Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Love a little sweet heat? These stuffed cherry peppers are the perfect appetizer! Creamy, savory filling meets the zing of cherry peppers. Grab the recipe and 'mangia!'

Alright, let's dive into these bad boys!

Recipe Introduction: Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Cherry Peppers – The Perfect Bite!

Ever wondered what the perfect party snack is? honestly, these stuffed cherry peppers might just be it. we're talking a sweet kick meets creamy, savory goodness.

They're way more exciting than your average nibble.

These little flavor bombs hail from the italian-american culinary tradition. it is an easy recipe and takes about 20 minutes of prep time.

Chilling them is a must which requires at least an hour. this recipe yields around 12-16 peppers.

Why You'll Flip for These Hot Stuffed Cherry Peppers

The main benefit is the flavor explosion. sweet, spicy, creamy, savory. they're fantastic for parties, game days, or just when you fancy something a bit special.

What makes this recipe special? it's the perfect balance of sweet and heat. it is so good!

These stuffed sweet cherry peppers are just what the doctor ordered for a delightful get-together. imagine popping one of these marinated stuffed cherry peppers into your mouth – the initial sweetness quickly gives way to a satisfying warmth.

What You Need to Get Started

Let's gather our ingredients. Think creamy cheese, salty salami, and sweet, fiery peppers. Sounds tempting, right? Now, what are you waiting for, let's prep them and get started.

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need to make these awesome stuffed cherry peppers . trust me; it's all pretty straightforward.

I've kept it simple because nobody wants a recipe that feels like a chemistry lesson.

Getting Your Ingredients Sorted

First, the stars of the show: the sweet cherry peppers themselves. you'll want a 16-ounce jar (that's about 450g ).

Look for peppers that are firm and vibrant in colour. if they look a bit mushy in the jar, give them a miss.

Trust me on this one. i had some the other day that looked like they had been sitting on the shelf for way too long!.

A good quality pepper makes all the difference. remember, we are making hot stuffed cherry peppers , so fresh is best!.

The Creamy Stuff

For the filling, get 8 ounces (225g) of cream cheese. important : it needs to be properly softened. honestly, it's much easier than trying to mix cold cream cheese.

Also, grab 4 ounces (115g) of provolone cheese. dice it nice and small. then add in 2 ounces (55g) of hard salami, also finely diced.

For an extra bit of zest, get 2 tablespoons (30ml) of grated parmesan.

Seasoning Notes: Keep It Zesty

Now for the flavour magic! you'll need 1 minced clove of garlic (about a teaspoon). a quarter teaspoon (1.25ml) of dried oregano is a must.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat . don’t forget black pepper to taste.

You can swap the oregano for italian seasoning if you are feeling lazy. trust me. it will be great!.

Goat cheese stuffed peppers appetizers ? oh yes, we can sub cream cheese with goat cheese!. the taste will be more tangy.

You can even use goat cheese stuffed peppadews for this one.

Gear Up: What You'll Need

As for equipment, keep it simple: a couple of bowls (one small, one medium), a chopping board, a decent knife, and a spoon.

A small piping bag helps with the stuffing but is totally optional. also, cherry pepper recipes are best served cold, so you will need some time to chill the peppers in the fridge.

Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Cherry Peppers – The Perfect Bite!

Honestly, who can resist a good appetizer? these stuffed cherry peppers are next level. they’re that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory that just makes your taste buds sing.

Forget boring cheese and crackers; these will have everyone begging for the recipe. they are way better than goat cheese stuffed peppadews , and they're easy to adapt.

These aren't your basic vinegar-soaked peppers. we're talking about sweet cherry peppers transformed into bite-sized flavour bombs. you know? a creamy, cheesy filling that perfectly balances the mild heat of the pepper.

Trust me, these hot stuffed cherry peppers are a party in your mouth. i found myself trying chef john’s stuffed peppers and thinking “needs more zing!".

That is where the salami comes in.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Before we dive in, let's get organized. it's all about the mise en place , darling! first, drain that jar of marinated stuffed cherry peppers .

Then, finely dice the provolone and salami. mince your garlic. have your spices ready. soften that cream cheese too. this is how you make sure you do not get burnt.

Time-saving tip: prep everything ahead of time. you can even mix the filling the day before. hello make-ahead options ! just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

This appetizer is a winner.

From Zero to Hero: Stuffing Those Peppers

1. Drain the peppers. Gently slice a slit lengthwise. Then, carefully remove the seeds and membranes with a teaspoon.
2. (Optional) Soften the Bite: Toss the peppers with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. It takes the edge off. Let them sit while you mix the filling.
3. Make the Magic Filling: In a bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 4 ounces of diced provolone, 2 ounces of diced salami, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, 1 minced garlic clove , ¼ teaspoon of oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Mix.
4. Stuff 'Em Good: Use a small spoon to stuff each pepper with the cream cheese mixture. Pack it in tight!
5. Chill Out: Arrange the Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers Appetizers on a platter. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour . Longer is better, like overnight.

Pro Tips to Blow Your Mind

• Don't be shy with the spice . If you're into heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. Embrace the Cherry Bomb Pepper spirit!
• Common mistakes avoided? . Truly soften the cream cheese. It makes all the difference. Also, don't overstuff the peppers. You don't want an explosion of filling.
• Want to play with the recipe? Consider that some recipes about Cherry Pepper Recipes suggest using ricotta instead of cream cheese.

So, there you have it. sweet and spicy stuffed cherry peppers that are simple to make and a total crowd-pleaser.

Trust me, these will be the stars of your next gathering. now go forth and stuff those peppers. you won't regret it.

Recipe Notes for Perfect Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Alright, so you're about to make these stuffed cherry peppers ? ace! here are some extra bits and bobs to make sure they're absolutely banging.

Honestly, these little guys are way easier than they look. think of it as a flavor bomb, ready to explode with every bite!

Serving Suggestions: Show 'Em Off!

Right, let's talk plating. don't just chuck these hot stuffed cherry peppers on a plate! get fancy. think a rustic wooden board or a pretty patterned platter.

A sprig of basil or parsley adds a touch of class. these are gorgeous goat cheese stuffed peppers appetizers , and they deserve to be shown off.

For sides, keep it simple. some crusty bread or crostini is perfect for soaking up any creamy filling that might escape.

A nice glass of pinot grigio or even a cold beer will be spot on too. you know? something to cut through the richness.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh

Pop any leftover marinated stuffed cherry peppers in an airtight container. they'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, easy peasy.

The flavors actually meld together even more as they sit. bonus!

Freezing isn't ideal; the cream cheese filling can get a bit grainy when thawed. i wouldn't recommend it unless you're desperate.

Reheating? don't! these stuffed sweet cherry peppers are best served cold or at room temperature. it's all about that fresh, creamy burst.

Variations: Make 'Em Your Own!

Fancy a change? ditch the salami for some sun-dried tomatoes. it adds a lovely mediterranean twist. want to spice things up even more? a pinch of cayenne pepper in the filling will do the trick.

Boom!

For a dietary swap, try using a plant-based cream cheese alternative. No one will even notice the difference. Seriously, these little Pepper Poppers are super versatile, so get creative! You can even look at Chef John’s Stuffed Peppers version for more inspiration!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Look, i'm not gonna lie, these aren't exactly a health food. but a little bit of what you fancy does you good, right? they're packed with flavour and a decent bit of protein from the cheese and salami.

Just remember that they're fairly high in fat and sodium, so enjoy them in moderation. as a treat. think of it this way: a small indulgence with big flavor! cherry pepper recipes are delicious.

Also make sure to eat the cherry bomb pepper .

So there you have it! my top tips for making your stuffed cherry peppers a total success. get in the kitchen, have some fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.

You'll nail it, i promise!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are stuffed cherry peppers supposed to taste like? Are they really spicy?

Stuffed cherry peppers should offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory with a touch of heat. The sweetness comes from the cherry peppers themselves, while the filling provides a creamy, cheesy, and often salty contrast. Removing the seeds helps control the spice level, so they shouldn't be overwhelmingly hot, think more of a gentle warmth that builds slowly - not like eating a vindaloo after a night at the pub!

Can I make stuffed cherry peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making these ahead of time is highly recommended. The flavors meld together beautifully as they sit in the fridge. Ideally, you should make your stuffed cherry peppers a few hours in advance, or even the day before you plan to serve them. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the filling to firm up, preventing a "soggy bottom," as Mary Berry would say.

How long do stuffed cherry peppers last in the fridge? And how should I store them?

Properly stored, stuffed cherry peppers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To ensure freshness, store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge. Nobody wants "fridgey" tasting peppers! Make sure the container is sealed well and placed in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

I'm not a fan of salami. What else can I put in my stuffed cherry peppers filling?

No worries, you've got options! Prosciutto is a classic alternative for a more delicate, salty flavor. You could also use crumbled Italian sausage (cooked, of course!) for a heartier filling. For a vegetarian option, try finely diced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes. Experiment and find your perfect filling; after all, cooking is about putting your own spin on things, right?

Is there a way to make the heat level milder in these stuffed cherry peppers?

Definitely! The easiest way to reduce the heat is to thoroughly remove all the seeds and membranes from the inside of the cherry peppers. You can also soak the peppers in a mixture of water and a splash of vinegar for about 30 minutes before stuffing them. Another trick is to use a sweeter filling with more cream cheese and less spicy ingredients. Think of it like turning down the volume knob!

Are these stuffed cherry peppers healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While delicious, stuffed cherry peppers aren't exactly health food, but everything in moderation, right? They contain a fair amount of fat from the cream cheese and salami, and sodium can be high depending on the ingredients used. To make them healthier, consider using low-fat cream cheese, reducing the amount of salami, or adding more vegetables to the filling. Also keep in mind the serving size - they're a treat, not a meal!

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