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.
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
Calories: 752 kcal | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 32 g | Cholesterol: 64 mg | Sodium: 1048 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 24 g
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.
Equipment
- Grill
- Piping bag or small Ziploc bag
