The Best Stuffed Peppers as Appetizers

Stuffed peppers make a delightful and visually appealing appetizer, perfect for any occasion. Their vibrant colors and savory fillings are sure to impress your guests while also being easy to prepare. Below, we explore some of the best stuffed pepper recipes and tips to create mouthwatering appetizers that will enhance your gathering.

1. Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers

For those who love traditional flavors, classic stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic choice. Using large bell peppers, typically green or red, these can be filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned.
4. Stir in cooked rice, tomatoes, and seasoning. Mix until well combined.
5. Fill each pepper with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.

2. Vegetarian Stuffed Mini Peppers

If you're looking for a lighter option, vegetarian stuffed mini peppers are an excellent alternative. These bite-sized delights are perfect for a party or as finger food.

Ingredients:

• 15 mini sweet peppers
• 1 cup quinoa or couscous
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa or couscous according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked grains, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cumin.
3. Slice the tops off the mini peppers and remove seeds if necessary.
4. Stuff each pepper with the quinoa mixture and place them on a baking tray.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

3. Spicy Stuffed Jalapeños

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, spicy stuffed jalapeños are a must-try. These peppers are filled with a creamy cheese mixture and make for an addictive appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 10 large jalapeños
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds for a milder taste.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and garlic powder until smooth.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

4. Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

Add a Mediterranean twist to your appetizer spread with stuffed peppers filled with feta and olives. These peppers have a fresh, zesty flavor that’s sure to be a hit.