Irresistible Grilled Rainbow Peppers with Herb Cream Cheese

Ah, peppers! Those vibrant jewels of the garden, bursting with color and flavor.

I remember stumbling upon a farmer’s market last summer, and the aroma of roasted veggies wafting through the air was nothing short of mesmerizing. Who knew that something as simple as grilling a medley of rainbow peppers could transform them into a culinary masterpiece?

And when paired with a creamy, herb-infused cheese spread—well, let’s just say I fell head over heels, again and again.

Cookbook Inspiration

Gather these essential tools to prepare and serve irresistible grilled rainbow peppers with herb cream cheese.

How to Grill Vegetables: The New Bible for Barbecuing Vegetables over Live Fire (Steven Raichlen Barbecue Bible Cookbooks)

Steps

Begin by preheating the grill to a medium heat setting. In a small bowl, mix mini peppers with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
In another bowl, blend cream cheese with garlic, dill, basil, 2 tablespoons of chives, fresh ground pepper, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest. Transfer this mixture to a piping or Ziploc bag and refrigerate until needed.

Grill the peppers over medium heat until they develop a slight char, about 2 minutes on each side. Once done, move them to a serving platter.
Cut the tip of the piping/Ziploc bag and gently fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Garnish with the remaining tablespoon of chives before serving.

Ingredients

Mini bell peppers
Olive oil
Salt (a pinch)
Black pepper (a pinch)
8 ounces cream cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh dill
Fresh basil
3 tablespoons fresh chives, divided
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon zest

Nutritional Values

FAQ

Can I prepare the grilled peppers in advance?
Yes, you can grill the peppers ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve them. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings.
What herbs can I use in the cream cheese filling?
You can use any combination of herbs you prefer. In this recipe, dill, chives, and basil are used, along with some lemon zest for added freshness.
How long do the peppers need to be grilled?
The peppers should be grilled over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side until they are slightly charred and fragrant.
What is the best way to fill the peppers with cream cheese?
It’s easiest to use a piping bag or a small Ziploc bag with the tip snipped off to neatly fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture.
How many calories are in one serving of grilled peppers with herb cream cheese?
One serving, which consists of four pepper halves, contains approximately 94 calories.

Tips

For added convenience, prepare the herb cream cheese mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill the peppers.
Ensure the grill is preheated to medium heat before placing the peppers on it; this helps achieve the perfect char in just around 2 minutes per side.
When filling the peppers, use a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the tip cut off for precise and easy filling.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the cream cheese mixture to suit your taste preferences.