Love Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good cheesy dip, and stuffing it into mini peppers takes it to a whole new level. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a casual snack that feels extra special.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is as simple as it gets—just mix, stuff, and bake! Even beginner cooks will find this recipe a breeze to follow.
• Creamy & Crunchy: The creamy pimento cheese contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, slightly sweet mini peppers. It’s a match made in appetizer heaven.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the pimento cheese filling to your liking. Add some jalapeños for a spicy kick or mix in extra herbs for flavor depth.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!

Ingredients

These Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers come together with just a handful of ingredients. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!

• Mini Bell Peppers: These little peppers are the perfect vessel for holding all that cheesy goodness.
• Pimento Cheese: The star of the dish! You can use store-bought pimento cheese or make your own for a more personalized touch.
• Cream Cheese: To add extra creaminess and smooth texture to the pimento cheese filling.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that rich, sharp flavor that makes pimento cheese so irresistible.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic adds just the right amount of savory flavor.
• Onion Powder: Adds depth to the pimento cheese filling and makes it even more flavorful.
• Chopped Pimentos: These give the dish its signature tangy flavor and bright color.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: The full ingredient list with exact measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to indulge in these cheesy, flavorful bites? Here’s how to make Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

Cut the tops off the mini bell peppers and remove the seeds. If you like, you can slice them in half to make them easier to stuff, but whole mini peppers work great too.

Step 3: Make the Pimento Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the pimento cheese, cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped pimentos, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary!

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Using a spoon or piping bag, stuff each mini pepper with the pimento cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—fill them generously! Arrange the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is bubbly and slightly golden on top. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 (about 4 stuffed peppers per serving)
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin A: 80% DV
Vitamin C: 120% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 2% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

These mini peppers are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve as an Appetizer: These peppers are the perfect appetizer for any party or gathering. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Pair with a Fresh Salad: The creamy and rich pimento cheese balances beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully.
• Serve with Charcuterie: Add these stuffed mini peppers to a charcuterie board for a colorful and flavorful touch. They pair perfectly with cured meats and crackers.
• Side Dish: These make a delicious side dish to accompany grilled meats or roasted chicken for a more substantial meal.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare these stuffed peppers in advance! Stuff the peppers, place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.
• Spicy Option: Want a little heat? Add some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pimento cheese filling for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Version: Swap the cream cheese and regular cheddar for vegan alternatives to make this recipe plant-based.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. These little bites are sure to be a hit, and they’re easy to make in large quantities!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular-sized bell peppers instead of mini ones?
A1: Yes, you can use regular-sized bell peppers, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces to make them easier to stuff and eat.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can stuff the peppers in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just bake them before serving!

Q3: Can I use store-bought pimento cheese?
A3: Yes, store-bought pimento cheese works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

Q4: Can I freeze these?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, cook from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Q5: Can I make these spicy?
A5: Definitely! Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pimento cheese mixture for an extra kick.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Q7: Can I make the filling without cream cheese?
A7: Yes, you can use all pimento cheese and skip the cream cheese if you prefer a more intense cheesy flavor. It will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.

Q8: What should I serve these with?
A8: These stuffed peppers go great with a fresh salad, a charcuterie board, or as part of a tapas-style meal.

Q9: Can I use different cheeses?
A9: Yes! You can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even goat cheese would all be great substitutes for the sharp cheddar.

Q10: How do I make these dairy-free?
A10: To make these dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free cheese alternatives in place of the regular cheese and cream cheese.

Conclusion

These Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy—making them a must-try for any cheese lover! They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, from parties to family dinners. Whether you’re serving them as a fun snack or as part of a meal, they’re sure to be a hit. Go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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