Introduction

Remember those times when hunger strikes, and you need something delicious and satisfying right now? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to sneak in a little extra protein without a lot of fuss. Well, friend, I’ve got just the thing that will make your taste buds sing and your busy schedule breathe a sigh of relief! This 5-Minute Protein Snack of Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers is an absolute game-changer. It’s so incredibly simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, it takes literally 5 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those moments you need a quick fix!
Easy: No fancy skills required here. If you can slice a pepper and mash some cheese, you’ve got this!
Giftable: While they’re best fresh, you could totally make a batch ahead for a cute little appetizer to bring to a friend’s house.
Crowd-pleasing: The sweet peppers, the savory cheese, and that little kick from the seasoning? It’s a flavor combo everyone adores.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what makes these little bites so special. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, using just a few pantry staples:

1/2 lb mini sweet peppers: These are our colorful, crunchy vessels! Look for a mix of reds, yellows, and oranges for a beautiful presentation.
1/4 cup fat-free feta cheese: I love using fat-free feta for a lighter touch, but feel free to use regular feta if that’s what you have on hand. It adds a lovely salty tang.
2 light Laughing Cow cheddar cheese wedges: These are my secret weapon for creamy, dreamy cheese filling! They melt beautifully and add a mild cheddar flavor that’s super kid-friendly too.
Everything bagel seasoning, to taste: This stuff is magic in a jar. It adds a delightful crunch and a savory flavor explosion with every bite.
1/2 tsp chili crunch, oil drained: This is optional, but oh-so-worth it if you like a little warmth. Draining the oil keeps the peppers from getting too greasy. It adds a fantastic texture and a subtle heat.
Optional: Green onions or fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish: A little pop of green makes them look extra special and adds a fresh herbaceous note.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! Grab your cutting board and a fork, and let’s whip these up. It’s so easy, you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard.

Prep the Peppers: First things first, grab your mini sweet peppers. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Then, carefully scoop out the seeds and any white pith. You want a nice hollow space to fill!
Mix the Cheesy Goodness: In a small bowl, add your fat-free feta cheese and the two Laughing Cow cheddar cheese wedges. Now, grab a fork and mash these together until they’re nicely combined and creamy. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; a little texture is nice!
Stuff ‘Em Up: Take a spoonful of that glorious cheese mixture and generously spoon it into each of your hollowed-out pepper halves. Pile it up a bit – we want plenty of cheesy goodness in every bite.
Add the Flavor Burst: Now for the fun part! Sprinkle your stuffed peppers with that irresistible everything bagel seasoning. Then, if you’re using it, add a pinch of the drained chili crunch for a little heat and texture.
Garnish (If You Fancy!): If you’re feeling a little extra, finely chop some green onions or your favorite fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and sprinkle them over the top. It really makes these snacks look and taste even more gourmet!

Substitutions & Additions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Don’t have a specific ingredient? No problem! Let’s get creative:

Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of feta or Laughing Cow, try using cream cheese with a little grated cheddar, or even a dollop of ricotta. Goat cheese is also a fantastic option for a tangier flavor.
Spice It Up (or Down!): Love heat? Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese mixture or a bit more chili crunch. If you prefer no heat, just skip the chili crunch altogether.
Herb Heaven: Feel free to mix in finely chopped chives, dill, or even a little minced garlic into the cheese filling for an extra flavor boost.
Protein Power: For an even heartier snack, stir in a little finely chopped cooked chicken or turkey, or even some mashed chickpeas into the cheese mixture.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make these snacks absolutely perfect every single time:

Peppers are Key: Choose peppers that are firm and fresh for the best crunch and sweetness.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the cheese, try not to overstuff the peppers, or the filling might slide out when you pick them up.
Drain That Oil: If you’re using chili crunch, make sure to drain off as much excess oil as you can before sprinkling. This prevents a greasy finish.
Prep Ahead Hack: You can slice your peppers and mix your cheese filling a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When hunger strikes, just stuff and season!

How to Store It

These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to keep them:

Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The peppers will lose a little of their crunch over time, but they’ll still be delicious. I like to make them right before I’m ready to eat them for the absolute best texture.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can slice the peppers and mix the cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and stuff them just before serving for optimal freshness and crunch.
Are these spicy? They can be! The chili crunch adds a mild warmth. If you prefer them completely mild, simply omit the chili crunch.
What kind of peppers should I use? Mini sweet peppers are ideal because they are naturally sweet and have a good size for stuffing.

Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

A quick and easy 5-minute protein snack made with cheese-stuffed mini peppers. These are fast, simple, and crowd-pleasing.

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Prep Time 5

Equipment

Cutting board
Fork
Small bowl

Ingredients

Main ingredients

0.5 lb mini sweet peppers Look for a mix of reds, yellows, and oranges for a beautiful presentation.
0.25 cup fat-free feta cheese Or regular feta if that's what you have on hand.
2 wedges light Laughing Cow cheddar cheese wedges
to taste everything bagel seasoning
0.5 tsp chili crunch Optional, oil drained.
green onions or fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) Optional, for garnish.

Instructions

Slice each mini sweet pepper in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the seeds and any white pith to create a hollow space.
In a small bowl, combine the fat-free feta cheese and the Laughing Cow cheddar cheese wedges. Mash together with a fork until nicely combined and creamy. Some texture is okay.
Spoon the cheese mixture generously into each hollowed-out pepper half.
Sprinkle the stuffed peppers with everything bagel seasoning. If using, add a pinch of drained chili crunch.
Optional: Finely chop green onions or fresh herbs and sprinkle over the top for garnish.

Notes

These are best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They will lose some crunch over time.