Imagine if bacon-cream cheese dip and jalapeno poppers had a baby. A really pretty baby (I was going to say "delicious baby" and, although true, sounds a bit gross). The herby filling in these sweet peppers is studded with crispy bacon and sweet green onions, and then the whole pepper is draped in melted cheddar. Quite possibly, the world’s most perfect bite.
I'm obsessed with these bite-size wonders. And it's not just because the filling is reminiscent of a loaded baked potato, and the peppers are colorful and sweet; it's also because they're incredible easy to make. The filling comes together lightening fast and then gets spooned into the halved peppers. Cheese drops in and then the oven does the rest. Serve these as a party appetizer and your friends and family will adore you.
I also love the fact that you can prep these stuffed peppers in advance and bake them just before serving. For me, that's a party necessity - the ability to prep ahead. Stuff the peppers as instructed and cover the pan with plastic wrap. Refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Roasted Bacon-Cheddar Pepper Bites
12 mini sweet peppers (red, yellow, orange), halved lengthwise and seeds and membranes removed
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup minced cooked bacon
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, bacon, green onions, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Spoon the mixture into the pepper halves and arrange the peppers on the prepared pan (don’t worry if some tip over slightly, try to nestle them together so they stay mostly upright).
Top the filling with the cheddar cheese.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese melts and the peppers soften. Serve warm or room temperature.
Makes 24 stuffed peppers
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