Creamy Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with these Creamy Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers. This delightful appetizer combines the smooth and tangy richness of goat cheese with the fresh crunch of scallions and mint, bringing a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, these stuffed peppers are not only visually stunning but also easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for gatherings, parties, or as a light snack. Serve them cooled or at room temperature for an unforgettable treat that will impress your guests!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Goat Cheese
16 ounces (room temperature)
Scallions
4 (thinly sliced)
Fresh Mint
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/8 teaspoon (plus more for garnish)
Piquillo Peppers
1 (7 ounce) jar (about 15 peppers)
Lemons
2 (zested and juiced)
Spring Onion
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature goat cheese, chopped scallions, fresh mint, and red pepper flakes.
2
Zest the lemons and then juice them, straining out any seeds, adding the juice and zest to the cheese mixture.
3
Use a fork to mix the ingredients until they are well combined and creamy.
4
Carefully drain the piquillo peppers and reserve the liquid. Add a small amount of the reserved liquid to the cheese mixture for added flavor, mixing well.
5
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each piquillo pepper with approximately 2 tablespoons of the goat cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed.
6
Arranging the stuffed peppers on a serving plate, sprinkle additional red pepper flakes over the top for garnish, and add chopped spring onions as desired.
7
Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. These peppers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish type for this recipe?
This recipe is a Mediterranean-style appetizer consisting of stuffed peppers.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of goat cheese.
Should the goat cheese be used straight from the fridge?
No, the goat cheese should be at room temperature for the best mixing consistency.
How are the scallions prepared?
The four scallions should be thinly sliced before being added to the mixture.
How much fresh mint is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh mint that has been coarsely chopped.
Does this recipe have any spice?
Yes, it uses 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, with more added for garnish as desired.
What type of peppers are needed?
You will need one 7-ounce jar of piquillo peppers, which is about 15 peppers.
How many lemons are used?
The recipe requires the zest and juice from two lemons.
What is used as a garnish for the peppers?
Spring onions and additional red pepper flakes are used for garnish.
How do I mix the cheese filling?
Use a fork to mix the goat cheese, scallions, mint, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and zest until creamy.
Should I throw away the liquid from the piquillo pepper jar?
No, drain the peppers but reserve the liquid to add a small amount back into the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
What is the best way to fill the piquillo peppers?
You can use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill each individual pepper.
How much filling goes into each pepper?
Each piquillo pepper should be stuffed with approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
How should the peppers be served?
The peppers can be served immediately, cold, or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is specifically categorized as party food and is excellent for gatherings.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the texture of the goat cheese filling?
The filling is smooth and creamy with a fresh crunch from the sliced scallions.
Are piquillo peppers spicy?
Piquillo peppers are known for being sweet and mild rather than spicy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients including the garnishes.
Can I refrigerate these before serving?
Yes, you can refrigerate the stuffed peppers until you are ready to serve them.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Peppers category.
Is the mint chopped finely?
No, the recipe calls for the mint to be coarsely chopped.
What does the lemon juice do in the recipe?
The lemon juice and zest provide a bright, tangy citrus flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes added to the mixture or used as garnish.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
What makes these Mediterranean in style?
The combination of piquillo peppers, goat cheese, fresh mint, and citrus reflects classic Mediterranean flavors.
Should I remove the lemon seeds?
Yes, you should strain out any seeds when juicing the lemons.
How many peppers are typically in a 7-ounce jar?
A 7-ounce jar typically contains approximately 15 piquillo peppers.
What is the overall flavor profile of this appetizer?
It is a balance of tangy, creamy goat cheese, sweet peppers, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice.