Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the creamy, tangy delight of Southern comfort food with the vibrant freshness of garden-grown peppers! These aren’t your grandma’s stuffed peppers – unless your grandma was a culinary genius with a penchant for pimento cheese. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

Pimento cheese, often dubbed the “caviar of the South,” has a rich history rooted in the early 20th century. It started as a simple blend of cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise, quickly becoming a staple in Southern households. Its creamy texture and slightly sweet, tangy flavor make it incredibly versatile. It’s delicious on crackers, sandwiches, or, as we’re about to discover, stuffed inside sweet bell peppers.

What makes these Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slight sweetness of the bell pepper complements the savory, cheesy filling beautifully. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The vibrant colors also make them a stunning addition to any table. You’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is!

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers (various colors for visual appeal), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces jarred pimentos, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Preparing the Pimento Cheese Filling:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of this recipe – the pimento cheese! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, homemade pimento cheese is a game-changer.

1. Shred the Cheese: If you haven’t already, shred your cheddar cheese. I highly recommend shredding it yourself from a block rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly and binding as well with the other ingredients. Freshly shredded cheese will give you a much creamier and more flavorful pimento cheese.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pimentos, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Mix Thoroughly: Now, using a sturdy spoon or a rubber spatula, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Don’t be afraid to really get in there and work it! You want everything to be evenly distributed and the mixture to be nice and creamy.
4. Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step! Taste the pimento cheese mixture and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch of black pepper? Maybe another dash of Worcestershire sauce? Don’t be shy – make it your own! Remember, the cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, so if you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
5. Chill (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, chilling the pimento cheese filling for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) in the refrigerator will allow the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up slightly, making it easier to stuff the peppers later. I usually pop it in the fridge while I prep the peppers.

Preparing the Bell Peppers:

Now that our pimento cheese is ready (or chilling), let’s turn our attention to the bell peppers. Choosing the right peppers and prepping them properly is key to a delicious final product.

1. Choose Your Peppers: Select bell peppers that are firm, brightly colored, and free from blemishes. I like to use a variety of colors (red, yellow, orange, and green) for a visually appealing dish, but you can use all of one color if you prefer.
2. Wash and Halve: Thoroughly wash the bell peppers under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully halve each pepper lengthwise.
3. Remove Seeds and Membranes: This is an important step to ensure that your stuffed peppers aren’t bitter. Use a spoon or your fingers to remove all of the seeds and white membranes from the inside of each pepper half. Be meticulous about this – even a few stray seeds can detract from the overall flavor.
4. Dry the Peppers: Pat the inside of each pepper half dry with a paper towel. This will help the pimento cheese filling adhere better and prevent the peppers from becoming soggy during baking.

Stuffing and Baking the Peppers:

We’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to stuff those peppers with our delicious pimento cheese filling and get them into the oven.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly Oil a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This will prevent the peppers from sticking to the dish during baking.
3. Stuff the Peppers: Generously spoon the pimento cheese filling into each pepper half, mounding it slightly on top. Don’t be afraid to pack it in there! You want each pepper to be fully loaded with cheesy goodness.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
5. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the stuffed peppers with the remaining olive oil. This will help them to soften and caramelize slightly during baking.
6. Bake: Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the pimento cheese filling is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. The exact baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your peppers, so keep an eye on them.
7. Check for Doneness: To check if the peppers are done, pierce them with a fork. They should be easily pierced and slightly softened. The pimento cheese filling should be melted and bubbly, with some browning around the edges.

Serving and Enjoying:

The moment we’ve been waiting for! Time to serve up these delicious pimento cheese stuffed peppers and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

1. Let Cool Slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot pimento cheese filling.
2. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the stuffed peppers with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve: Serve the pimento cheese stuffed peppers warm as a main course or a side dish. They are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other dishes, such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
4. Storage: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the pimento cheese filling. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack would all be delicious additions.
• Spice It Up: If you like things spicy, add more cayenne pepper to the pimento cheese filling, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also use a spicy cheese, like pepper jack.
• Add Some Crunch: For a little bit of crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the pimento cheese filling.
• Meat Lovers: If you want to add some meat to the filling, try adding cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian option, add some cooked quinoa or rice to the pimento cheese filling to make it more substantial.
• Grilling Option: You can also grill the stuffed peppers instead of baking them. Grill them over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the pimento cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pimento cheese filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for pimento cheese stuffed peppers as much as I do! It’s a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m not just saying that because I wrote it. The combination of the slightly sweet bell peppers with the tangy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying pimento cheese is simply divine. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, and the textures – the slight crunch of the pepper, the smooth filling – make it an incredibly enjoyable eating experience. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, this is it.

But beyond the incredible taste, these stuffed peppers are also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as a light lunch, a satisfying appetizer, or even a side dish to your favorite grilled meats. Imagine serving these alongside some juicy burgers or grilled chicken – the coolness of the peppers and the richness of the pimento cheese would be the perfect complement. And because they’re relatively easy to make, they’re a great option for weeknight dinners when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about some ways you can customize these Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different types of bell peppers – red, yellow, and orange peppers will add a touch of sweetness, while green peppers will offer a slightly more bitter flavor. You could even use mini sweet peppers for a bite-sized appetizer! For the pimento cheese filling, you can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less cayenne pepper. If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a finely chopped jalapeño to the mix.

Another fun variation is to add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the pimento cheese filling. Bacon makes everything better, right? You could also stir in some chopped green onions or chives for a fresh, herbaceous flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can add some cooked quinoa or rice to the filling to make it more substantial. And for a truly decadent treat, try topping the stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese before baking. The possibilities are endless!

These Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers are also fantastic served at different temperatures. While I personally love them warm, straight from the oven, they’re also delicious at room temperature or even chilled. This makes them a great option for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering where you need a dish that can be served at various temperatures. You can even make them ahead of time and bake them just before serving, which is a huge time-saver when you’re entertaining.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it. So, grab some bell peppers, whip up a batch of pimento cheese (or use your favorite store-bought brand), and get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed experience. I’m confident that these stuffed peppers will become a new favorite in your household.

And now for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve made these Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I love hearing from you, and your feedback helps me make my recipes even better. Happy cooking!

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