Stuffed roasted peppers with a filling of Muenster cheese and sausage definitely holds its own; not just spicy but bursting with flavor. These stuffed mini peppers are a great appetizer for your next gathering or a great side to any meal.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 10 minutesminutes
Ingredients
3tablespoonsolive oil
1lbabout 24 baby bell peppers
1small onion(diced, ½ cup)
1poblano pepper(seeded and diced)
3clovesgarlic(minced)
½teaspooncumin
½teaspoonoregano
½teaspoonancho chili powder
1teaspoonchipotle chili powder
1teaspoonsalt
½lbground pork
¼cupcilantro(chopped)
1cupmuenster cheese
lime wedges
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425º.
Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add peppers in a single layer and cook, turning until the skins blister and start to brown. They should still have some firmness to them. Transfer to a a plate.
Add onion, poblano, cumin, oregano, ancho and chipotle chili powders and 1 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until the onion and poblano are tender, about 8 minutes, add garlic and cook an additional minute. Increase heat to medium high and add pork. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and use a slotted spoon to place on a paper towel lined plate to cool.
Cut each pepper in half, from stem to tip. Crumble meat mixture into small bits and stir in cilantro and ¾ cup of the cheese. Spoon the mixture into each pepper half and transfer to a baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until cheese melts and peppers are heated through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and sprinkle with lime juice.
Barbara's Notes + Tips
They can be made ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.
You can mix in more cheese if you want to add a more complex cheese flavor. In addition to Muenster, you can stir in mozzarella, Monterrey Jack or a sharp cheddar.
Don't over cook the peppers or they will be too soft to hold the filling.