Warm up your holidays with this show-stopping Holiday Cheesy Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers recipe! These colorful, cheesy-filled peppers are a festive and delightful side dish or appetizer that’s sure to delight your guests. Get ready to wow the crowd with this creative, flavor-packed dish that’s both cozy and elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Cheesy Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers
Embrace the spirit of the season with this irresistible, festive dish! The combination of zesty pumpkin peppers, melty cheeses, and savory spices creates a truly craveable, comforting experience. These stuffed peppers are not only visually stunning, but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Serve them as a showstopping appetizer or a cozy, family-friendly side that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a delightful mix of vibrant pumpkin peppers, creamy cheeses, and warm, aromatic seasonings. You’ll need pumpkin peppers, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese Varieties: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheese varieties, such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or gouda.
- Spices: You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or swapping the Italian seasoning for a Mexican-inspired blend.
How to Make Holiday Cheesy Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers
Let’s dive into the easy, step-by-step instructions for creating these festive, flavor-packed stuffed peppers!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the pumpkin peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until well-incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Carefully spoon the creamy cheese mixture into the hollowed-out pumpkin pepper halves, filling them to the top. Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the stuffed peppers for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a beautiful, festive presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Zest it Up: For a zestier version, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese filling.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, for a tangy twist.
- Signature Touches: To make these peppers even more special, try topping them with crispy bacon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Dietary Needs: To make these stuffed peppers vegetarian, simply omit the bacon garnish (if using) and ensure the cheeses you select are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted meats, hearty stews, or holiday spreads.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the peppers up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the stuffed peppers, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These festive stuffed peppers are a delightful way to enjoy the season’s bounty. Each serving provides a satisfying blend of creamy, melty cheeses, along with the benefits of nutrient-dense pumpkin peppers. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a cozy and indulgent addition to your holiday menu.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peppers up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the stuffed peppers, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to serve, pop them in the oven and bake as directed.
How do I know when the peppers are done?
The peppers are ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender when pierced with a fork. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.
Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely! While pumpkin peppers are the star of this dish, you can easily substitute with other bell peppers, such as red, yellow, or orange. The stuffing process and baking instructions will remain the same.
How can I make these vegetarian?
To make these stuffed peppers vegetarian, simply omit the bacon garnish (if using) and ensure the cheeses you select are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Do these peppers reheat well?
Yes, these stuffed peppers reheat beautifully. Simply place them in a preheated oven or microwave until warmed through. The cheese may not be as melty, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Mushrooms
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Milkshake
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip With Tortilla Chips
Delightful Holiday Cheesy Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Holiday Cheesy Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers are a festive treat, combining the flavors of roasted pumpkin, savory cheese, and aromatic spices, perfect for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
4 medium-sized bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
1 small pumpkin, peeled and diced
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a large bowl, mix the diced pumpkin, cooked quinoa, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the mixture into the hollowed bell peppers.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
These stuffed peppers can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven. Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients, such as black beans or corn for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, holiday recipe, cheesy, vegetarian