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These cream cheese stuffed peppers are a simple yet elegant appetizer that needs just 6 ingredients! Low in carbs but full of flavor, they take just five minutes to prep.
I’m always on the lookout for simple appetizers that taste incredible. As someone who loves adding cheese to just about anything (hello, bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese) and loves stuffed bell peppers (hello, Italian stuffed peppers and air fryer stuffed peppers), it was a no brainer to combine the two to make this simple cream cheese stuffed pepper recipe.
These are similar to jalapeno poppers but skip the bacon and the intense spice.
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- Deceptively easy. This may look super fancy, but they come together in no time.
- Just 6 Ingredients. Count them yourself- there are just six ingredients needed.
- Low carb and gluten-free. If you follow a keto diet, these are perfect for you.
- Easy to make ahead. If I’m hosting friends over or need a fun holiday appetizer, the filling can be prepped in advance. When I’m ready to serve, I just stuff the peppers, bake them, and voila- hot and cheesy bite-sized peppers.
Ingredients needed
Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are very simple, and the ingredients reflect that. Everything can be found at any basic grocery store. Here is what you’ll need:
- Mini sweet peppers. A mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for some color.
- Cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese that has been softened to room temperature. I don’t recommend reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese because 1) it lacks flavor and 2) it has added water in it, which will actually make your filling soggy.
- Garlic powder. Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated. Yes, it’s extra work, but trust me, it is worth it. It tastes better, and it melts better.
- Green onion. It adds a light, peppery kick without being overpowering.
- Baby spinach. For the cream cheese filling.
- Shredded cheese. To cover the cream cheese peppers before baking them in the oven. I like using a Mexican cheese blend, but mozzarella cheese or sharp cheddar cheese work.
How to make cream cheese stuffed peppers
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep the peppers. Start by slicing your mini peppers lengthways, then remove any seeds and membranes inside.
Step 2- Make the filling. Next, prepare the filling by mixing all the ingredients, except for the shredded cheese.
Step 3- Stuff them. Now, spoon the peppers with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are tightly packed into them.
Step 4- Bake. Place the stuffed peppers onto a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden around the edges.
Step 5- Serve. Remove the peppers from the oven and serve immediately.
Recipe tips and variations
- Be sure to stuff the mini peppers very well. If there are leftover peppers, that is okay.
- If you can’t find mini bell peppers, you can use full-sized ones, provided they are on the smaller side.
- I recommend patting dry the peppers very well to ensure there is no excess moisture. There is nothing worse that soggy baby bell peppers.
- Instead of cream cheese, use goat cheese, Boursin cheese, or even whipped feta cheese.
- Add chopped bacon, Italian sausage, or even ground beef.
- Swap out the mini peppers for whole-sized ones and serve them as an easy dinner recipe.
How to store leftovers
To store: Leftovers can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to five days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled cream cheese peppers in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Reheating: Cream cheese bell peppers should always be enjoyed warm, so either reheat them in a preheated oven or air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unless you are making meal-sized stuffed peppers, cooking them before stuffing them is unnecessary. These are mini bell peppers, and there is a risk of them becoming soggy if cooked for too long.
Each mini bell pepper with cream cheese has just 50 calories.
More appetizer recipes to try
- Air fryer smashed potatoes– Quick, crispy, and so good, I could eat them all.
- Lemon pepper wings– Chicken wings will always be the MVP of appetizers.
- Pork belly burnt ends– Sticky, sweet, and easy to make in advance.
- Popcorn chicken– My family reckons these are better than KFC.
- Armadillo eggs– These may sound odd, but they are meaty, cheesy, and delicious.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound mini bell peppers a mix of orange, yellow, and red
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese freshly gated
- 3 stalks green onions finely sliced
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the bell peppers lengthways and remove the seeds. In a mixing bowl, mix all the all the ingredients, except the shredded cheese.
- Place the stuffed peppers on the lined sheet and cover with the shredded cheese.
- Bake the peppers for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
This recipe was delicious! I was out of spinach, so I was missing 1 ingredient, but it was still very good. My husband said it was good too.
Thanks for sharing! We will have this recipe again!
These were a big hit at our monthly ladies’ luncheon. Sooo good! Will definitely be my go to recipe.
Thanks for the feedback! Glad to hear that 🙂
Do you add the spinach in whole or do you chop it up and then put into mixture? Also, do you remove spinach stem or put that in as well? Thank you!
Wow this must be so tasty and healthy. I like peppers and cream cheese so much.
Made these for a book club. They were a big hit. love your recipes!
Quick, easy and my husband ate everyone of them. I will double the recipe next time.
Hehehe yes!!! So you can enjoy some!
Yum – have only done with jalapenas. The colors make a really beautiful appetizer. Plus you can do my favorite and wrap a thin slice of bacon or procsiutto around and then bake.
This looks simple and delicious. Can’t wait to make these!
Do you know what the nutrition facts are if you switch it with whipped feta? I’m using this recipe for a health assignment.
I’m not sure, but you can easily calculate it yourself using myfitnesspal or similar 🙂
Delicious! I used 8 oz of cream cheese and 6 oz of Parmesan cheese. I also use two cloves of crushed garlic.
Super easy to make, but very bland for our tastes. Not saying I won’t make these again, but def have to get some kick out of the cream cheese to compliment the pepper, not have the pepper the only thing you taste. Followed the recipe with no alternations (this time).
Easy appy. Will make them soon