Oh my goodness, can we just take a moment to appreciate Mediterranean cuisine? It’s like a vibrant tapestry of flavors that just dances on your taste buds! One of my absolute favorites has to be these Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers. They’re not just a feast for the eyes with their bright colors; they’re also a healthy and flavorful choice that’s perfect for any occasion. I remember the first time I made them for a gathering, and they disappeared within minutes! The combination of creamy feta, zesty olives, and that hint of garlic is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try these little gems, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers
Getting your ingredients together for these Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers is super simple, and you might even have some of these on hand already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 mini bell peppers — I love the vibrant colors, so grab a mix of red, yellow, and orange if you can!
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled — This brings that rich, tangy flavor that makes these peppers sing.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened — It adds a lovely creaminess that balances things out perfectly.
- 1/4 cup olives, chopped — I usually go for Kalamata for that bold flavor, but any olives you like will work.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped — They add a delightful sweetness and a touch of chewiness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped — Fresh herbs are a must for brightness!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder — Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic?
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper — Just enough for a little kick!
Feel free to get creative! You can swap in your favorite cheese or add in other veggies if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Prepare Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers
Now, let’s dive into the fun part — preparing these delicious Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers! Trust me, the process is just as delightful as the final product. Let’s get cooking!
Preheat the Oven
First thing’s first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because you want those peppers to roast perfectly and get all tender and lovely!
Prepare the Peppers
Next, grab your mini bell peppers and slice them in half lengthwise. Be careful with that knife! Once they’re halved, gently remove the seeds and membranes. This will help the filling shine through without any bitterness.
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, aiming for a creamy, somewhat thick texture. You want it to hold together nicely when you stuff those peppers!
Stuff the Peppers
Now for the fun part — stuffing! Take your filling and spoon it generously into each pepper half. Don’t be shy; pile it high! The more, the merrier, right?
Bake the Peppers
Place your stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the peppers are tender and slightly golden on top. Ah, that aroma wafting through your kitchen is absolutely heavenly!
Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, let the stuffed mini peppers cool for just a few minutes before serving. I love to serve these at gatherings; they’re always a hit! You can even drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze on top for an extra touch. Enjoy every bite, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy: These stuffed mini peppers are packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh veggies and creamy cheeses.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delightful bites ready to go in no time!
- Flavorful: The combination of feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Perfect for any meat-free gatherings or as a light snack, everyone will love them!
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the filling to your liking—add your favorite herbs or other veggies for a personal touch!
Nutritional Information for Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers
These Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers are not only delicious but also a smart choice for your health! Each serving, which consists of two stuffed peppers, packs about 150 calories. Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so feel free to adjust based on what you use!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing — this helps create a smooth filling without any lumps. Also, don’t overstuff the peppers; while it’s tempting to pack them tight, you want to ensure they cook evenly and don’t spill over. Keep an eye on them while they bake; oven temperatures can vary, so check for that tender texture around the 15-minute mark. Finally, let them cool a bit before serving to avoid burning your mouth on that delicious filling. Happy cooking!
Variations on Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers
The beauty of these Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers is how versatile they can be! If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try swapping the feta for goat cheese for a tangy twist. You could also add some spicy jalapeños to the filling for a kick! For an herbaceous touch, mix in fresh basil or dill alongside the parsley. If you’ve got some leftover grilled veggies, chop them up and throw them in the mix for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delicious Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is a breeze. Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but I recommend the oven for that perfect texture. Enjoy the deliciousness all over again!
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Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers: 5 Savory Delights to Enjoy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed mini peppers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mediterranean stuffed mini peppers are a delicious and healthy appetizer or side dish. They are filled with a savory mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices.
Ingredients
- 12 mini bell peppers
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix feta cheese, cream cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stuff each pepper half with the cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until peppers are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use any cheese of your choice.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to the filling.
- These can be made ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed peppers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Peppers