Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Irresistible Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers Recipe for Any Table

Vibrant bell peppers make this cream cheese stuffed peppers recipe a mouthwatering surprise for weeknight dining.

Colorful ingredients peek through the golden-baked exterior, promising delightful flavors in every bite.

Each pepper transforms into a delectable vessel filled with creamy, seasoned goodness.

Herbs and spices dance alongside smooth cheese, creating a harmony that makes you want to dive right in.

Simple techniques bring this dish together without complicated steps or extensive prep work.

Robust and satisfying, these stuffed peppers will become your new favorite comfort meal.

You’ll find yourself craving these irresistible little flavor bombs that come together in no time.

Serve these peppers and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!

Tips That Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers Stand Out

  • Customize Cheese Selection: Swap cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile, allowing personal taste and kitchen availability to guide your cheese choice.
  • Prep Peppers Perfectly: Pat bell peppers dry after washing to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture and preventing soggy stuffed peppers.
  • Control Filling Consistency: Adjust cream cheese mixture thickness by adding more or less sour cream, creating a personalized creamy or firmer filling based on preference.
  • Maximize Vegetable Nutrition: Use multicolored bell peppers to increase visual appeal and provide diverse nutrient profiles, making the dish more nutritionally balanced.
  • Explore Dietary Adaptations: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version or use low-fat alternatives to create a lighter, health-conscious recipe option.

Store and Reheat Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers Smartly

  • Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool them completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
  • Warm peppers in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning and maintain moisture.
  • Quickly reheat individual peppers for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Check temperature halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Enjoy reheated peppers within 2 days for optimal taste and texture. Fresh peppers always taste better than multiple reheated portions.

Pairings That Work with Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

  • The wine's zesty, herbaceous notes beautifully complement the creamy, rich stuffed peppers, cutting through the cheese's richness while enhancing the bell pepper's natural sweetness.
  • These lean protein skewers provide a perfect protein companion, adding a smoky charred element that balances the peppers' creamy, tangy filling and creates a complete, satisfying meal.
  • A light, refreshing quinoa salad with fresh herbs and lemon vinaigrette offers a bright, textural contrast to the dense, cheesy peppers, creating a well-rounded and nutritionally balanced plate.
  • This cool, smooth soup provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, creamy stuffed peppers, introducing a clean, light element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Add Your Own Twist to Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Vegetarian Cheese Blend: Swap traditional cheeses with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture and rich flavor.

Low-Carb Zucchini Boats: Replace bell peppers with zucchini halves, maintaining the same stuffing technique and baking method for a lower-carbohydrate option that’s equally delicious.

Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and chopped cilantro into the cream cheese mixture for a bold, southwestern-inspired flavor profile that adds heat and complexity.

Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the cream cheese filling into a Mediterranean-inspired variation with bright, tangy notes.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers That Work as Dinner or a Snack

  • Cream cheese stuffed peppers deliver a delicious meal with minimal prep time, perfect for busy families wanting a quick, satisfying dinner solution.
  • Swap ingredients based on preferences- use different cheeses, add protein like ground meat, or experiment with spice levels to match your taste buds' adventure.
  • Bell peppers provide vitamin C and antioxidants while cream cheese adds protein and calcium, creating a balanced dish that feels indulgent yet supports healthy eating.
  • Serve as an appetizer at gatherings, side dish for barbecues, or main course for vegetarian friends, making these stuffed peppers a crowd-pleasing recipe that adapts to any occasion.

Ingredients to Fill Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Peppers:
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful vessels for delicious filling, choose firm and vibrant peppers with smooth skin and no blemishes, sweet and crisp taste.
Filling Base:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy base providing rich texture and smooth consistency, softened cream cheese ensures easy mixing.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds extra cheesy flavor and melty texture, choose sharp cheddar or mild cheese based on preference.
Seasoning:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor without added moisture, enhances overall taste profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and elevating the filling's taste, freshly ground black pepper recommended.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Herbs, Green Onions: Adds fresh brightness and color to the finished dish, chopped finely for best presentation.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Pepper Canvas

  • Crank oven to 375°F (190°C)
  • Slice bell peppers lengthwise
  • Remove seeds and inner membranes
  • Position peppers on parchment-lined baking sheet

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

Blend together in mixing bowl:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix ingredients until silky smooth and fully combined

Step 3: Fill Pepper Shells

  • Scoop cream cheese mixture into each pepper half
  • Press filling gently to cover entire pepper interior
  • Ensure even distribution of creamy goodness

Step 4: Transform in Oven

  • Slide stuffed peppers into preheated oven
  • Bake 25-30 minutes until peppers turn tender
  • Filling should become golden and bubbly
  • Optional: Broil 1-2 minutes for crispy top layer

Step 5: Add Final Flourish

  • Remove peppers from oven
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs or chopped green onions
  • Serve piping hot and savor immediately
Print
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Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy jalapeño poppers meet creamy comfort in this irresistible Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers recipe. Baked golden and packed with zesty flavor, these peppers deliver a mouthwatering blend of heat and richness that will have you craving more with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Peppers:

  • 12 mini bell peppers or large jalapenos

Cheeses:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped green onions or chives

Optional Toppings:

  • ¼ cup (30 grams) crumbled bacon or breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
  2. Carefully slice bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing all seeds and white membranes to create clean, even pepper boats for stuffing.
  3. Create the creamy filling by blending softened cream cheese with shredded cheese, stirring in sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
  4. Generously fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage and compact the filling into every crevice.
  5. Transfer the stuffed peppers to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them with space between each pepper to allow even heat circulation.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for peppers to become tender and filling to turn golden and slightly bubbly.
  7. For an optional crispy topping, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest briefly, then garnish with fresh chopped herbs or green onions to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
  9. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich, creamy texture and robust flavors of these delectable stuffed peppers.

Notes

  • Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to help them sit evenly and prevent tipping while baking.
  • Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and health preferences.
  • Pat peppers dry after washing to ensure the filling adheres properly and prevents excess moisture during baking.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles and add complexity to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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