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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.

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cottage cheese mixture into each pepper half. Don’t worry about perfection—rustic looks great here.
  4. 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.