Pepper Pizza Poppers Recipe
Introduction
Pepper Pizza Poppers are a delightful and easy appetizer that combines the fresh crunch of mini sweet peppers with gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and savory pizza sauce. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties or a quick snack any time.
Ingredients
- Mini sweet peppers (about 12)
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded)
- Pepperoni (1/2 cup sliced)
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and pizza sauce together until well combined.
- Step 3: Spoon the cheese and pepperoni mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.
- Step 4: Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding Italian seasoning or chopped fresh basil to the filling for extra flavor.
- Use different kinds of cheese like cheddar or provolone for variety.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add olives or mushrooms instead.
Storage
Store any leftover pepper pizza poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the peppers crisp and the cheese melted.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular bell peppers instead of mini sweet peppers?
Yes, you can use larger bell peppers cut into smaller pieces, but the mini sweet peppers are ideal for bite-sized poppers and cook more evenly.
Can I prepare the poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can stuff the peppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
PrintPepper Pizza Poppers Recipe
Pepper Pizza Poppers are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that combines mini sweet peppers stuffed with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and a touch of pizza sauce. This bite-sized treat is perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick appetizer, delivering classic pizza flavors in a fun and convenient form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Mini sweet peppers – 12 pieces
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 1 cup
- Pepperoni slices, chopped – 1/2 cup
- Pizza sauce – 1/3 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Wash the mini sweet peppers thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes carefully to create space for the filling.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Mix gently to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each pepper half generously with the cheese and pepperoni mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot mini peppers or add red chili flakes to the cheese mixture.
- To make the poppers vegetarian, substitute pepperoni with sliced mushrooms or olives.
- These poppers can be prepared ahead of time and baked right before serving.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and better melt.
Keywords: pepper pizza poppers, stuffed mini peppers, easy appetizer, pizza bites, baked cheese poppers
