Stuffed Sweet Pepper Appetizer: Hello house party

Appetizers. We all hate love to love them. From cheesy gooey crescent bites to the traditional cheese and crackers every one of us loves a good chow down before dinner. Why do we love appetizers so much? Here’s my theory: what you eat before you sit=no calories, no worries, no “I can’t button my pants today,” just plain old no problemo. I know you know what I’m talking about.

Plus, appetizers give you something to do with your mouth other than letting your jaw drop to the floor as you listen to someone you kinda really don’t like talk about their cat as you try to ignore the cat litter precariously strewn across the dinner table—real life story. But I digress. Any of you have a story worth a little unladylike table talk? Let’s here ’em in the comments!

Now, on to the food.

Introducing the easy and healthy: Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Yes, I know. Delish. Best part? These little babies are really guilt free. Three main ingredients, and you are on the way to #besthostever status.

So, I started with a few fresh sweet peppers. You can grab them at any major grocery store. How amazing do these look?! After rinsing your peppers, go ahead and gut ’em. Yes, this is a bit difficult given their dainty size, but it is worth it!

 Ok, I already wish I had some more of these—warning: they were gone within 5 minutes of serving. No joke! So, once you have them all nice and gutted it is time to start on the filling. I used a basic mozzarella and red onion blend, but my husband suggested adding some type of meat next time. Don’t worry, I told him to never critique my food again. Just kidding—kinda. 

Once you have this yumminess all mixed together, simply stuff the peppers and you’re on your way to appetizer heaven—but really. These appetizers are good enough to make any guest beg for more.

And, in typical fashion I forgot to snap an after shot before these little guys were devoured.. Guess you just have to make them to see them in their full glory!

Check out the full recipe and instructions below!

Ingredients:

• Sweet peppers
• 1 red onion chopped finely
• 1  cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of crushed red pepper
• A pinch of crushed red pepper
• 1 tsp Cilantro (I used dried)

Instructions:

1. Preheat over to 350°
2. Wash and gut peppers
3. In a bowl, mix mozzarella, spices and onion together
4. Stuff the gutted peppers with the cheese mixture
5. Place in a baking pan so that peppers stand together (this prevents any unnecessary spillage)
6. ENJOY!

I paired this with a delightfully cheap moscato. And that, my friends, is worth a bit of table talk. Take it, share it, love it.

xoxo Ashley Kate