Cheesy Pimento-Stuffed Mini Peppers: The Ultimate Party Bite

These colorful, bite-sized treats are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next weekend gathering or family potluck. By pairing the creamy, slightly spicy classic of pimento cheese with the natural sweetness of mini peppers, you get a vibrant appetizer that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Recipe Details

• Yields: 48 pieces
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1 (4-oz.) jar pimentos, drained
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar, divided
• 1 (1-lb.) bag mini sweet peppers (about 24)
• Sliced chives, for serving

Instructions

1. Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, drained pimentos, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne. Incorporate 1 cup of the shredded cheddar into the mixture.
2. Prepare the peppers by slicing them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to remove any seeds or ribs. Fill each pepper half with roughly 1 tablespoon of the pimento cheese blend. Place the stuffed peppers onto a baking sheet with the filling facing upward. Distribute the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the tops of the peppers.
3. Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely. Let the tray rest and cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives before presenting them to your guests.

Tips for Success

The secret to this appetizer is the quick baking time, which ensures the cheese is perfectly gooey while the peppers maintain a satisfying crunch. If you are planning a party, you can easily prepare the cheese mixture up to two days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator to make assembly even faster on the day of your event.

Nutrition Information

Give these savory, cheesy bites a try for your next get-together and watch them disappear in minutes!