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When you’re planning your Christmas dinner menu, you need appetizers that look impressive, taste incredible, and won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen for hours. These stuffed mini peppers deliver on all fronts. This elegant Christmas food idea combines roasted sweet peppers with a luxurious goat cheese filling that’s sophisticated enough for holiday entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight cooking.
Whether you’re searching for Christmas dinner ideas, holiday baking inspiration, or festive appetizers, these stuffed mini peppers are your answer. They’re part of those Christmas cooking essentials that elevate your holiday meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s dive into how to create this stunning dish.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Stuffed Mini Peppers for Your Holiday Menu?
Stuffed mini peppers represent the perfect intersection of style and substance. Unlike many Christmas dessert ideas or complicated holiday treats, these savory bites come together quickly without sacrificing elegance. They work beautifully as part of your Christmas dinner recipes lineup because they’re:
- Naturally colorful and visually stunning
- Prepared in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for serving at room temperature
- Impressive enough for guests yet simple to execute
- An excellent alternative to traditional Christmas meals
- Naturally gluten-free and easily customizable
Complete Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these show-stopping stuffed mini peppers:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini sweet peppers | 1 lb | Various colors for visual appeal |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp | Quality oil enhances flavor |
| Goat cheese (softened) | 10 ounce log | Also called soft chèvre |
| Grated parmesan | 2/3 cup | 40g by weight for accuracy |
| Minced garlic | 1 tbsp | Fresh garlic recommended |
| Jalapeños | 2 | Seeded and finely chopped (1/3 cup) |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Plus additional for coating |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/4 tsp | To taste |
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare these Christmas dinner ideas perfectly, you’ll want these kitchen essentials:
- Oven , for roasting at precise temperatures
- Cutting board – for safely prepping your peppers
- Chef’s knives – for clean cuts through peppers and jalapeños
- Mixing bowls – for combining your filling
- Measuring cups and spoons set – for accurate ingredient portions
- Kitchen utensils – including spoons for filling peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these holiday treats is straightforward and requires no advanced cooking skills:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F, ensuring it reaches full temperature before you begin cooking.
- De-stem the mini peppers if desired (many cooks leave stems on for aesthetic presentation), then carefully cut each pepper in half lengthwise.
- Place the halved peppers in a bowl with the extra virgin olive oil and ¼ teaspoon of salt, tossing well to coat every surface evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, grated parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped jalapeños, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until thoroughly blended.
- Fill each pepper half with small spoonfuls of the cheese filling, creating a generous amount that comes slightly over the top of each pepper.
- Arrange the filled peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the peppers are soft and the cheese is golden brown on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving, allowing the filling to set slightly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Transform these Christmas cooking essentials into restaurant-quality appetizers with these expert techniques:
- Prep ahead: Prepare the cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container. Fill the peppers just before roasting for the freshest taste.
- Choose uniform peppers: Select mini peppers of similar size to ensure even cooking across your entire batch.
- Don’t skip the oil coating: The olive oil on the peppers’ exterior promotes even roasting and beautiful caramelization.
- Monitor the cheese: Watch carefully during the final 5 minutes of roasting. The golden edges indicate perfect doneness without drying out the filling.
- Customize the heat: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your guests’ spice preferences. Remove seeds and membranes for milder results.
- Serve with style: Arrange on a platter with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added visual appeal and these Christmas dinner ideas will truly stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed mini peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling up to two days ahead. Assemble the peppers (unfilled) and refrigerate them separately. Fill and roast just before serving for optimal texture and appearance.
What if I can’t find goat cheese?
Cream cheese mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice creates a similar texture. Alternatively, ricotta blended with feta cheese offers a comparable flavor profile for your holiday food ideas.
Are these Christmas dinner ideas suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian and contains no meat products. It’s perfect for accommodating diverse dietary needs at your Christmas meals.
Can I freeze these stuffed mini peppers?
While you can freeze the uncooked filled peppers for up to three months, they’re best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, add 5-10 extra minutes to the roasting time.
What should I serve with these holiday treats?
Pair these with crusty bread, a crisp white wine, or light salads. They work wonderfully alongside other Christmas dinner recipes and holiday food ideas.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store cooled peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently at 325°F for 10 minutes before serving.
PrintStuffed Mini Peppers with Goat Cheese: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
Elegant stuffed mini peppers filled with creamy goat cheese, sharp parmesan, and spicy jalapeños. Perfect for Christmas dinner ideas and holiday entertaining. Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 lb mini sweet peppers 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/4 tsp salt 10 ounce log goat cheese softened (soft chèvre) 2/3 cup grated parmesan (40g by weight) 1 tbsp minced garlic 2 jalapeños seeded and finely chopped (1/3 cup) 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425F. De-stem the peppers if desired, then cut each in half. Place in a bowl with olive oil and salt, and toss well to coat. In a large bowl, stir to combine the goat cheese, parmesan, garlic, jalapeno, and black pepper. Fill the cut peppers with small spoonfuls of filling, coming slightly over the tops. Roast the peppers for 20-25 minutes, until soft and cheese is golden on the edges.
Notes
Prep the filling up to 24 hours ahead. Customize heat level by adjusting jalapeño quantity. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Pairs well with crusty bread and white wine. Stores in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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