The first time I whipped up a batch of these Cheese and Everything Bagel-Stuffed Mini Peppers, I was genuinely surprised at how quickly they disappeared. It was a casual gathering, and I needed something fuss-free yet impressive, and these little flavor bombs absolutely delivered. They’re the kind of snack that makes people ask for the recipe, balancing creamy, savory, and a delightful crunch in every vibrant bite. Perfect for anything from a casual game night to a sophisticated appetizer spread, they always hit the spot.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s a lot to adore about these stuffed mini peppers, making them a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. First off, they’re incredibly quick to assemble, which is a huge win when you need a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet mini peppers, rich cream cheese, and the addictive crunch of everything bagel seasoning creates a truly satisfying taste experience that’s a little unexpected and utterly delicious. Plus, they’re naturally vegetarian and gluten-free (if you use certified GF seasoning), making them accessible to a wider range of guests. They work beautifully as a party snack, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated accompaniment to a main meal.
> “These stuffed mini peppers are an absolute revelation! So easy to make and packed with flavor—they’re my new go-to appetizer!” – A Satisfied Cook
The cooking process explained
Creating these delightful Cheese and Everything Bagel-Stuffed Mini Peppers is remarkably straightforward. You’ll begin by preparing the mini peppers, which mostly involves a quick slice and seed removal. Next, you’ll whip up the creamy, savory filling by combining softened cream cheese with a few other flavorful ingredients. Then, it’s assembly time: spooning that irresistible mixture into each pepper half. A final generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning gives them their signature crunch and flavor, followed by a brief bake in the oven until softened and warm. The whole process is designed to be efficient, getting you to a delicious outcome with minimal fuss.
What you’ll need
Gathering your ingredients for these stuffed mini peppers is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll be reaching for:
- Mini Bell Peppers: Around 1 lb bag, preferably a mix of colors for visual appeal.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup, adds a sharp, melty dimension.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, for an aromatic kick.
- Onion Powder: 1/4 teaspoon, to complement the garlic.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, adjust according to your preference.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: 2 tablespoons, the star of the show, providing incredible texture and flavor.
Directions to follow
Let’s get these delicious peppers assembled and baked!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the mini bell peppers thoroughly. Carefully slice each pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and any membranes. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Stuff the Peppers: Using a small spoon or a piping bag (for a neater look, though not essential), fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy – pile it in!
- Season Generously: Sprinkle the top of each cheese-stuffed pepper with a good amount of Everything Bagel Seasoning. Press it gently to ensure it adheres.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the cheese filling is warm and slightly bubbly.
- Cool Slightly & Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be hot!
How to serve these Cheese and Everything Bagel-Stuffed Mini Peppers
These vibrant stuffed peppers are incredibly versatile. They shine brightest as an appetizer, served warm directly from the oven. Arrange them artfully on a platter for a pop of color at your next gathering. For a brunch spread, they offer a savory counterpoint to sweeter dishes. You could also serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing crunch and creamy texture. A sprinkle of fresh chives or finely chopped parsley just before serving can add an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Should you be lucky enough to have any of these delicious morsels left over, they store quite well. Transfer any cooled Cheese and Everything Bagel-Stuffed Mini Peppers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the peppers might lose some of their crispness. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture of the peppers can become watery and the filling might separate upon thawing.
Helpful cooking tips
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: For the smoothest filling, ensure your cream cheese is at true room temperature. If you forget, you can cut the block into smaller pieces and microwave it on low power (e.g., 50%) for 15-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Don’t Overbake: You want the peppers to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on them; the exact timing can vary slightly depending on your oven and pepper size.
- Generous Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the Everything Bagel Seasoning! It’s what gives these peppers their distinctive flavor and delightful crunch. If you’re sensitive to salt, you might want to adjust the salt added to the cream cheese filling, as the seasoning itself can be salty.
- Even Sizing: Try to select mini peppers that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Creative twists
Looking to put your own spin on these delightful bites? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a bit of heat. A few finely diced jalapeño pieces (seeds removed) could also be mixed in or sprinkled on top before baking.
- Herbaceous Goodness: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped chives, dill, or even a touch of finely minced rosemary into the cream cheese filling.
- Protein Boost: Crumble in some cooked bacon bits, finely diced ham, or even some shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken) to make them more substantial.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of shredded cheese alongside or instead of cheddar, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack for more spice, or a sharp provolone.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese to make a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
FAQ
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can stuff the mini peppers and sprinkle them with the Everything Bagel Seasoning up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator on the baking sheet. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, potentially adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be going into the oven cold.
What if I don’t have mini bell peppers?
While mini bell peppers are ideal for their size and sweetness, you could potentially use small sweet bell peppers cut into quarters. However, larger peppers might require a longer baking time and won’t have quite the same “pop-in-your-mouth” appeal.
Is Everything Bagel Seasoning the same as sesame seeds?
No, Everything Bagel Seasoning is a blend! It typically includes sesame seeds (both black and white), poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes, and coarse sea salt. You can find it in most grocery stores now, often in the spice aisle. If you can’t find it, you can create a similar blend yourself with individual spices.
Classic Cheese and Everything Bagel-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Equipment
- Paring knife
- Medium bowl
- Spoon or rubber spatula
- Piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 mini bell peppers
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 2-3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and slice each mini bell pepper in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and white pith, then arrange them cut-side up.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the filling ingredients vigorously until completely smooth, ensuring no lumps of cream cheese remain. If using, fold in fresh chives now.
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture generously into each pepper half.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of everything bagel seasoning over each stuffed pepper, gently pressing it down to adhere.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.