Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

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Introduction

Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers are a delightful appetizer that combines the creamy, tangy goodness of pimento cheese with the crunch of fresh mini bell peppers. This easy-to-make, colorful dish is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant parties. The creamy, slightly spicy pimento cheese filling balances wonderfully with the mild sweetness of the peppers, creating a delicious bite-sized treat that is sure to impress guests and satisfy your taste buds. Plus, this recipe is versatile—whether you want a simple snack or a standout dish to serve at your next gathering, these Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers will quickly become a favorite.

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Holiday gatherings
• Family dinners
• Potlucks and picnics
• Snack time or light meals
• Cheese lovers and vegetarians

Why You’ll Love Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Here’s why Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers will be your new go-to appetizer:

• Creamy, Savory Filling: The pimento cheese is made with a combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of spice from pimentos, creating a creamy, tangy filling that perfectly complements the peppers.
• Crunchy and Sweet Peppers: The mini bell peppers add a satisfying crunch and a mild sweetness, creating the perfect balance to the rich and creamy filling.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for a last-minute appetizer or snack.
• Customizable: You can easily customize the filling with ingredients like garlic, herbs, or different cheeses to suit your personal taste.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is made with no pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol, making it suitable for halal diets.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (optional)
• Servings: 24 mini pepper halves (approximately 12-16 servings)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 100-150 calories (depends on pepper size and portioning)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 7g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients for Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

To make Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers, here’s what you’ll need:

• 12-16 mini bell peppers (any color)
• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative)
• ¼ cup jarred pimentos, drained and chopped
• 1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights for Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese forms the base of the filling, giving it a smooth, creamy texture that binds the ingredients together.
• Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, tangy flavor that’s essential for classic pimento cheese.
• Pimentos: These jarred, pickled peppers add a distinctive flavor to the cheese mixture, giving it that signature pimento cheese taste.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess and a touch of tang to balance the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar.

Step-by-Step

Instructions for Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers:

Prepare the Mini Peppers

1. Wash and Slice the Peppers: Begin by washing the mini bell peppers under cold water. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes carefully. You can also slice off the tops if you prefer the peppers to sit flat.
2. Set Aside the Pepper Halves: Lay the pepper halves on a baking sheet or large plate, cut side up. If you’re serving the peppers cold, there’s no need to cook them at this stage.

Make the Pimento Cheese Filling

3. Mix the Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt). Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Cheeses: Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture. The cheese should be well distributed, creating a smooth and thick filling.
5. Add Pimentos and Spices: Stir in the chopped pimentos, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
6. Chill the Filling (Optional): If you have time, place the pimento cheese mixture in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Stuff the Peppers

7. Fill the Peppers: Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each mini pepper half with the pimento cheese filling. Ensure each pepper is fully stuffed and smooth the top with the back of the spoon to create an even layer.
8. Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or another herb of your choice over the top of the stuffed peppers for a burst of color and flavor.

Bake (Optional)

9. Bake the Peppers (Optional): If you prefer warm stuffed peppers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is slightly golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

Serve and Enjoy

10. Serve the Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers: Serve the peppers warm or chilled, depending on your preference. These mini peppers can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even as a light meal.

How to Serve Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them as an appetizer on a platter for parties, family gatherings, or holidays. They’re easy to eat with your hands and don’t require utensils.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack during the day or as part of a light meal.
• Pair with Fresh Veggies: Serve with a side of fresh veggies like cucumber slices, carrots, or celery for added crunch and freshness.
• With Crackers or Bread: These peppers pair wonderfully with crackers or sliced baguette for dipping and scooping.
• Garnish with Herbs: Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives for added flavor and a pop of color.

Additional Tips for Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

To make your Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers even better, consider the following tips:

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and avoid pre-shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
• Add More Spice: If you like your pimento cheese on the spicy side, you can add a little more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just stuff the peppers right before serving.
• Serve Warm or Cold: These stuffed mini peppers are delicious either warm or cold, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them at your convenience.
• Use Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version of this dish, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It still provides the creamy texture but with fewer calories.

Recipe Variations for Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Here are a few ways you can customize your Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers:

• Jalapeño Pimento Cheese: Add finely diced jalapeño peppers to the filling for a spicy twist that will bring a nice heat to balance out the creamy cheese.
• Pimento Cheese: If you don’t follow a halal diet or are looking for a alternative, you can use halal-friendly turkey or crumbled veggie for added smokiness.
• Herb-Infused Pimento Cheese: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the pimento cheese mixture for a more aromatic flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pimento Cheese: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy element that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese.
• Vegan Pimento Cheese: For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese. Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan version as well.
• Curry Pimento Cheese: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the filling for a unique, aromatic flavor that gives the pimento cheese a distinctive twist.

Freezing and Storage for Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

• Freezing: These stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover stuffed mini peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve baked them, they can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature to preserve their texture.

Special Equipment for Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Here are some tools that will help you prepare your Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers:

• Baking Sheet: Use a baking sheet to lay out the stuffed peppers, whether you’re baking them or preparing them to serve.
• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients for the pimento cheese filling.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will help you easily slice the mini peppers in half without crushing them.
• Piping Bag or Spoon: A piping bag allows for easy filling of the mini peppers, though a spoon will work just as well.
• Plastic Wrap or Storage Containers: For storing any leftovers or preparing ahead of time, airtight storage containers or plastic wrap will keep the peppers fresh.

FAQ Section for Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

1. Can I make these peppers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply stuff the peppers right before serving.
2. Can I use regular-sized bell peppers instead of mini peppers? Yes, you can use regular-sized bell peppers, but keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the amount of filling. Mini peppers work best for bite-sized portions.
3. Can I add meat to the filling? If you’re not following a halal diet, you can add crumbled or sausage to the pimento cheese filling for extra flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that any additional ingredients, like mayonnaise, are also gluten-free.
5. How do I store leftovers? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or enjoy them cold.

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Conclusion of Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers are a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make appetizer that is sure to be a hit at your next event. With a creamy, tangy filling and a crunchy, sweet pepper exterior, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served warm or cold, these stuffed peppers are ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a fun snack. Plus, with the option to customize the filling, you can easily make this recipe your own. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of these irresistible bites, and watch them disappear off the plate!