Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese

This post was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated.

With just five ingredients, these Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese are as easy as they are delicious and make a colorful addition to any appetizer buffet or snack table.

white plate of stuffed peppers with baking sheet in the background

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Why you will love these

What's not to love about cheese-centric appetizers? (Say Dorito Cheese Ball or Everything Bagel Cheese Ball). These sweet mini peppers are not only colorful but are roasted to enhance their sweetness.

Then, they are filled with a tangy whipped goat cheese mixture. So easy and you only need five ingredients. Add these peppers to a brunch menu or a snack spread.

If you are short on time or don't wish to roast the peppers, no problem. Simply slice in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Then, fill with the cheese mixture. Raw peppers are just as delicious with their fresh crunch.

Ingredients and substitutions

array of ingredients - peppers, goat cheese, cream cheese, herbs, oil, salt and pepper

This colorful appetizer comes together with just five ingredients.

Mini bell peppers - Use a variety of red, orange, and yellow peppers for a colorful presentation. Mini bell peppers are sweet, not spicy.
Goat cheese - I love the tangy flavor of goat cheese. If you're not a fan, you can substitute whipped cream cheese, whipped feta, or Boursin cheese.
Whipped cream cheese - This helps the goat cheese blend into a spreadable consistency.
Lemon zest - adds bright acidity which balances the tang of the goat cheese.
Fresh herbs - Adds freshness. Use parsley, chives, or basil... whatever you have on hand.

Substitutions: Use herbed goat cheese in lieu of adding chopped herbs to the mixture. For a spicy version, use jalapeños in place of the sweet peppers.

Step-by-step instructions

Please see the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Seed the peppers and cut them in half lengthwise. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a sheet pan.

Roast at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. The peppers will soften but won't lose their shape. Roasting enhances the sweetness of the peppers and the caramelization adds flavor.

Blend the goat cheese and cream cheese in a food processor. Scrape down the bowl as needed until smooth and creamy. Add in lemon zest and fresh herbs. Season with salt.
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a piping tip. Pipe the cheese into the peppers.

PRO TIP: To easily fill the piping bag, place the piping bag (fitted with a tip) in a tall glass. Fold the top of the bag down over the edge of the glass. Spoon the cheese mixture into the bag. Unfold the bag and squeeze the mixture towards the bottom of the bag and pipe.

piping bag filled with cheese mixture with pan of roasted peppers in the background

Serving

Garnish stuffed peppers with fresh herbs and arrange on a platter. Add to a veggie platter, a cheese board, or any snack spread.

Recipe Faq's

Do I have to boil the peppers before stuffing them?

No, the peppers do not need to be cooked. Raw peppers are crisp and delicious. I love to roast the peppers first because it brings out their sweetness. I also love the caramelized flavor that roasting provides.

Are mini sweet peppers the same as bell peppers?

Mini sweet peppers are much sweeter than bell peppers. Their bright color is as vibrant as their fresh, sweet bite.

What goes with mini sweet peppers?

These sweet peppers are delicious on their own or stuffed with a savory filling for a tasty appetizer. Slice the peppers and add to salads, stir-fries, casseroles, or quiches.

Use these peppers in place of jalapenos for a mild take on a jalapeno popper. Or fill with whipped cream cheese, whipped feta, or Boursin cheese. Pimento cheese is also delicious with peppers.