Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers with Balsamic Glaze and Honey Recipe
Introduction
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers make an easy and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Sweet, tender mini peppers are filled with creamy goat cheese, then roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze and honey adds a delightful finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mini sweet bell peppers (about 12 peppers)
- 10 ounces goat cheese
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Honey, for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the mini peppers. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and any white flesh inside.
- Step 2: Spoon a couple of scoops of goat cheese into each pepper half. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your liking, using more for a fuller stuffing or less for a lighter bite.
- Step 3: Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer on a baking dish or sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the peppers are softened and lightly browned or charred.
- Step 4: Remove the peppers from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and honey, then sprinkle with fresh thyme and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, but fresh thyme adds a brighter flavor and prettier presentation.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before roasting.
- Try different soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta as an alternative to goat cheese.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving to restore their softness and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can stuff the peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to roast. Bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What if I can’t find mini sweet peppers?
Regular bell peppers can be used — just cut them into smaller pieces or strips for easier stuffing and serving.
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Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers with Balsamic Glaze and Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed mini pepper halves (serves approximately 6 as an appetizer) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers make an easy and elegant appetizer perfect for any gathering. Roasted until tender and slightly charred, the sweet mini bell peppers are generously filled with creamy goat cheese, then drizzled with a luscious balsamic glaze and honey for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Fresh thyme and black pepper add a fragrant finish to this simple yet impressive dish.
Ingredients
Mini Peppers
- 1 pound mini sweet bell peppers (approximately 12 peppers)
Filling
- 10 ounces goat cheese
Toppings
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Honey, for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme)
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the peppers.
- Prepare the Peppers: Wash and thoroughly dry the mini sweet bell peppers. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and any white fleshy bits to create clean pepper halves ready for stuffing.
- Stuff the Peppers: Using a spoon, spread a couple scoops of goat cheese into each pepper half. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your liking – some may prefer them generously stuffed, while others may use less cheese for a lighter option.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place all the stuffed pepper halves in a single layer on a baking dish or sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Roast the Peppers: Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender, slightly browned, and lightly charred around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted mini peppers from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and honey, then sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful appetizer!
Notes
- You can substitute dried thyme if fresh thyme is unavailable, though fresh thyme adds a brighter flavor and prettier presentation.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of goat cheese based on your preference – whether you like them fully stuffed or lightly filled.
- Balsamic glaze and honey add a perfect balance of sweet and tangy; if unavailable, you can use balsamic vinegar reduction and a drizzle of honey separately.
- Serve this appetizer warm for the best flavor and texture, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: goat cheese stuffed peppers, easy appetizer, roasted mini peppers, vegetarian appetizer, party finger food
