Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Mini Peppers

• Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this easy stuffed mini peppers recipe.
• Quick to make: From prep to baking, this appetizer is ready in about 30 minutes.
• Big flavor: Sweet mini peppers, savory Italian sausage, tangy cream cheese, garlic, chives, and melted mozzarella make every bite delicious.
• Great for gatherings: These bite-sized peppers are easy to serve and easy for guests to enjoy without utensils.
• Kid friendly: Mild Italian sausage keeps the flavor approachable for all ages.
• Low carb and gluten-free: This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and can be gluten-free if you choose a gluten-free sausage.

Ingredient Notes

• Mini sweet peppers: These small peppers are naturally sweet and crisp, similar to tiny bell peppers. Their size makes them ideal for stuffed appetizers. They are usually sold in bags with a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers.
• Italian sausage: Mild Italian sausage works well for a family-friendly appetizer. If everyone enjoys heat, hot Italian sausage is a good option. Pork sausage is commonly used, but turkey, chicken, or another flavorful sausage can also work.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth to the filling. If you do not have fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Cream cheese: Full-fat or low-fat cream cheese both work in this recipe. Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the hot sausage mixture and creates a smooth, creamy filling.
• Chives: Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Dried chives or finely sliced green onions can be used instead.
• Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and pairs well with Italian sausage. Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, cheddar, or white cheddar are also good choices if you want to change the flavor.

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the mini peppers in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and white membranes.
2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage meat and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon. Add the garlic and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes.

3. Drain any excess fat from the cooked sausage. Transfer the sausage to a large bowl, then add the softened cream cheese and chives. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
4. Use a spoon to fill each mini pepper half with the sausage and cream cheese mixture. Fill them generously, but avoid overfilling so the peppers bake neatly.

5. Arrange the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each pepper.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown.

Helpful Tips

• Make ahead: You can assemble the stuffed mini peppers in advance and bake them just before serving. If they are cold from the refrigerator, let them come to room temperature first or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Let them cool slightly: The filling will be very hot right out of the oven, so allow the peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the peppers in a 400°F oven until warmed through. They can also be enjoyed cold if preferred.
• Gluten-free note: This recipe can be gluten-free, but always check sausage labels if gluten is a concern. Most sausages are gluten-free, but some may contain fillers or seasonings that are not.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the sausage with finely chopped mushrooms or soy protein. You can also omit the sausage and make cream cheese stuffed mini peppers with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild sausage, or stir crushed red chili flakes into the filling.
• Different cheese: Swap the mozzarella for Parmesan, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or white cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer: These sausage stuffed mini peppers are perfect for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, or any casual gathering.
• Make it a meal: They can also be served as a side dish with pasta and tomato sauce, pasta salad, tomato soup, or minestrone soup.
• Add a dip: Serve the peppers with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

More Delicious Appetizers

If you are hosting, it is always nice to offer a variety of appetizers. Along with these sausage stuffed mini peppers, consider serving stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped dates, fried goat cheese balls, air fryer stuffed mushrooms, buffalo chicken thighs, or a few creamy dips. Eggplant dip and roasted red pepper dip are both flavorful options that pair well with a party spread.

These peppers are easy to prepare, colorful on the table, and satisfying enough to disappear quickly. Whether you serve them as finger food, a low-carb snack, or a warm side dish, they are a reliable recipe to keep in your entertaining rotation.