30-Minute Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers
These easy sausage stuffed mini peppers are cheesy, savory, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for parties, game day, or quick low-carb dinners.
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 stuffed mini pepper halves (6 servings)
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking, Oven
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp chopped chives
8 oz Italian sausage meat (mild, hot, or sweet)
For the Peppers
1 lb mini sweet peppers (about 12), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
For the Topping
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
Instructions
Prep & Preheat:
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
Slice mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove all seeds and membranes. Arrange on baking sheet, cut-side up.
Cook the Sausage:
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, breaking into crumbles, for 8–10 minutes until browned.
Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Drain excess fat and transfer sausage to a mixing bowl.
Make the Filling:
Add softened cream cheese and chopped chives to the sausage. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Stuff the Peppers:
Spoon the filling into each pepper half, mounding slightly.
Top with shredded mozzarella, pressing gently so it sticks.
Bake:
Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden, and peppers are just tender.
Let cool 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use green onions or parsley if you’re out of chives.
You can prep the filling and stuff the peppers up to 1 day in advance—just bake before serving.
Substitute ricotta or mascarpone for cream cheese, or try a cheese blend like Monterey Jack for topping.
Want a spicy kick? Add red pepper flakes to the sausage mix or use hot Italian sausage.
Find it online: http://elladishes.com/30-minute-sausage-stuffed-mini-peppers/
