Ingredients
Peppers and Seasoning
- 1 pound mini bell peppers, seeded and sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 4 ounces sour cream
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the bell peppers: In a large bowl, toss the mini bell pepper halves with olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until evenly coated.
- Prep-bake the peppers (optional): Arrange the seasoned bell peppers on the prepared baking sheet. If you prefer softer peppers, bake them for 5 minutes. Skip this step if you want them to retain more crunch.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
- Assemble: Using a teaspoon or small spoon, stuff each pepper half with about 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture. Arrange them filling-side up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tops.
- Bake and broil: Bake stuffed peppers in the 375°F oven for 10 minutes. After baking, turn the oven off and switch to broil. Broil the peppers for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the filling.
- These can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking chilled peppers.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- If softer peppers are preferred, definitely bake the peppers for 5 minutes before stuffing.
- Serve warm for best taste, but these also work room temperature as a party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
