The Most Delicious Cheesy Sweet Pepper Poppers

If you love a good appetizer (like I do), you will adore these Cheesy Sweet Pepper Poppers! 

Aside from the tong twister, they are so easy to make and are ready to pop in the oven in less than 15 minutes. Using a handful of simple ingredients, you can have an amazing appetizer to bring to gatherings that everyone will love. 

Since I discovered these mini sweet peppers, I needed to use them in a recipe as they are SO cute and flavorful. And just like bell peppers, they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a superfood that I simply couldn’t close my eyes to. 

I just love how these sweet mini peppers blend with the cream cheese and parmesan filling. Despite being bite-sized, each popper packs a punch of flavor and leaves you feeling satisfied without being overly heavy. They’re the kind of appetizer you can indulge in without the guilt. And let’s not forget how irresistibly cute they are! Their perfect little size makes them almost too adorable to eat… almost.

What makes these Mini Pepper Poppers so great?

What makes these Mini Pepper Poppers amazing is their combination of vibrant flavors and crunchy texture. The sweetness of the mini peppers pairs perfectly with the cheeses, while just a hint of heat from the chili peppers transforms each bite into a flavor explosion. 

These poppers are the perfect party pleaser—bite-sized, colorful, and visually appealing, they’ll surely stand out on any appetizer table. Plus, the recipe is adaptable to your taste! You can easily adjust the heat with more or fewer chili peppers, or experiment with different cheeses, making this dish versatile and fun to customize.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• These Pepper Poppers are extremely easy to make, no special equipment needed, and no complicated techniques. Plus, it takes a total of 15 minutes to prep and another 30 in the oven, or if you’re like me and like things to go fast – pop them in the airfryer and they are done in 10 minutes! 
• It’s a low-calorie treat that still hits the spot. These poppers are delicious and satisfying thanks to the cheesy filling. Always a pleasure to eat!
• It’s a great appetizer to share at parties or gatherings. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also look fabulous and inviting. I guarantee you, they will be gone faster than you can say Cheesy Sweet Pepper Poppers.

Ingredients

Mini sweet peppers – Mini bell peppers, cherry peppers, pimiento, or sweet peppers – call them as you will! They are so cute and delicious and taste sweeter than the regular bell peppers. 

Chili peppers – These add just the right amount of heat to give the poppers a nice kick. If you prefer a milder version or want to make them kid-friendly, feel free to opt for less spicy chili varieties or omit them altogether.

Parmesan cheese – The sharp, nutty flavor of parmesan brings depth to the cream cheese filling, making it not only rich but also wonderfully gooey when baked.

Olive oil – Just a drizzle of olive oil helps the peppers roast to perfection, ensuring they come out tender with a hint of crispiness around the edges. It also enhances the overall flavor.

Salt & pepper – The two essential ingredients that bring out the best in all the other flavors.

Oregano – Optional but highly recommended if you’re looking to add an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor. 

Tips for making the best Cheesy Sweet Pepper Poppers

• Creamy Filling Options: Feel free to play around with the cheeses. If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you could substitute with feta, ricotta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. For an extra kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the mix.
• Air Fryer Shortcut: As mentioned earlier, using an air fryer can save time and give the peppers a crispier texture in less time. 
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare these poppers ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking or air frying. This makes them a convenient option for when you’re hosting or bringing a dish to a party.

Cheesy Sweet Pepper Poppers

Course: Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: InternationalDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

13

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

These Cheesy Sweet Pepper Poppers are a must-try for anyone looking to create a simple, delicious, and (slightly) healthier appetizer. Whether you’re enjoying them for a quiet night in or taking them to a get-together, I guarantee you – everyone will love them!

Ingredients

• 10 mini sweet peppers

• 2 chili peppers

• 250g cream cheese

• 30g grated parmesan cheese (20g filling + 10g for garnishing)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• Oregano (optional)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 200C / 400F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Wash the sweet peppers, then slice them in half lengthwise, removing the stems and seeds.
• Wash and thinly slice the chili peppers.
• To make the filling, combine the cream cheese, sliced chili peppers, 20g of parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
• Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each sweet pepper half, filling them generously. Arrange the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking tray and sprinkle the remaining 10g of parmesan cheese over the tops.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the peppers are tender.
• Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Notes

• Instead of using the oven, pop them in the air fryer at 200C for 10 min.