Name: Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound mini sweet peppers (halved lengthwise and seeded); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup diced pimentos (drained); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for an irresistibly colorful and crowd-pleasing appetizer, let me introduce you to Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers. This Southern-inspired bite combines the creamy, tangy richness of homemade pimento cheese with the crunch and sweetness of fresh mini peppers. It’s a quick, no-cook recipe that disappears fast at gatherings and is guaranteed to add a pop of flavor and fun to any party platter. Whether you’re a pimento cheese aficionado or new to this classic spread, you’ll fall in love with how the bold flavors and playful presentation turn simple ingredients into a true showstopper.

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re about to see just how easy it is to gather the essentials for Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers. Each item in this recipe brings its own special magic, from creaminess and crunch to vibrant color and tang. Don’t be tempted to skip a single one — together, they create the perfect bite!

Mini Sweet Peppers: Their natural sweetness and crunch make the perfect edible cups for the creamy filling, plus their colors are simply irresistible on a platter!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold, tangy backbone that balances the richness of the filling and adds a little punch.
Cream Cheese: Softens the texture of the filling, making it delightfully creamy and easy to pipe or spoon inside the peppers.
Mayonnaise: Adds silkiness and just a hint of traditional Southern flavor to round everything out.
Diced Pimentos: The star ingredient in classic pimento cheese, they offer mild sweetness and that signature pop of red.
Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion Powder: Lends a gentle savoriness and a well-rounded taste.
Smoked Paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness, which perfectly complements the sweet peppers and creamy cheese.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite; be sure to taste and adjust as needed.
Chopped Fresh Chives (optional): Sprinkled on top for a touch of color and a fresh, mild onion note — highly recommended!

How to Make Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Step 1: Mix Up the Pimento Cheese Filling

Grab a medium bowl and add the shredded sharp cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a good pinch of both salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s beautifully smooth and spreadable. If you’re craving a bit of heat, toss in a dash of your favorite hot sauce — this is your moment to riff!

Step 2: Prep the Mini Peppers

Wash and dry your mini sweet peppers, then slice them lengthwise and scoop out any seeds and membranes. These little boats are now perfectly prepped to be filled with creamy pimento cheese. Their natural curves and bright hues make them look inviting right from the start.

Step 3: Fill the Peppers

Using a small spoon or a piping bag (for those who like a little extra flourish!), generously fill each pepper half with the pimento cheese mixture. Be generous, but not overflowing — you want each one to be a neat, bite-sized treat without too much messiness.

Step 4: Garnish and Chill

Arrange the filled peppers on your favorite serving platter. For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives. These can be served right away, or you can pop them in the fridge to chill for up to 24 hours before your gathering. That’s it — gorgeous, vibrant, and ready to eat!

How to Serve Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Garnishes

For an extra layer of color and freshness, sprinkle the finished peppers with a flurry of chopped fresh chives or even a touch of smoked paprika. If you want to make them really pop, you could also add a few finely diced red onions or jalapeño slices on top for a fun, spicy kick!

Side Dishes

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers pair well with all sorts of party nibbles. Arrange them alongside crisp crudités, buttery crackers, or a simple green salad. They’re also fantastic with grilled meats or as part of a Southern-inspired grazing board piled high with pickles, olives, and other small bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, arrange the stuffed peppers in a rainbow pattern or in circles radiating out from the center of a round platter. You can even offer a warm version by broiling the filled peppers for a couple of minutes until the tops are beautifully bubbly and golden. Don’t be afraid to pile them high — they’ll vanish quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers left after your event, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days, though you may lose a little of that initial crunch from the peppers over time.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze these, the texture of the peppers and the creamy filling is best enjoyed fresh or chilled rather than thawed. If you do freeze, seal them tightly and consume within a month, but be prepared for a slightly softer bite after thawing.

Reheating

For a warm, melty twist, place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely — you want the cheese bubbly and gooey, but not burnt. This little step turns Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers into almost an entirely new treat!

FAQs

Can I make Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This makes them a perfect stress-free party snack.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are naturally gluten-free, as there are no breadcrumbs, crackers, or flour in the recipe. Just make sure any additional garnishes or dippers are also gluten-free, if needed.

Can I use store-bought pimento cheese instead?

You sure can, especially if you’re pressed for time. Just pick your favorite brand and fill the mini peppers as directed. However, the homemade version has a vibrant, customizable flavor you truly can’t beat.

Can I make these spicy?

Definitely! Add a generous splash of hot sauce or some finely diced jalapeño to the cheese filling for that extra heat. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or serve with sliced hot peppers for a spicy upgrade.

What’s the best way to transport these to a party?

Arrange the stuffed mini peppers in a single layer in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Line the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep everything tidy and intact during the trip.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a game day gathering, or just treating yourself to a flavorful, fresh snack, give Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers a try. They’re bright, creamy, and ever so shareable — the kind of easy appetizer that wins rave reviews every single time. Go ahead and bring a little Southern flair to your next get-together. You (and your guests) will be so glad you did!

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 20 stuffed pepper halves 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and with a hint of spice, they are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pimento Cheese Filling:

1 pound mini sweet peppers (halved lengthwise and seeded)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced pimentos (drained)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, prepare the pimento cheese filling: Combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Stuff the mini peppers: Spoon or pipe the pimento cheese mixture into the halved mini peppers.
Garnish and serve: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter. Garnish with fresh chives if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.