Classic Cheese and Everything Bagel-Stuffed Mini Peppers
These mini bell peppers are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and seasoned with everything bagel spice, then baked or air-fried to golden perfection. They make a perfect appetizer or snack.
Equipment
- Oven
- Air Fryer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Small Spoon
- Medium Bowl
- Piping Bag (optional)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12-16 count Mini Bell Peppers red, orange, yellow
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheese Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby-Jack
- 1-2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning divided
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives finely chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or air fryer to 350°F (175°C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper if using the oven.
- Wash the mini bell peppers, slice them in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds and pith, then arrange cut-side up on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
Filling & Baking
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, half of the everything bagel seasoning, and optional chives; season with salt and pepper and mix until smooth.
- Generously fill each mini pepper half with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Lightly sprinkle the remaining everything bagel seasoning over each stuffed pepper.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender and golden, or air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender-crisp and bubbly.
- Allow the peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving as they will be very hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can roast the mini peppers for a few minutes before filling them. The recipe is easily scalable; adjust ingredient quantities based on the number of servings needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.