Sweet mini peppers get a delicious makeover with a creamy filling of cream cheese, mozzarella, herbs, and garlic, all topped off with crunchy everything bagel seasoning. These colorful bites are baked until melty and golden, making them a perfect appetizer or snack that’s as fun to share as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a quick, gluten-free treat, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress and satisfy your cheesy cravings hands down.
Key Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a flavorful, cheesy filling and sweet pepper vessels that shine with every bite.
- 12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeds removed: Bright, bite-sized cups that hold all the creamy goodness and add a sweet crunch.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich, velvety base for the filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and a mild cheesy flavor when baked.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy, smooth consistency to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning: Provides a savory, crunchy topping loaded with seeds and spices.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Lends a mild oniony note and fresh color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Delivers bright, herby freshness that lifts the flavors.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with savory depth and aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Olive oil for drizzling (optional): Adds a golden finish and extra richness.
How To Make Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers
Let’s dive into the steps to assemble these delightful appetizers. You’ll prep sweet peppers, whip up a luscious cheese mixture, then bake everything until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Get ready for a hands-on, fun process that results in crowd-pleasing flavor and texture.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a hot environment for even baking.
2. Prepare the mini sweet peppers by washing thoroughly, slicing them in half lengthwise, and scooping out the seeds. Arrange each half on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
3. Combine cheeses in a large mixing bowl: add the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and sour cream, then stir until smooth.
4. Flavor the mixture by folding in the everything bagel seasoning, chopped chives, chopped dill, minced garlic, plus salt and pepper. Stir until the filling is evenly creamy.
5. Fill each pepper half using a spoon or a piping bag, pressing down gently to pack in the cheesy filling.
6. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the stuffed peppers if you like an extra golden crust.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the peppers soften and the cheese topping turns bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed mini peppers shine on their own, but a few creative touches can make them the star of any gathering. Here’s how to present and elevate them for maximum enjoyment.
- Serve on a charcuterie board alongside olives, crackers, and cured meats for a colorful party platter.
- Pair with a cool dipping sauce such as ranch or tzatziki to add a creamy contrast.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs like chopped chives or dill just before serving for a vibrant finish.
- Offer alongside sparkling beverages—prosecco, rosé, or iced tea—to balance the savory flavors.
Tips For Perfect Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers
These peppers are crowd-pleasers, and a few simple tips will take them from great to unforgettable. Prep ahead, play with flavors, and adapt to your dietary needs while keeping everything deliciously easy.
- These stuffed peppers can be made a day in advance; just store them in the fridge and bake them before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding cooked bacon or other herbs.
- Everything bagel seasoning is versatile; consider using it on other vegetables or snacks for flavor enhancement.
- For a healthier option, you can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- They are gluten-free, making them a great appetizer for various dietary needs.
How To Store It
Keeping these stuffed peppers fresh and flavorful is simple, whether you’re stashing them before baking or saving leftovers. Follow these storage methods to maintain that just-baked taste.
- Refrigerate assembled: Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Chill cooked leftovers: After they’ve cooled, transfer any uneaten peppers into an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Once baked and cooled, layer the peppers between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat properly: Defrost frozen peppers overnight in the fridge, then warm in a preheated 350°F oven until the cheese is melty and the peppers are heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Here are some quick answers to help you nail this recipe every time.
- How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
It takes about 10–15 minutes to prepare (washing and halving peppers, softening cream cheese, chopping herbs) and about 20–25 minutes to bake, for a total of 30–40 minutes.
- Can I assemble the peppers in advance?
Yes, you can fill the peppers up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready, simply bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- What can I use if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
You can make your own blend by toasting a teaspoon each of sesame seeds and poppy seeds, then mixing with ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt to mimic the flavor.
- How should I store leftovers?
Place any cooled leftover peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Can I make this recipe vegan or use alternative cheeses?
Yes, swap the cream cheese and sour cream for vegan cream cheese and plant-based yogurt or cashew sour cream, and use a dairy-free shredded mozzarella alternative. Bake time remains 20–25 minutes at 375°F.
- Are these stuffed peppers gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free as long as you confirm your everything bagel seasoning contains no wheat or gluten additives.
- What additions can I make to the filling for extra flavor?
You can fold in cooked, crumbled bacon or finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes before filling, increase garlic for a sharper taste, or stir in a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness.
What Makes This Special
This recipe works because it’s a marriage of sweet crunch and creamy, herby filling topped with that irresistible everything bagel crunch. It’s beginner-friendly, gluten-free, and endlessly customizable—feel free to print it out, stash it in your recipe binder, and save it for whenever you need a quick crowd-pleaser. If you give it a try, let me know how yours turned out or drop any questions below—I’d love to hear your feedback!
Everything Bagel Stuffed Mini Peppers
Description
Sweet mini peppers are filled with a creamy mix of cream cheese, mozzarella, herbs and garlic. Topped with everything bagel seasoning, they bake to golden, melty perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the mini sweet peppers by washing them thoroughly, cutting them in half lengthwise, and removing the seeds. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sour cream.
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Add the everything bagel seasoning, chopped chives, chopped dill, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
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Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each half of the mini peppers with the cheese mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they are well-stuffed.
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If desired, drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed peppers for added flavor.
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Bake the stuffed mini peppers in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer or snack.
Note
- These stuffed peppers can be made a day in advance; just store them in the fridge and bake them before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding cooked bacon or other herbs.
- Everything bagel seasoning is versatile; consider using it on other vegetables or snacks for flavor enhancement.
- For a healthier option, you can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- They are gluten-free, making them a great appetizer for various dietary needs.
