Savory Goat Cheese & Herb Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spain with these exquisite Savory Goat Cheese & Herb Stuffed Piquillo Peppers. Originating from the sun-soaked fields of Spain, piquillo peppers are perfectly sweet and smoky, making them the ideal vessel for a creamy filling of tangy goat cheese enriched with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic. This delightful tapas dish brings a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine to your table, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying as a savory snack. Each bite bursts with flavor and warms the heart, promising to impress your guests and leave them asking for more. Enjoy this charming dish alongside a glass of Spanish wine or as part of a robust tapas spread.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spanish piquillo peppers
2 (12-ounce) jars (Look for 'Origin of Spain' for the best quality.)
Goat cheese
5 ounces (Room temperature.)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (Divided.)
Garlic clove
1 (Finely chopped.)
Coarse sea salt
to taste
Coarse ground pepper
to taste
Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
1 tablespoon (Chopped (optional for added flavor).)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler to high, ensuring you have a rack positioned about 6 inches from the heat source.
2
Using your fingers, gently open the stem end of each piquillo pepper, taking care not to pierce through the skin.
3
With a small spoon or your fingers, carefully stuff about 1/2 teaspoon of room temperature goat cheese into each pepper. The filling should be snug but not overflowing.
4
Place the stuffed peppers in a single layer in a broiler-proof glass baking dish.
5
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the stuffed peppers, ensuring they are lightly coated.
6
Evenly sprinkle the finely chopped garlic over the peppers and add the coarse sea salt and ground pepper to taste.
7
If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the top for added flavor and aroma.
8
Broil the peppers for 7-10 minutes, or until the goat cheese is soft, bubbly, and the edges of the peppers are lightly charred. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Goat Cheese & Herb Stuffed Piquillo Peppers?
They are an exquisite Spanish tapas dish featuring sweet and smoky piquillo peppers filled with a tangy goat cheese and herb mixture.
What is the origin of this dish?
This dish originates from the sun-soaked fields of Spain and is a staple of authentic Spanish cuisine.
Are piquillo peppers spicy?
No, piquillo peppers are known for being perfectly sweet and smoky rather than spicy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of cheese is used for the filling?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of goat cheese.
What is the recommended temperature for the goat cheese?
The goat cheese should be at room temperature for the best results when stuffing.
How many jars of piquillo peppers do I need?
You will need two 12-ounce jars of Spanish piquillo peppers.
What should I look for when buying piquillo peppers?
For the best quality, look for jars labeled with 'Origin of Spain'.
What kind of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, which is divided during the process.
How much garlic is required?
You need one finely chopped garlic clove.
Which fresh herbs can I use?
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are recommended for added flavor and aroma.
How do I prepare the peppers for stuffing?
Gently open the stem end of each pepper with your fingers, being careful not to pierce the skin.
How much goat cheese goes into each pepper?
Carefully stuff about 1/2 teaspoon of goat cheese into each piquillo pepper.
What is the cooking method for these stuffed peppers?
The peppers are broiled in a broiler-proof glass baking dish.
What broiler setting should I use?
Preheat your broiler to the high setting.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
How long do the peppers need to broil?
Broil the peppers for 7-10 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is ready?
The dish is ready when the goat cheese is soft and bubbly and the edges of the peppers are lightly charred.
Should the peppers be crowded in the pan?
No, place the stuffed peppers in a single layer in the baking dish.
When do I add the extra virgin olive oil?
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the oil over the peppers once they are placed in the baking dish.
What seasonings are added before broiling?
Sprinkle finely chopped garlic, coarse sea salt, and ground pepper over the peppers.
Can I add the herbs before broiling?
Yes, you can sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the top before putting them in the broiler.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory dish with smoky, sweet, tangy, and herbal notes.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that is perfect for entertaining.
How should I serve these peppers?
They are best served as a tapas dish, a savory snack, or as part of a robust tapas spread.
What drink pairs well with these peppers?
They are wonderful when enjoyed alongside a glass of Spanish wine.
Should I use a specific type of salt?
The recipe specifically suggests using coarse sea salt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total, including optional herbs.
Can I overfill the peppers?
The filling should be snug but not overflowing to ensure they cook properly.