Description
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers are a colorful, bite-sized appetizer combining the crunch of mini sweet peppers with a creamy, sweet-nutty filling of cream cheese, dried cranberries and pecans — perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or simple snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–15 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup pecans, chopped (toasted optional)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional but recommended)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise; remove seeds and membranes; set aside.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature (or briefly microwave for a few seconds, being careful not to melt).
- In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey (or maple syrup), optional orange zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each pepper half, smoothing the top.
- Optional: garnish with extra chopped cranberries, pecans, or fresh parsley/chives.
- Chill in refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before serving so flavors meld and filling firms up slightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use whipped cream cheese for lighter, fluffier filling.
- If allergic to nuts, substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or seeds (pumpkin/sunflower), or omit nuts entirely.
- For a warm version, lightly brush peppers with olive oil and roast at 375–400 °F (190–200 °C) until peppers soften and filling warms.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor and presentation.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate; stuff peppers just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: — (no cook) / optional roast 8–10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: No-bake (cold) — optional roast for warm version
- Cuisine: American / Casual / Holiday-Party
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed halves (~50 g)
- Calories: ≈ 80-100 kcal
- Sugar: ≈ 3-4 g
- Sodium: ≈ 60-80 mg
- Fat: ≈ 5-6 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈ 3-4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈ 1-2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 6-8 g
- Fiber: ≈ 1-2 g
- Protein: ≈ 2-3 g
- Cholesterol: ≈ 15-20 mg