The cozy charm of bite-sized, flavor-packed snacks comes alive with this Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe. Imagine tender mini sweet peppers brimming with a creamy blend of cheeses, herbs, and that iconic everything bagel seasoning—a delightful combination that’s fresh, savory, and downright addictive. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a simple treat for yourself, these vibrant peppers pull together textures and tastes that feel special yet surprisingly simple to make. This recipe is a fun twist on the beloved bagel topping turned into a warm, cheesy appetizer that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to create the magic in the Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe. Each brings its own unique element—creamy richness, fresh herbal notes, or that savory crunch from the seasoning—making the flavors shine perfectly in every stuffed pepper.
- 12 mini sweet peppers: Choose firm and colorful peppers for the best texture and visual appeal.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Provides a smooth, creamy base that makes each bite luscious.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty goodness and subtle milky flavor.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings a gentle tang that balances the richness beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning: The star seasoning with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt for that signature zesty crunch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Infuses a mild oniony freshness that complements the peppers.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Offers a bright herbal note that lifts the overall flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a deep, savory punch that rounds out the cheese mixture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning balance and enhancing all other flavors.
- Olive oil for drizzling (optional): Adds a subtle richness and helps the peppers roast beautifully.
How to Make Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Get your oven ready by setting it to 375°F (190°C). This moderate heat ensures the peppers soften nicely while the cheese melts to that perfect bubbling and lightly golden finish.
Step 2: Prep Your Mini Peppers
Wash the mini sweet peppers thoroughly, then slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds to create little cradles for the cheese mixture. Line them up on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and tangy sour cream. This trio forms a creamy, rich filling that will melt beautifully inside the peppers.
Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters
Into the cheese blend, stir in the everything bagel seasoning, fresh chopped chives and dill, and the minced garlic. Add salt and pepper according to your taste. These add-ons are the heartbeat of this recipe, packed with layers of herbaceous and savory notes that linger delightfully on your palate.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Using a spoon or even a piping bag for precision, fill each pepper half with the creamy mixture. Press gently to make sure every pepper is generously stuffed and ready to ooze with cheesy deliciousness after baking.
Step 6: Optional Olive Oil Drizzle
If you like, drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed peppers. This step isn’t mandatory but adds a subtle richness and helps the tops brown just a bit, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for tender, softened peppers and cheese that is bubbly and lightly golden around the edges—this is your cue they’re ready to come out.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They are best served warm to enjoy the melty cheese and tender pepper in every bite.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh chives or dill on top right before serving adds a burst of green freshness and a pretty touch. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
These stuffed mini peppers pair beautifully with light salads, a bowl of soup, or alongside some crisp crackers for a fuller appetizer spread. They’re versatile enough to star in a picnic or complement a larger dinner gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange your everything bagel stuffed mini peppers on a vibrant platter, alternating colors for a festive look. You can also serve them with small toothpicks as easy finger food or present them in muffin tins to keep the filling upright and pudding-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed mini peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain tasty but are best enjoyed fresh or the next day after reheating gently to revive the melty texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze these peppers, it’s best to do so before baking. Arrange the stuffed halves on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months for a convenient quick snack anytime.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the best texture of the peppers and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely! While mini sweet peppers are ideal for their size and sweetness, you can substitute with small bell peppers or even jalapeños if you prefer a spicy kick.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes! The Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is perfect for gatherings because they’re bite-sized, colorful, and packed with flavor—making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out cream cheese and mozzarella for dairy-free alternatives. Just choose plant-based spreads and shredded cheeses that melt well to keep the creamy texture.
How spicy are these stuffed peppers?
They’re mild since mini sweet peppers are naturally sweet and not spicy. You can add some crushed red pepper or hot sauce to the cheese filling if you want more heat.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed peppers a few hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Bake just before serving to maintain freshness and the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a snack that’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is a true winner. They’re fun to make, delightful to share, and a guaranteed hit whenever you bring them out. Give this recipe a try and watch your friends and family ask for seconds — I promise they won’t disappoint!
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Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 12 stuffed mini pepper halves
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers are a flavorful and creamy appetizer perfect for any occasion. Sweet mini peppers are halved and filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, sour cream, and everything bagel seasoning, then baked until bubbly and golden. They offer a delightful combination of creamy texture and flavorful herbs, making them an easy and crowd-pleasing snack or starter.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeds removed
Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffed peppers evenly.
- Prepare Peppers: Thoroughly wash the mini sweet peppers, cut them in half lengthwise, and carefully remove the seeds. Arrange the halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sour cream until smooth and well blended.
- Add Seasonings: Incorporate the everything bagel seasoning, chopped fresh chives, chopped dill, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy and flavorful mixture.
- Stuff Peppers: Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each pepper half with the cheese mixture. Press down gently to ensure each half is fully stuffed but not overflowing.
- Optional Olive Oil Drizzle: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers to enhance flavor and help with browning during baking.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack to enjoy the creamy and savory flavors.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the peppers for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, using about one-third the quantity.
- The filling can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated until needed for convenience.
- These stuffed mini peppers can be served as a vegetarian appetizer; omit sour cream for a slightly tangier filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
