Get ready to transform your dinner routine with these irresistible Cream Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers - a mouthwatering dish that combines creamy, savory goodness with colorful, nutritious bell peppers. Imagine cutting into a perfectly roasted pepper filled with a rich, cheesy mixture that's packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress both family and friends. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping appetizer, this recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers, halved
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed bell peppers cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the bell peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes to create a hollow space for the filling. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, cooked sausage, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Use a fork or a spatula to mix the ingredients together until they are well incorporated and creamy.
- Using a spoon, generously fill each halved bell pepper with the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to pack the filling in well to avoid any gaps.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish. If desired, you can add a small amount of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers while they bake, which can make them more tender.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
- Once done, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve the cream cheese stuffed bell peppers warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have flat bottoms to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of colored bell peppers - red, yellow, and green can make the dish visually stunning.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- If you want to add more protein, try experimenting with different meats like ground chicken or turkey instead of sausage.
- For a low-carb version, use turkey or chicken sausage and ensure all other ingredients are low-carb friendly.
- Don't overfill the peppers - leave a little space for the cheese to melt and expand during baking.
- Let the peppers rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
