Cheese And Peppers: The Perfect Melty Combination

Stuffed peppers are a tasty, filling, and healthy meal. They are also highly customisable, with different types of meat, grains, and cheese that can be used to fill them. For example, ground beef, chicken, turkey, or sausage can be used as the meat, while grains such as rice, quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice can be added to the filling. As for cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and Monterey Jack are all popular options.

Mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese that melts beautifully, making it a popular choice for stuffed peppers and other baked dishes. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, including the ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce commonly used in stuffed pepper recipes. Freshly grated mozzarella is best, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a sharp, tangy cheese that adds a bold flavour to stuffed peppers. It melts well and is widely available, making it a convenient choice. Cheddar can be mild or sharp, depending on your preference, and it pairs nicely with a variety of fillings.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It melts smoothly and is an excellent choice for stuffed peppers, as it complements a variety of ingredients. Monterey Jack is also a good melting cheese, making it ideal for dishes that require baking or broiling.

When choosing cheese for stuffed peppers, it's important to consider the other ingredients and select a variety that will complement the flavours. All three of these cheeses are versatile and pair well with a range of fillings, making them excellent options for this dish.

Parmesan

When preparing the peppers, slice off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If you want to stuff the peppers without pre-cooking them, look for peppers with relatively flat bottoms so that they can stand upright. You can also slice a thin layer off the bottom of the pepper to help them stand. If you do slice the bottom, you can place the piece you cut off inside the pepper to ensure the filling stays inside.

To prepare the filling, cook ground beef or ground Italian sausage in a skillet with olive oil. Add in diced onions and cook until the meat is browned. Then, add in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. For extra flavor, add in tomato paste and brown sugar. Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Finally, add in cooked rice and heat through.

Once the filling is prepared, stuff each pepper and place them in a baking dish. Cover and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. Then, remove the cover, top with cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.

Goat's cheese, Boursin, or feta

Goats Cheese, Boursin, or Feta?

When it comes to stuffed peppers, there are many different types of cheese that can be used to create a delicious dish. Here, we will explore three mouth-watering options: goats cheese, Boursin, and feta. Each of these cheeses offers a unique flavour and texture that can elevate the humble stuffed pepper into something truly special.

Goats Cheese

Goats cheese is a popular choice for stuffed peppers, as its tangy and creamy flavour pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the peppers. To prepare this dish, simply roast or blanch mini sweet peppers until they are soft, then fill them with a mixture of goats cheese, cottage cheese, and Greek yoghurt. This combination creates a rich and indulgent flavour profile that is sure to impress.

Boursin

For a more indulgent option, Boursin cheese is a luxurious choice for stuffed peppers. Boursin is a creamy Gournay cheese that comes in a variety of flavours, such as herb and garlic, or chive and shallot. To prepare this appetizer, simply cut mini sweet peppers in half, remove the seeds, and fill them with a mixture of Boursin and cream cheese. The warm, melty cheese paired with the sweet peppers makes for an irresistible treat that your guests will love.

Feta

Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese that is known for its salty and tangy flavour. When used in stuffed peppers, feta adds a delicious savoury note that complements the sweetness of the peppers perfectly. For the best flavour, look for Greek feta cheese made from sheep's milk. To prepare this dish, blend feta with cream cheese, garlic powder, and dill, then scoop the mixture into halved mini peppers. These creamy feta-stuffed peppers make for a tasty snack or appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for entertaining.

Vegan cheese

Flavour and Variety

Texture

Consider the texture of the vegan cheese and how it will melt and blend with the other ingredients. Some vegan cheeses melt better than others, so if you are looking for a cheesy, gooey topping, choose a variety that is known to melt well, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Customisation

Preparation and Cooking

When preparing vegan cheese for stuffed peppers, follow the same steps as you would with regular cheese. Simply stuff the peppers with the desired filling and top with the vegan cheese before baking. If you are making vegan stuffed peppers, be sure to use vegan cheese alternatives and avoid adding any dairy-based products.

Storage and Reheating

Vegan stuffed peppers can be stored and reheated in the same way as their non-vegan counterparts. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. If you are freezing the stuffed peppers, be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Cream cheese

To make cream cheese stuffed peppers, you will need:

Ingredients:

• Mini sweet peppers (a mix of red, yellow, and orange)
• Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Green onion
• Baby spinach
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Method:

• Slice the peppers lengthways and remove any seeds and membranes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Using a small spoon, stuff the peppers with the cream cheese mixture. Be sure to pack it in tightly.
• Serve cold, or bake in the oven for a hot appetizer. If baking, place the stuffed peppers on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 180C/350F, or until the cheese has melted.

Tips:

• If you prefer a kick of heat, add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
• To make ahead, the peppers can be stuffed and stored in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• For a lighter option, serve the peppers cold with a sprinkle of chives or crushed red pepper on top.
• To ensure the peppers aren't soggy, pat them dry before stuffing and be sure the cream cheese mixture is level with the pepper.
• For an extra indulgent twist, wrap a thin slice of bacon or prosciutto around the pepper before baking.

Frequently asked questions