Summer ends and kicks off party food season. There are tailgating, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's gatherings to have. Some weddings, baby showers, and birthdays could get squeezed in between them too. All those events are what brighten up fall and winter. My eyes light up when I walk into a room and see tantalizing trays of food lined up and ready to be devoured. One that I would go to first is Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers.
Party preparation can get a little overwhelming. Being able to do some things in advance helps greatly. Pimento cheese can be made days ahead and it even tastes better when you do. Some chilling time in the fridge does wonders. Then all you have to do on the day you make it is get the peppers ready by cutting them in half, seeding, and removing the ribs. Fill each half with pimento cheese and put them on a platter. It is easy peasy.
Which peppers to use? There are so many choices. Mini bell peppers are colorful which makes the tray bright and cheery. Jalapeños are fantastic for those who like a kick of heat. Serrano peppers are not quite as hot as jalapeños and their size makes mini bites. Sweet cherry peppers, either jarred or fresh, are also pimentos. I used the jarred ones because I like the extra flavor from the vinegar they are packed with. My tray has a mix of all the peppers to give a variety of color, texture, spice, and flavor.
A few words about pimento cheese: Do not buy it from the store. Just don't and trust me on that. Take the time to make it from scratch. Also take the time to grate the cheese. It does make all the difference. How much mayonnaise you use will make it creamier or "drier" in a sense. This recipe has more mayo than what I used for a Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich or Pimento Cheese Balls. I wanted it to be a little more spreadable to go in the peppers.
Are you ready for party food season? Sunday Supper contributors are sharing recipes for tantalizing trays that will make your celebration a tasty one. Scroll down to find the list and links to each. There are so many great ones to make. Special thanks to Conni of The Foodie Army Wife for hosting the event.
Also try these ham and cream cheese roll ups!
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cream cheese at room temperature
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon grated onion
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 to 3 drops Tabasco sauce
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of fresh ground pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 jar chopped pimentos 4 ounces, drained
- 10 to 20 assorted peppers such as jarred sweet cherry peppers or fresh jalapeño serrano, or mini bell peppers
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, process cream cheese, mayonnaise, onion, garlic powder, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheeses and pimentos and pulse to combine. Do not over-process. Transfer pimento cheese to a bowl and stir if needed to combine ingredients thoroughly. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours.
- Slice peppers in half horizontially and remove ribs and seeds. Fill pepper halves with pimento cheese.
Notes
It's time for party food! Check out all these recipes for tantalizing trays you can make for your next celebration:
Savory Bites:
- Antipasto Skewers by Simply Gourmet
- Bite-Sized Meatballs by MealDiva
- BLT Bites by The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
- BLT Canapes by Peaceful Cooking
- BLT Crostini with Basil Mayonnaise by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
- Blueberry Jam and Goat Cheese Crostini by Casa de Crews
- Cajun Style Deviled Eggs by Peanut Better and Peppers
- Charcuterie Board by Family Foodie
- Cheese-Filled Apple Rounds by eating in instead
- Coquilles St. Jacques by Nosh My Way
- Crudites Tray with Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Dip by Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
- Crunchy Tuna Salad Boats by A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
- Cucumber Sandwiches by Momma's Meals
- Feta Zucchini Bites by Curious Cuisiniere
- Gluten Free Thai Soup Shooters by Gluten Free Crumbley
- Goat Cheese Stuffed Figs by Eat, Drink and be Tracy
- Heirloom Caprese Salad by Shockingly Delicious
- Jalapeño Mac 'n Cheese Bites by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Mostarda di Frutta by Rhubarb and Honey
- Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers by Magnolia Days
- Ploughman's Platter for a Party by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Puff Pastry Cheese Sticks by Basic N Delicious
- Rye Party Puffs by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Southwestern Turkey Sliders by The Texan New Yorker
- Spinach and Mushroom Pizza Bites by The Dinner-Mom
- The Modern Relish Tray by An Appealing Plan
- Tomato and Brie Bruschetta by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
- Tomato Basil Soup Shooters by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Zucchini and Summer Squash Crostini by Hip Foodie Mom
Sweet Treats:
- Alice in Wonderland Sugar Cookies by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Baked Lemon Glazed Mini Donuts by Killer Bunnies
- Chocolate Oreo Pocky Cupcakes, Cake, and Morello Cherry Buttercream by NinjaBaking
- French Silk Shooters by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- German Chocolate Brownies by Wallflour Girl
- Mini Banana Nutella Cheesecake Parfaits (#glutenfree option) by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Raspberry Fools by The Foodie Army Wife
- Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Shooters by The Redhead Baker
- Vegan Caramel Truffles by What Smells So Good?
- White Chocolate PB & Banana Bites by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Witchy Chocolate Mousse with Culinary Fairy Dust by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
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So very colorful, Renee. Nice idea to use the peppers with a bit of a vinegar accent...Very much agree that pimento cheese made at home is a lot nicer than store-bought =)
The jarred cherry peppers with the vinegar ones were my favorite of all the different peppers (and you know I had to try one of each).
I could live on mini food. A bite of this, a bite of that, then a bite of dessert... I never made pimiento cheese and am so intrigued by it, since it seems to be such a crowd pleaser. Looks amazing Renee, and all those different peppers to choose from! Love the idea!
I think I could live on mini food too (except when craving a big steak or bowl of stew).
I really need to get on making pimento cheese. I had it in Kentucky, and it's so good! And I love your assorted pepper. Fun idea!
Thanks Brianne
Oh man, my husband loves pimento cheese. I don't really like the store bought stuff but I love when people made it homemade. I need to give this a try!
Oh yes, definitely forget the store-bought stuff.
These are so pretty and festive looking! I am a very big fan of peppers and this looks like a perfect presentation.
Thanks Shelby
You've inspired me in two ways...first to make my own pimento cheese! And then to stuff a variety of peppers with it! These would be terrific on a crudite platter 🙂
Thanks Liz. I'm sure they would be a hit at one of your book club events.
Renee, love these stuffed peppers! You know, I have never made stuffed peppers?! This has to change ASAP .. and I love that you made your own pimento cheese!!! love that!! so much better than store bought! Believe me, you don't need to convince me to make my own! love these peppers! and I'm so glad Tiger is home and resting up!
Thanks Alice and it sure is time for you to make stuffed peppers. And thank you also for your thoughts on Tiger. We are glad to have him home and feeling better too.
Ever since I discovered pimiento cheese this past year, I've been hooked. Love how you used a variety of peppers (especially since I can't handle stuffed jalapenos most of the time if they are too spicy).
Thanks Carla and with such a wide range of peppers available there are so many great choices of which ones to use.
I'm going to be making these with my own homemade pimento cheese, Renee. They sound so good. Thanks for inspiring me.
You are welcome Renee and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
You are so right about making your own. I made my first pimento cheese after I attend the Masters golf tournament in Georgia. Now you have given me a reason to make it again and use peppers instead of bread. YUM.
And using the peppers makes it low-carb too.
Your pimento stuffed peppers would be delightful. I love this idea. Thanks for sharing.
Velva
Thank you very much Velva
I have been wanting to make some pimento cheese, but just haven't gotten off my rear to do it LOL Your version sounds fabulous, and these little bites? Ummm I don't think I would share!! YUM!
Now is the time to make pimento cheese (or any time for that matter).
I love these! They are adorable and the use of pimento cheese must really make them delicious!
Thanks Jennifer
Who could resist these delicious bites?
I don't know because I certainly could not.
I love Pimento Cheese...what a great way to enjoy it! Definitely pinning this for my next party.
Thanks Candace and I appreciate the pin.
Pimento Cheese is just awesome! Stuff it inside a pepper and that is perfection. YUM
I could not agree with you more. Thanks Sherron.
I've got a bunch of brothers-in-law that are going to love me for sharing your creations with them!! : ) thank you! this looks great, and tray-worthy!
Thanks a bunch Alice and I hope your brothers-in-law enjoys it all.
I never heard nor tried pimento cheese until I met some real, live southerners here in Florida haha. Love the idea of stuffing peppers with it, sounds yummy!
Thanks Shaina and glad to know there are some real southerners in Florida among all the northerners.
I love how beautiful the tray is and that it's totally simple for advance prep! Who wants to be fussing with appetizer trays the day of the party? HUGS
Thanks and hugs back to you Cheryl
I admit I don't "get" pimiento cheese, mostly because it's unavailable here, but ANY cheese stuffed in peppers is A-OK with me
One day hopefully you will get to try pimento cheese. I'm sure you would like it.
I was born ready for party food season! Absolutely LOVE pimento cheese--this recipe has stolen my heart. Lovely share!
Thanks so much Ala
Wow Renee, these look divine! I bet these would go fast at any get together.
They sure went fast at my house. Very fast indeed.
Those are gorgeous photos! And I'm so like you... when I see trays of finger foods and party food, I get so excited. What tastes await me? Which one will be my favorite?!
Thank Karli and aside from the people, the food is my favorite at any party.
You are the queen of pimento treats Renee. Every time you post one I start to crave it! Delish!
Oh thank Marjory, I never thought of being the pimento cheese queen. I sure do love it though.
Pimento cheese is the best and you are absolutely right to insist on homemade, Renee. I love your colorful filled peppers!
Thanks Stacy!