Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouth-watering Peppers Stuffed with Spiced Cheese! Imagine biting into a perfectly roasted bell pepper filled with a creamy, zesty cheese mixture that melts in your mouth and sends your taste buds on a flavor adventure. This Mexican-inspired dish is not just a recipe; it's a celebration of simple ingredients creating something truly spectacular that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and create a smooth, uniform cheese mixture.
- Carefully wash the bell peppers and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes, creating clean pepper boats for stuffing.
- Generously fill each pepper half with the prepared cheese mixture, spreading it evenly and slightly mounding the filling in the center of each pepper.
- Arrange the stuffed pepper halves on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve hot as a delicious appetizer or side dish, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them sit evenly on the baking sheet.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Don't overfill the peppers - leave a little space for the cheese to melt and expand.
- For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If you want a lower-carb option, these peppers work great as a main dish or appetizer.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some pepper jack for extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
