Description
These Cream Cheese Poppers are a quick appetizer, easy party snack, and one of those simple food ideas everyone grabs first. Filled with creamy cheese and baked until warm and tender, they are perfect for game day, holiday platters, easy dinner starters, and crowd-pleasing appetizer recipes when you need an easy recipe that feels special.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp chopped green onions
2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash the mini peppers, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Fold in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
5. Spoon the filling evenly into each pepper half.
6. Arrange the filled peppers on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Sprinkle the tops with panko breadcrumbs.
8. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil.
9. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and lightly golden.
10. Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Use fully softened cream cheese so the filling mixes smoothly and pipes or spoons easily into the peppers.
For a spicier version, swap some or all of the mini sweet peppers for jalapeños.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for the best texture instead of microwaving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 poppers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cream cheese poppers, mini sweet peppers, stuffed peppers, easy appetizer, party snack, game day appetizer, baked poppers, cheesy peppers