Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

01 - 12 mini sweet peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
02 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Dairy

03 - 225g cream cheese, softened
04 - 120g shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Fresh Herbs

05 - 60g fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 - 60g fresh chives, finely chopped

→ Seasonings & Oils

07 - 5ml lemon juice
08 - Salt and pepper to taste
09 - 1g smoked paprika (optional)
10 - Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
02 - Halve mini sweet peppers lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Leave stems intact for presentation if desired. Arrange peppers cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
03 - In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, chives, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and well-integrated.
04 - Using a small spoon or piping bag, generously fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill.
05 - Lightly drizzle the stuffed peppers with olive oil. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until peppers are tender and filling develops a light golden color.
06 - Allow stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving. Can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

# Notes:

01 - These stuffed peppers can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
02 - For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese without compromising flavor.