Description
These Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a flavorful and colorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy, tangy pimento cheese filling is nestled inside sweet mini peppers, requiring no cooking, making it a quick and easy snack or party finger food.
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 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 cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well blended.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice the mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds. Leaving the stems on is optional but helps with handling and presentation.
- Stuff the Peppers: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pepper half with the pimento cheese mixture, pressing the filling in firmly to fully stuff the pepper cavities.
- Serve: Arrange the stuffed mini peppers on a serving platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For spicier filling, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Make the filling ahead and refrigerate; assemble just before serving for best freshness.
- Mini peppers can be swapped with small sweet bell peppers if preferred.
- Keep the peppers refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
