Creamy Cottage Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
If you’re looking for a snack that feels a little fancy but comes together in minutes, these mini bell peppers stuffed with cottage cheese are a winner. They’re colorful, crunchy, and filled with a creamy, tangy mixture that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re putting together a quick lunch, prepping a healthy snack, or hosting friends, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bite-sized peppers are the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The natural sweetness of the peppers pairs beautifully with the savory richness of cottage cheese, brightened with lemon zest and a touch of Parmesan. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients—protein from the cottage cheese and antioxidants from the peppers—making them as nourishing as they are delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup reduced-fat cottage cheese 2%
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives
- 1½ teaspoons grated lemon zest
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 mini bell peppers halved lengthwise and seeds removed
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan, olive oil, chives, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly blended and creamy.
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Slice the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove any seeds. Leave the stems intact—they make a handy little handle and look great when serving.
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Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cottage cheese mixture into each pepper half. Don’t worry about perfection—rustic looks great here.
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Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed fresh when the peppers are crisp and the filling is cool and creamy.
Recipe Notes
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts into the mixture better and offers a richer flavor than pre-grated versions.
- Taste and adjust: Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you want extra tang, or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- Make it your own: Toss in chopped herbs like parsley or dill, or sprinkle toasted nuts or chickpeas on top for extra crunch.
