Cream Cheese Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Cream Cheese Stuffed Sweet Peppers Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Nutrition Values (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 5g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Ingredients:

• 12-18 small sweet peppers (assorted colors), halved and seeds removed
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peppers:

• The sweet peppers should be washed and dried by patting.
• Remove the seeds and membranes from each pepper by cutting it in half lengthwise.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl until fully blended and creamy.

1. Stuff the Peppers:

• Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each sweet pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Press the filling gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

1. Bake:

• Arrange the stuffed pepper halves on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened and the filling is heated through.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Once out of the oven, sprinkle the stuffed peppers with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Arrange the stuffed peppers on a serving platter and serve them warm.

Tips:

• You can adjust the level of spiciness by choosing sweet peppers with different heat levels. Bell peppers are milder, while banana peppers or Hungarian wax peppers can add a bit of heat.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients like cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
• These cream cheese stuffed sweet peppers make a fantastic appetizer for parties or a delicious side dish for meals.

Nutrition Notes:

• Sweet peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber.
• Cream cheese provides a creamy texture and contributes to the dish’s overall richness.
• The addition of cheddar cheese enhances the flavor and adds protein and calcium to the dish.
• Green onions and garlic contribute to both flavor and potential health benefits.
• Remember that the nutrition values provided are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes.