Bacon and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
These colorful stuffed mini bell peppers combine crispy bacon with creamy goat cheese, red onion, and fresh herbs for an irresistible appetizer. The sweet peppers provide the perfect vessel for the rich, savory filling, while a quick bake softens them just enough to maintain their vibrant crunch. Perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or elegant dinner parties, these bite-sized treats disappear quickly and can be prepped ahead for easy entertaining.
Ingredients
- 12 mini bell peppersjalapeños1:1spicy
adds heat, remove seeds for less spice
- 6 slices bacon
- 8 ounces soft goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to tastejalapeños1:1spicy
adds heat, remove seeds for less spice
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400F/400°F and place bacon on a baking sheet
- 2
Cook bacon for 18-20 minutes until crispy, then transfer to paper towel to cool
- 3
Slice mini peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds
- 4
Mix goat cheese, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt and pepper in a bowl
- 5
Crumble cooled bacon into the cheese mixture and stir together
- 6
Stuff pepper halves with the bacon goat cheese mixture
- 7
Place stuffed peppers on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until peppers are slightly softened
- 8
Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to serving plate
- 9
Serve warm, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired
Tips
Cook extra bacon beyond what the recipe requires - it keeps well and can be used for other dishes or snacking.
Let peppers cool for the full 5 minutes before serving to prevent burns and allow flavors to settle.
Choose peppers that are similar in size for even cooking and attractive presentation.
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat in 350F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated. Add 2-3 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
Serve warm as an appetizer or party snack. Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooling the bacon before crumbling to avoid melting the goat cheese
Don't overcook the peppers to maintain their crisp texture and bright color
Substitutions
adds heat, remove seeds for less spice
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What if I can't find mini bell peppers?
You can use regular bell peppers cut into strips or small jalapeños for a spicy version. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.