These Pizza Pepper Poppers are a game-changer in the world of appetizers, combining the beloved flavors of pizza with the convenience of a handheld treat.
Not only are these little treats bursting with flavor, but they're also a healthier alternative to traditional pizza. By using mini sweet peppers as the base, you're sneaking in a nutritious dose of vitamins and fiber.
These little poppers are a breeze to whip up, making them the perfect snack for game nights, movie marathons, or any time you need a quick and satisfying bite.
Why You Will Love This Pizza Pepper Poppers
Let me count the reasons to love these tasty bites!
Quick and Easy: These Mini Sweet Pepper Pizza Poppers can be made in less than 10 minutes and only require five ingredients. They are an easy and super yummy snack idea for your week ahead.
Kid-Friendly: Pizza Pepper Poppers are sweet and mild, making them more appropriate for children and those who prefer milder cuisine compared to spicy jalapeño poppers. Kids are more likely to try new things if you get them involved in the making and cooking process.
Healthy: By using mini sweet peppers as the base, these poppers provide a nutritious vessel for the pizza toppings. Look for a marinara sauce with no added sugar and just simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Keto-Friendly: If you love pizza but are following a keto diet, these pizza pepper poppers are a great low-carb alternative. They provide the flavors of pizza in a bite-sized, veggie-packed package.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:
- Mini Sweet Peppers: These small, colorful peppers provide the perfect bite-sized vessel for stuffing. Their slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the savory fillings.
- Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds a rich, tangy flavor reminiscent of pizza. It serves as the base for the filling, providing a burst of Italian flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese: No pizza-inspired dish would be complete without this creamy, melty cheese. Mozzarella adds a delightful gooey texture and mild, milky flavor to the poppers.
- Toppings: This is where you can get creative! Pepperoni, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, olives, and onions are all popular pizza toppings that can be added to these poppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Fresh Basil: A few sprigs of fresh basil, minced, provide a bright, herbaceous note that complements the other flavors and adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
How To Make These Pizza Poppers
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure that your poppers cook evenly and don't stick to the pan.
Step2.Slice the mini peppers in half lengthwise, keeping the stems intact. This will create a boat-like shape that's perfect for stuffing. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes from the inside of each pepper half.
Step3.Arrange the pepper halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they're evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
Step4.Spoon about 2 teaspoons of marinara sauce into each pepper half. Be careful not to overfill, as the sauce may bubble over during baking.
Step5.Sprinkle approximately 2 teaspoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce in each pepper half. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious topping.
Step6.Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, olives, or onions, over the cheese. Get creative and mix and match your favorite pizza toppings!
Step7.Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
Step8.Remove the poppers from the oven and sprinkle with minced fresh basil. This will add a burst of fresh flavor and aroma to your poppers.
Step9.Serve the Pizza Pepper Poppers immediately while they're still warm and the cheese is gooey. Enjoy your delicious, bite-sized pizza treats!
Tips For The Best Mini Sweet Peppers
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Choose the right peppers: Mini sweet peppers are the perfect size for these poppers, but make sure to pick ones that are firm and have a bright, glossy color. Avoid peppers that are soft or have blemishes.
- Get creative with your toppings: Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings. Try adding some pineapple for a Hawaiian twist or some spicy jalapeños for a kick!
- Don't overfill your peppers: It's tempting to stuff your peppers to the brim, but resist the urge! Overfilling can cause the filling to spill out during baking, making a mess and losing some of that delicious flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, but why not try some other cheeses too? Provolone, parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack could take your poppers to the next level.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
Storing: Store leftover mini pepper pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, making sure they are not touching. Transfer the poppers to a freezer bag, seal tightly, label, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Reheating: To reheat from frozen, place the frozen poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bacon is crispy.
Pizza Pepper Poppers
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Ingredients
- 12 mini sweet peppers
- 120 g ½ cup marinara sauce
- 120 g ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (0.26 lb)
- Toppings like pepperoni bacon, sausage, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc. (to taste)
- 15 ml 1 Tablespoon fresh basil, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cut the mini peppers in half lengthwise, ensuring to leave the stems intact. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes from the inside of each pepper half.
- Arrange the pepper halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon approximately 10ml (2 teaspoons) of marinara sauce into each pepper half, then sprinkle with 10ml (2 teaspoons) of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top the cheese with your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, olives, or onions.
- Bake the stuffed peppers for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the minced fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
- The nutrition facts provided do not include additional toppings. The nutritional values will vary depending on the toppings you choose to add.
- Some delicious topping ideas are turkey pepperoni, homemade bacon or sausage, mushrooms, olives, and onions.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of peppers?
Absolutely! While mini sweet peppers work great, you can also use bell peppers or other small pepper varieties.
Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, simply omit the meat toppings and use vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether for a vegan option.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry these pepper poppers at 380°F (193°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
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