When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing quite like the versatility and flavor that mini peppers bring to the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a flavorful side dish, these little peppers are sure to please. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to work with! Simply slice them up, add your favorite ingredients, and let the magic happen.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 delicious mini pepper recipes that are sure to satisfy any craving. From classic combinations like stuffed mini peppers with cream cheese to more adventurous options like grilled mini peppers with balsamic glaze, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab some mini peppers and let’s get cooking!
Stuffed Mini Peppers with Cream Cheese
Brighten up your meals with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines sweet mini peppers with a tangy cream cheese filling.
Ingredients:
- 12-15 mini bell peppers, any color
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut off the tops of the mini peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, melted butter, and parsley until smooth.
- Stuff each pepper with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Pepper Nachos with Ground Beef
Mini Pepper Nachos with Ground Beef Recipe
Enjoy a flavorful and bite-sized snack or appetizer with this simple recipe for Mini Pepper Nachos with Ground Beef.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– 8 mini bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the skillet; cook until the mixture is fully incorporated.
4. Cut the mini bell peppers in half and remove seeds and membranes.
5. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each pepper half.
6. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Roasted Mini Peppers with Garlic and Herbs
Roasted Mini Peppers with Garlic and Herbs: A flavorful and aromatic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 sprig of fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together mini peppers, garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme until evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mini Pepper Pizzas with Mozzarella
A sweet and savory twist on traditional pizza, these bite-sized mini pepper pizzas are perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 mini bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Stuff each pepper with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. Top with optional parsley or oregano, if desired.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Mini Peppers with Balsamic Glaze
Add a pop of color and flavor to your summer gatherings with this easy-to-make recipe. These grilled mini peppers are sweet, smoky, and tangy, perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini bell peppers (any color)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the mini peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the peppers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and slightly charred.
4. Remove from heat and brush with balsamic glaze.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Pepper Stir-Fry with Chicken
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious snack or light meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. With its blend of sweet bell peppers, savory chicken, and aromatic spices, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 2 mini bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, bell peppers, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Mini Pepper Fajitas with Shrimp
Savor the flavor of mini peppers packed with succulent shrimp and sizzling spices in this quick and easy recipe.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4-6 mini bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 small flour tortillas
• Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro for toppings
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked (about 2-3 minutes per side).
5. Add sliced mini peppers to the skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble fajitas by placing cooked shrimp and pepper mixture onto tortillas.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Mini Pepper Salad with Feta and Olives
A flavorful and refreshing side dish perfect for gatherings or everyday meals. This mini pepper salad is a delightful combination of sweet bell peppers, tangy feta cheese, and savory olives.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 mini bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the bell pepper slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a bowl, combine the roasted peppers, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Drizzle with white wine vinegar and season to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mini Pepper Tacos with Pulled Pork
Mini Pepper Tacos with Pulled Pork: A flavorful twist on traditional tacos!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pulled pork (cooked and shredded)
– 12 mini bell peppers, any color
– 8-10 taco-sized corn tortillas
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, crumbled queso fresco
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the mini peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Fill a piping bag with pulled pork or use a spoon to fill each pepper.
4. Place the peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
7. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds.
8. Assemble tacos by placing a pepper on each tortilla, adding cilantro and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (peppers) + 30 seconds (tortillas)
Mini Pepper Bruschetta with Tomatoes
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful and colorful mini pepper bruschetta, featuring sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini bell peppers, any color
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the mini bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers, followed by garlic and salt.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, mix cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. To assemble, place a roasted mini bell pepper on each plate, top with a spoonful of tomato mixture, and finish with chopped basil leaves (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: 12-15 servings
Mini Pepper Soup with Lentils
This comforting soup is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. The sweetness of the bell peppers pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of lentils, making for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 mini bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, then add lentils and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mini Pepper Kebabs with Halloumi
Succulent peppers and creamy halloumi cheese come together in a delightful flavor combination, perfect for a quick and easy snack or appetizer. This recipe is ideal for warm weather gatherings or any time you crave a little sunshine on your plate.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread 2-3 peppers and a few pieces of halloumi onto each skewer.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until peppers are tender and cheese is golden brown.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mini Pepper Casserole with Rice
A flavorful and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This mini pepper casserole with rice is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the sweetness of peppers with the comfort of a warm casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 mini bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add sliced peppers to the skillet; cook for an additional 5 minutes or until tender.
5. Combine cooked rice, pepper mixture, paprika, salt, and pepper in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mini Pepper Stir-Fry with Tofu
This recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic stir-fry, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer. The mini bell peppers add a pop of color and sweetness to balance out the savory tofu.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 mini bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the bell pepper strips and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the tofu to the pan and stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Pepper Dip with Avocado
This creamy dip is a perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors, with the added bonus of being incredibly easy to make. Serve it at your next gathering for a deliciously different snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12-15 mini bell peppers, seeded and sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the mashed avocado, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Arrange the mini pepper slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the avocado mixture onto each pepper slice.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is lightly set.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mini Pepper Wraps with Hummus
Discover the perfect snack or appetizer with these adorable mini pepper wraps filled with creamy hummus.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade hummus
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the mini bell peppers and remove any seeds or membranes.
3. Place the peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cut side up.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the peppers and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Spread about 1 tablespoon of hummus onto each cooled pepper.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Pepper Quiche with Spinach
These mini quiches are perfect for a snack or appetizer, and can be easily customized to suit your taste. With the combination of sweet bell peppers and savory spinach, you’ll love these bite-sized treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups pie crust dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 3 mini bell peppers, sliced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out pie crust dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Spoon mixture onto one half of the pie crust, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and fold other half of pie crust over filling.
6. Crimp edges to seal and cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or triangles).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Pepper Salsa with Corn
This mini pepper salsa recipe combines the natural sweetness of corn with a burst of spicy flavor from mini peppers. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this delicious condiment is also great for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mini bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine mini peppers, corn kernels, and red onion.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in under 5 minutes.
Summary
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 18 delicious and flavorful mini pepper recipes! From classic stuffed peppers to innovative dishes like nachos, pizzas, and stir-fries, there’s something for everyone. Try roasting them with garlic and herbs, grilling with balsamic glaze, or using them in salads, soups, and casseroles. These bite-sized peppers are the perfect canvas for your favorite ingredients and flavors. Whether you’re a meat-lover, vegetarian, or vegan, there’s a mini pepper recipe to suit your taste buds.
