A fun and healthy appetizer
Appetizers can be as simple as chips 'n dip, but sometimes we need a break from chip consumption. This healthy recipe delivers yummy flavor and fun in sweet mini bell peppers, as poppers. For "sauce people" (you know who you are!), make cilantro-lime sauce, it's great with these!
How to make Mini Bell Pepper Poppers
Cook the mini peppers
Start with mini bell peppers. I buy these in one-pound bags. There is a pretty big size range in "mini" peppers; try to find a bag with the larger sized peppers as they are much easier to fill than the tiny ones.
To prep, simply cut off the stem end and remove seeds and as much membrane as possible.
Place in a steamer basket, which will fit in a large saucepan.
Heat about an inch or less of water in the saucepan to boiling. Place the steamer basket of peppers into the pan and steam, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Remove from pan and rinse with a little cool water, then allow to cool and drain for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare the filling
In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a blender, ½ cup of salsa is mixed with ¾ cup of vegetable broth. This liquid is then heated in a small saucepan to boiling. Add spices and ½ cup quinoa (rinsed if needed) and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
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Mix one cup of prepared quinoa with one cup black beans. Add one cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or 4-cheese Mexican) and stir. Microwave for 30-60 seconds to melt the cheese. Stir.
(Note: for extra filling, use all the quinoa and the entire can of black beans. I like this as a side dish or on a taco salad.)
Stuff the Mini Bell Pepper Poppers
When the peppers are cool enough to handle, begin stuffing with the quinoa-bean mixture. For larger peppers I use a butter knife. For smaller peppers, I just resign myself to using my hands. Sigh. Stack on a plate or in a bowl and continue stuffing until all peppers are filled. All peppers can then be refrigerated until time to serve.
Serve these poppers as-is or with salsa or cilantro-lime sauce to make a wonderful and fun addition to your table! To spice things up a little, try some quesadilla sauce for dipping!
Have extra mini peppers? Try making some bacon wrapped peppers for another delicious appetizer!
📖 Recipe
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Mini Bell Pepper Party Poppers
Ingredients
- 1 lb mini bell peppers
- ½ cup salsa
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 TB taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ cup quinoa rinsed if needed
- 1 cup black beans canned, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese 4-cheese Mexican or cheddar blend
Instructions
For Filling
- Blend salsa and broth together until smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and heat to just boiling. Add quinoa and spices. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir, and let sit, covered for 5 minutes.½ cup salsa, ¾ cup vegetable broth, 1 TB taco seasoning, ½ cup quinoa, 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- To a medium bowl add 1 cup prepared quinoa with 1 cup black beans. Mix and then stir in 1 cup shredded cheese. Microwave 30-60 seconds to melt cheese. Stir.1 cup black beans, 1 cup shredded cheese
For Peppers
- Cut off the stem end of each pepper and remove seeds and membrane. Place in a steamer basket. Heat about an inch of water in a large saucepan to boiling. Place the steamer basket with peppers into the pan and steam, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Remove from pan, rinse with cool water and allow to drain and cool 5-10 minutes.1 lb mini bell peppers
To Fill
- Using a small spoon or butter knife (or hands), fill each pepper with the quinoa mixture. Place upright in a dish to prevent filling from spilling out. Once all peppers are filled, refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Yummy!
To continue the "Poppers" theme, try some Jalapeno Popper Hasselback Chicken. Spicy, creamy and delicious!
Or maybe you just need a big bowl of munchies - try some Ranch Party Mix for a sure crowd pleaser!
Texasgirl
What a great snack, going to have to make these this weekend! YUMMY
Sula
Very snackable!
Beth
Yum! My husband loves peppers. He's definitely going to love these! I can't wait to make these! So excited!
Sula
He will love them! Don't forget to check out the Cilantro-Lime sauce for dipping!
Shanna
I love when I find health and tasty snacks like this. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sula
Thanks, me too.
Jen
These look dangerously delicious!! Definitely need to “taste test” a few before sharing!
Sula
Taste testing is always needed! LOL
Carrie Robinson
I just love that you stuffed these with quinoa! 🙂 Looks delicious.
Sula
Thank you, I like that little extra boost of protein. 🙂
Alisa Infanti
This was such a great snack and I love that they have some added protein
Sula
Yes, whenever I make them they get "snacked away" very quickly!
Yuri
These sound and look amazing. I can not make them soon enough. Thanks for sharing 😊
Patricia
Ohh this sounds and looks delicious! My kids love those mini peppers...stuffed and dipped in cheese?? I gotta try this!
Sula
I find them pretty addicting!
Big Trouble
OMGGG, this is perfect! What an easy-to-eat appetizer and it's healthy, too! Can't wait to try these myself!
Sula
These were so tasty, I had trouble getting a picture...they kept disappearing!