If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing appetizer that bursts with creamy, tangy flavor, look no further than this delightful Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe. These colorful little peppers are perfectly sweet and tender, creating the ideal vessel for a rich and zesty pimento cheese filling. With a blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard, every bite offers a balance of smoothness and a kick of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. They’re quick to whip up, visually stunning, and simply irresistible — a guaranteed hit for any gathering or easy snack time treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely crucial for achieving the classic taste and luscious texture that make this dish stand out. Each component plays its part, whether it’s adding creaminess, a pop of color, or a subtle zing to the filling.
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese: Provides the bold, tangy base flavor and a wonderful texture when grated fresh.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious creaminess that binds everything together effortlessly.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Enhances smoothness and ensures a silky, luscious consistency.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang and depth of flavor, lifting the whole mixture.
- 1/4 cup jarred pimentos, drained and chopped: Classic in pimento cheese, these add sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Subtle savory notes to deepen the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds mild sharpness and warmth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds — totally optional but recommended!
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors in the filling.
- 12-15 mini sweet peppers (red, yellow, or orange), halved and deseeded: These colorful peppers make the perfect crunchy, sweet containers for the creamy filling.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pimento Cheese Filling
Start by combining all the filling ingredients in a medium bowl — sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and seasoning. Mix them thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended. This is the heart of your appetizer, so take your time to get that perfect consistency where every spoonful has an even distribution of cheesy, tangy goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Mini Peppers
While your filling rests, slice the mini sweet peppers lengthwise to create perfect little boats, then carefully remove the seeds. Keep the stems on if you like; they not only look cute but also make the peppers easier to hold and serve. These bright peppers aren’t just pretty — they provide a satisfying crunch and a mild, sweet contrast to the rich cheese filling.
Step 3: Stuff the Mini Peppers
Grab a small spoon or piping bag and fill each half of the mini pepper generously with the pimento cheese mixture. Pack the filling well so it stands out prominently, inviting your guests to dig in. The vivid colors and creamy filling are a wonderful visual and texture contrast that makes this recipe so special.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the stuffed mini peppers neatly on your favorite serving platter. For best taste, enjoy right away or refrigerate for around 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully — both ways deliver a fantastic appetizer that is sure to impress.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley can add a fresh pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and colorful peppers. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the flavor and presentation, making the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair these stuffed peppers with a crisp green salad or a platter of assorted crackers and fresh veggies to create a balanced and inviting appetizer spread. They also work wonderfully alongside classic Southern dishes like fried chicken or baked barbecue ribs, where their creamy texture serves as a cool counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the stuffed peppers onto colorful skewers for a fun finger-food presentation. Alternatively, serve them on a bed of greens or mix different colored peppers together for an eye-catching, festive display that will draw guests in instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stuffed mini peppers will keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining their texture and flavor, making them a great option to prepare in advance for a party.
Freezing
This Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe isn’t ideal for freezing once assembled, as the peppers can become watery and lose their crunch. However, you can freeze the pimento cheese filling separately in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
Since these are best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t generally recommended. If you prefer a warmed snack, remove the filling from the peppers and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave before refilling fresh mini peppers.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional and offers the perfect tang, substituting with other cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack can add unique flavors. Just be mindful of the texture, aiming for a cheese that melts well and blends smoothly with cream cheese.
Are mini sweet peppers always necessary or can I use a different type?
Mini sweet peppers are ideal because of their size, color, and sweetness, but you can substitute with small grape tomatoes or cucumber slices for a fresh twist. Just make sure to choose something sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper as an optional ingredient, so you can control the heat level. Without cayenne, the stuffed peppers have a mild, tangy flavor that appeals to most palates — perfect for family-friendly gatherings.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This dish is impressively quick to make, typically ready within 10 minutes. Its ease and speed are part of what make the Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe such a fantastic go-to for last-minute entertaining or casual snacking.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The filling can be mixed a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and saves you time on the day you plan to serve, making the entire process even easier.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the vibrant colors, creamy texture, and bold flavors of this Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe. It’s the kind of appetizer that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting impression. So next time you want to wow your friends or treat yourself to a delicious snack, dive into this recipe and enjoy every joyful bite!
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Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring sweet mini peppers filled with a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy pimento cheese mixture. Perfect for parties, snacks, or gatherings, they’re quick to prepare and visually appealing.
Ingredients
For the Pimento Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup jarred pimentos, drained and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mini Peppers:
- 12–15 mini sweet peppers (red, yellow, or orange), halved and deseeded
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice the mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds. Leave the stems on if desired for easier handling and a nice presentation.
- Stuff the Peppers: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each pepper half with the prepared pimento cheese filling. Pack the filling in well so that each pepper is generously filled.
- Serve: Arrange the stuffed mini peppers on a serving platter. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up slightly.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it completely to control the heat level.
- For a firmer filling, chill the mixture for 15 minutes before stuffing the peppers.
- These stuffed peppers are best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use a piping bag with a wide tip to make stuffing easier and neater.
