Name: 3 Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers: Delicious and Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 15 mini sweet peppers in assorted colors; 6 oz. goat cheese; 6 oz. ricotta cheese; 3 T. fresh thyme leaves, stems removed; 4 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 T. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Looking for a quick yet impressive appetizer? You will love these 3 Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers. In just under 20 minutes, you can create a flavorful and colorful dish that will delight your guests. Let me walk you through the steps to make this delightful recipe.

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3 Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers: Delicious and Easy

Preparation and Cooking

To start, gather the following ingredients:

15 mini sweet peppers in assorted colors
6 oz. goat cheese
6 oz. ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, stems removed
4 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Step 1: Preparing the Peppers

Begin by washing the mini sweet peppers and patting them dry. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact. Remove the seeds and membranes from each pepper half and set them aside.

Step 2: Making the Cheese and Bacon Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, ricotta cheese, fresh thyme leaves, and crumbled crispy bacon. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Filling and Baking

Next, preheat your broiler to high and position the top oven rack to the second-highest position. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside.

Using a small spoon, fill each pepper half with the cheese and bacon mixture. Arrange the filled pepper halves on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each one.

Step 4: Broiling

Place the baking sheet with the stuffed peppers on the top oven rack and broil for about 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown and the peppers start to blister. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serving

Once done, remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to a serving platter. These stuffed mini sweet peppers are best served immediately while they are still warm and gooey with melted cheese.

Tips and Variations

If you prefer a different cheese combination, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Gouda, cheddar, or mozzarella can also work well in this recipe.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the cheese mixture for added flavor.
You can also customize the seasoning by adding herbs like rosemary or basil to the cheese mixture for an extra burst of freshness.

Make These 3 Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these 3 Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavors make them not only a tasty appetizer but also a visually appealing addition to any table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the compliments from your guests!

Keto-Friendly Twist

For those following a ketogenic (keto) diet, these 3 Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers can easily fit into your meal plan with a few simple adjustments. Here’s how to make this recipe keto-friendly:

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of ricotta cheese, use full-fat cream cheese or mascarpone cheese. These options are lower in carbs and higher in fat, which aligns better with a keto diet.
Replace the goat cheese with shredded mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella cheese is naturally low in carbs and melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture we love in stuffed peppers.
Choose bacon that is free from added sugars and preservatives. Look for sugar-free bacon or bacon labeled as keto-friendly to ensure it fits within your carb limits.
Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano in place of thyme if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Preparation Tips

When filling the peppers, be generous with the cheese and bacon mixture. The fats and protein from these ingredients will help keep you feeling satisfied and full.
Monitor the broiling time closely to prevent the peppers from becoming too soft. You want them to be tender but still have a slight crunch.
Consider serving these stuffed peppers alongside a keto-friendly dipping sauce, such as a homemade ranch dressing or a spicy mayo made with avocado oil.

Nutritional Considerations

One of the key principles of a keto diet is to keep carbohydrate intake low while increasing fat consumption. These stuffed mini sweet peppers, with their focus on cheese and bacon, provide a good balance of fats and proteins while keeping carbs in check.

Mini sweet peppers are relatively low in carbs compared to larger bell peppers, making them a great choice for keto-friendly recipes. The cheeses and bacon add richness and flavor without adding significant carbs, especially when using keto-friendly cheese and bacon options.

Enjoying Keto-Friendly Snacks

Whether you’re hosting a keto-friendly gathering or simply looking for a satisfying snack, these 3 Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers offer a delicious way to enjoy flavors while staying within your dietary goals. With a little creativity and ingredient swaps, you can transform classic recipes into keto-friendly delights that everyone can enjoy.