**Savory Stuffed Mini Peppers with Cream Cheese and Herbs**
These delightful stuffed mini peppers are the perfect appetizers for any gathering! Colorful, creamy, and bursting with flavor, they are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
**Ingredients:**
– 12 mini sweet peppers (any color)
– 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
– Olive oil (for drizzling)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Peppers:**
Wash the mini sweet peppers thoroughly. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. **Make the Filling:**
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.
4. **Stuff the Peppers:**
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each mini pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy – you can mound the filling a little above the edges of the peppers for a generous portion!
5. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:**
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers to enhance flavor and help them crisp up during baking.
6. **Bake:**
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is slightly golden.
7. **Serve:**
Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with extra herbs if desired.
8. **Enjoy:**
Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer for your next party or family gathering!
**Tip:** These stuffed mini peppers can also be made ahead of time. Prepare and fill them, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.
Enjoy your flavorful and colorful appetizers that are sure to be a hit!