Introduction
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mini Peppers are the perfect addition to your Super Bowl party food ideas lineup! These colorful, bite-sized appetizers combine the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional jalapeño poppers with the sweet crunch of mini bell peppers for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s less spicy but equally delicious. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or contributing to a potluck, these stuffed peppers deliver big flavor without the burn, making them accessible for all your guests. The beauty of these gameday treats is their versatility – they can be prepared ahead of time and quickly finished just before kickoff, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities.
Nutritional Benefits
These stuffed mini peppers aren’t just delicious – they’re also packed with nutritional benefits that make them a smarter choice among typical football party foods. Mini sweet peppers are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, supporting immune health and skin elasticity. The cream cheese filling provides calcium and protein, while the modest amount of bacon adds satisfying flavor without excessive calories.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving – 2 peppers) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 5g |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 12 mini sweet peppers | Base vessel for filling | Small bell peppers (halved), jalapeños (for spicy version) |
| 8 oz cream cheese, softened | Creamy base for filling | Neufchâtel cheese, Greek yogurt cream cheese, dairy-free cream cheese |
| 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese | Adds flavor and meltiness | Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Mexican blend, smoked gouda |
| 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled | Adds smoky flavor and texture | Turkey bacon, bacon bits, smoked paprika (for vegetarian option) |
| 2 green onions, finely chopped | Adds mild onion flavor | Chives, minced shallot, 1 tsp onion powder |
| 1/2 tsp garlic powder | Adds depth of flavor | 1 clove fresh minced garlic, 1 tsp garlic herb seasoning |
| 1/4 tsp smoked paprika | Adds smoky depth | Regular paprika, chipotle powder (for more heat) |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Enhances overall flavor | Season salt, herb salt, lemon pepper |
| 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (optional) | Adds crispy topping texture | Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, crushed pork rinds (keto-friendly) |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or aluminum foil
– Cutting board and sharp knife
– Medium mixing bowl
– Spoon or small rubber spatula
– Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional, for neater filling)
– Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the mini peppers: Cut each mini pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Leave the stems intact for easier handling if desired.
3. Cook the bacon: If not already prepared, cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces.
4. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
5. Fill the peppers: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each pepper half, mounding it slightly. For Super Bowl party ideas food that looks professional, use a piping bag with a large star tip for an attractive presentation.
6. Add topping (optional): Sprinkle the filled Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mini Peppers with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
7. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the filled peppers on the prepared baking sheet, filling side up, making sure they’re not touching.
8. Bake: Cook for 15-18 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp and the filling is hot and slightly golden on top.
9. Broil (optional): For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Cool slightly: Allow the peppers to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving as gameday food that won’t burn your guests’ mouths.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Peppers tipping over? Create a small slice on the bottom of each pepper to create a flat surface for stability.
– Filling too stiff? Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before mixing.
– Want more heat? Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed) to the filling mixture.
– Peppers too crunchy? Pre-roast the empty pepper halves for 5 minutes before filling.
– Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add extra seasoning or substitute with smoky roasted chickpeas.
– Filling falling out? Don’t overfill the peppers and ensure they’re placed filling-side up on the baking sheet.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make ahead (unbaked): Prepare and fill peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
– Make ahead (baked): Fully prepare and bake up to 2 days ahead. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
– Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: These can be frozen after baking. Cool completely, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
– Reheating from frozen: Bake frozen poppers at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion
These Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mini Peppers are more than just delicious – they’re the MVP of Super Bowl party food ideas that everyone will reach for. Their versatility makes them perfect for any gathering, not just football season. The combination of creamy, cheesy filling and the sweet crunch of mini peppers creates a balanced bite that’s addictively good without being overly spicy. Plus, their make-ahead potential means you can prep them in advance and enjoy the game without being stuck in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or contributing to a larger potluck, these gameday treats are guaranteed to score big with your crowd!
FAQ
Q: Can I make these without bacon for vegetarians?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add extra seasonings like smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to maintain that smoky flavor.
Q: How spicy are these stuffed mini peppers?
A: Very mild! Since we use sweet mini peppers instead of jalapeños, they have the jalapeño popper flavor without the heat. If you want more kick, add some diced jalapeño to the filling.
Q: Can I prepare these in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until the filling is hot and bubbly.
Q: What can I serve alongside these for a complete Super Bowl spread?
A: These pair perfectly with other finger foods like cheesy baked quesadillas, buffalo wings, spinach dip, and a vegetable platter.
Q: Are these keto-friendly?
A: They can be! Skip the panko breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed pork rinds, and they’ll fit perfectly into a keto meal plan.
Q: How many should I make for a party?
A: Plan for 3-4 halves (1.5-2 whole peppers) per person if served with other appetizers. For a smaller spread, count on 5-6 halves per person.
Q: Can I use regular-sized bell peppers instead?
A: Yes, just cut them into quarters or eighths depending on size, and increase the baking time by about 5 minutes.
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