Prepare to fall in love with a dish that’s as stunning on your table as it is on your palate: Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers. This is one of those recipes that effortlessly bridges the gap between impressive and approachable. Sweet, vibrant bell peppers become edible vessels for a creamy, herby goat cheese filling that packs just the right amount of tang and freshness. Whether you serve these as a show-stopping appetizer or a light lunch, Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers always delight both the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers, the ingredients are refreshingly simpleโyet each plays a pivotal role. Hereโs what youโll need to make these delightful bites burst with color, flavor, and texture.
- Bell Peppers: Pick a variety of colors for a beautiful, sweet medley that roasts to tender perfection.
- Goat Cheese: Opt for a creamy, tangy goat cheeseโit offers a luxurious texture and distinctive flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (like parsley, chives, basil, or dill): Brighten up the filling and add aromatic depth with your favorite herb combination.
- Garlic: Minced garlic lends a mellow kick that infuses each bite with flavor.
- Lemon Zest: This bit of citrus livens up the cheese and herbs, providing a fresh, zippy contrast.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle brings out the best in the peppers during roasting and adds a subtle richness.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is keyโtaste as you go to make the filling just right.
How to Make Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Start by washing the bell peppers thoroughly. Slice each pepper in half from top to bottom, and gently scoop out the seeds and membranes. If the peppers donโt sit flat, you can slice a tiny bit off the bottom to steady them in your baking dishโno wobbles allowed!
Step 2: Make the Herb & Goat Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, your choice of finely chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a fork to blend everything together until itโs creamy, fragrant, and speckled with bright green flecks of herbs. Give it a little tasteโthis is your chance to tweak the seasoning.
Step 3: Fill the Peppers
Using a spoon, generously fill each pepper half with the herby goat cheese mixture. Smooth the tops lightly, but donโt worry about perfectionโthe filling will settle as it bakes, and a rustic look only adds to their charm.
Step 4: Drizzle and Bake
Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a casserole dish. Drizzle them with a little olive oil so the edges caramelize beautifully in the oven. Bake at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 20โ25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is slightly golden on top.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This short wait helps the flavors settle and prevents any molten cheese mishaps!
How to Serve Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and color, finish your Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, a light zesting of lemon, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts. These final touches make every bite a little more memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair these peppers alongside a crisp green salad, a scoop of quinoa, or warm slices of crusty bread. Their bright flavors complement grilled chicken or fish as well, so feel free to make them a centerpiece or part of a larger feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the peppers upright for an elegant look, or slice each into bite-sized portions for easy appetizers at your next gathering. For a burst of color, alternate red, yellow, and orange peppers on your platterโa surefire conversation starter at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a gift for future you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy them cold or give them a quick refresh in the oven before serving again.
Freezing
While goat cheese maintains its texture well, the peppers may soften slightly after freezing. If you want to freeze, arrange the cooled stuffed peppers on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Theyโll keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven for 10โ15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it may cause the peppers to weep and lose their lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in place of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While the tanginess of goat cheese is signature to Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers, ricotta, feta, or a creamy vegan cheese will also work beautifullyโjust adjust seasonings to your liking.
Do I need to roast the peppers before stuffing?
No pre-roasting required. The peppers bake perfectly while stuffed, becoming gently tender without losing their structure. It makes the preparation easy and streamlines your kitchen time.
Which herbs pair best with goat cheese in this recipe?
Fresh parsley, chives, basil, and dill all shine in Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers. Try experimenting with whatโs in season or your favorite combination for a custom flavor twist.
Can Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers be served cold?
Yes! Theyโre just as delicious served chilled as they are warm, making them a versatile dish for packed lunches, picnics, or party platters.
Are these gluten-free?
Definitely. Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers are naturally gluten-free, making them a wonderful choice for gatherings where dietary preferences vary.
Final Thoughts
If youโre looking for a dish that sparkles with personality and flavor, donโt miss out on Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers. Theyโre the kind of recipe that wins fans at first bite and keeps people coming back for moreโso gather your ingredients and let this colorful, delicious classic become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintHerb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15โ18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed pepper halves (about 6โ8 appetizer servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These colorful Herb & Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers make the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Sweet mini bell peppers are filled with a creamy, tangy goat cheese mixture blended with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and garlic. Baked until tender and slightly caramelized, they offer a beautiful, flavorful bite that’s both elegant and effortless. Suitable for vegetarians and naturally gluten-free, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Peppers
- 12 mini bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
For the Herb & Goat Cheese Filling
- 6 oz (170 g) fresh goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Extra herbs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Prep the Peppers
Slice the mini bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Arrange them, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with 1 teaspoon olive oil. - Mix the Goat Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon zest, chives, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash and mix with a fork until the mixture is smooth and the herbs are evenly distributed. - Stuff the Peppers
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each pepper half generously with the goat cheese mixture, smoothing the top as needed. Drizzle the stuffed peppers with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. - Bake
Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for 15โ18 minutes, until the peppers are just tender and the cheese is lightly golden on top. - Garnish & Serve
Transfer stuffed peppers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with extra fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute the fresh herbs with 2 teaspoons of dried mixed herbs if fresh are unavailable, but fresh herbs give the best flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- These stuffed peppers can be assembled up to a day ahead and baked right before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge and can be gently reheated or enjoyed cold.
- You can use full-sized sweet bell peppers (quartered) if mini peppers aren’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed pepper halves
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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