Description
Halloumi-Stuffed Sweet Peppers are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer or snack featuring mini sweet peppers filled with savory halloumi cheese, fresh herbs, and garlic. Roasted to bring out the natural sweetness of the peppers and melted texture of the cheese, this dish is perfect served on crostini or in lettuce cups with optional pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers and Filling
- 1 pound mini sweet peppers in different colors (smaller size preferred)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, marjoram, or sage leaves
- 4 to 5 ounces halloumi, cut into pieces that fit inside each pepper
Serving
- Crostini or lettuce cups, for serving
- Pesto, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Prepare the Peppers: Use a sharp knife to cut off the tops of the mini sweet peppers. Carefully scoop out all seeds and ribs to maintain a silky texture after roasting. Place the hollowed peppers in a medium bowl.
- Season the Peppers: Toss the peppers in the bowl with extra-virgin olive oil and fine sea salt until evenly coated. Then sprinkle the finely grated or minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (oregano, marjoram, or sage) into each pepper.
- Stuff the Peppers: Insert 1 to 2 pieces of halloumi cheese into each pepper, filling them but not overstuffing.
- Roast the Peppers: Arrange the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven, flipping the peppers halfway through, until they are golden brown and beginning to soften and slump. This will take 20 to 24 minutes for smaller peppers, or 22 to 28 minutes for larger peppers.
- Serve: Serve the roasted halloumi-stuffed peppers on crostini or inside lettuce cups. Optionally, drizzle with pesto or provide pesto as a dip on the side to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Choose mini sweet peppers as small as possible for a better texture and appearance.
- Ensure all seeds and ribs are removed to maintain a silky, tender pepper after roasting.
- Halloumi cheese does not melt like regular cheese, so expect a firm but softened texture when cooked.
- Pesto is optional but adds a nice herbal and nutty contrast to the roasted peppers.
- Serve as a warm appetizer or a light snack for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: halloumi, stuffed peppers, sweet peppers, baked appetizer, Mediterranean, vegetarian, cheese-stuffed, healthy snack
