I love finding new ways to serve appetizers at parties. These hummus-stuffed mini peppers have become my go-to snack whenever I’m hosting friends or bringing something to a potluck. They’re so easy to make, and everyone always asks for the recipe. The best part? You can prep them ahead of time, which means less stress when guests are about to arrive.
I usually make a big batch while I’m already in the kitchen getting dinner ready. Just slice the peppers, fill them with hummus, and they’re good to go. Sometimes I’ll add different toppings or switch up the hummus flavors – roasted red pepper hummus in yellow peppers, classic in the red ones. It’s like having a rainbow of snacks that people can just grab and enjoy.
Want something that both kids and adults will love? These are perfect. Trying to include more vegetables in your diet? These little peppers have got you covered. I always make extra because they disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Hummus-Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Quick 10-minute appetizer – These little bites come together in just minutes – perfect when you need a last-minute party snack or quick afternoon treat.
- Three-ingredient simplicity – With just mini peppers, hummus, and parsley, you can create these colorful appetizers without any complicated shopping lists.
- Healthy snacking option – These plant-based bites are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein from the hummus and vitamins from the peppers.
- No cooking required – Just cut, fill, and serve – there’s no need to turn on the oven or stove, making these perfect for hot summer days.
What Kind of Mini Peppers Should I Use?
Sweet mini peppers, which usually come in a mix of red, orange, and yellow, are perfect for this recipe. These little peppers are milder and sweeter than their full-sized counterparts, and they’re just the right size for a two-bite appetizer. You can find them sold in bags at most grocery stores – look for peppers that are firm and bright in color, without any soft spots or wrinkles. While red mini peppers tend to be the sweetest, any color will work great for stuffing. Just make sure to pick peppers that are similar in size so they’ll cook evenly and look uniform when served.
Options for Substitutions
This simple appetizer is pretty flexible and open to lots of tasty swaps:
- Mini bell peppers: Can’t find mini bell peppers? Cherry tomatoes, cucumber rounds, or endive leaves make great alternatives. If using tomatoes, just scoop out the seeds first to make room for the filling.
- Hummus: While hummus is the star here, you can switch things up with other dips like baba ganoush, white bean dip, or even Greek yogurt mixed with herbs. Just make sure whatever you use has a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Parsley: Fresh herbs are easy to swap – try cilantro, dill, or chives instead. If you’re out of fresh herbs, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, though fresh ones give the best pop of color and flavor.
- Za’atar: No za’atar? Try Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or even everything bagel seasoning for a different but equally tasty twist.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when preparing stuffed mini peppers is cutting them incorrectly – for the best presentation and stability, slice them lengthwise and remove the seeds while keeping the stem intact to create a perfect little boat for your hummus. A common mistake is overfilling the peppers, which can lead to messy serving and eating – instead, leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each pepper half. To keep your peppers from rolling around on the serving plate, try making a tiny slice on the bottom of each pepper to create a flat surface, and for the freshest results, stuff them no more than 2 hours before serving (though you can prep the peppers themselves a day ahead). If you’re taking these to a party, wait to add the parsley garnish until just before serving to prevent wilting.
What to Serve With Hummus-Stuffed Mini Peppers?
These cute little stuffed peppers make a great appetizer or snack, but they can easily become part of a bigger Mediterranean-style spread. Try serving them alongside warm pita triangles, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh and filling starter. If you’re hosting a party, these peppers fit right in on a grazing board with olives, feta cheese cubes, and sliced salami or prosciutto. For a light lunch option, pair them with a simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, and maybe some grilled chicken if you’re looking for extra protein.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These cute little stuffed peppers are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The hummus might settle a bit, but they’ll still taste great! Just remember that the longer they sit, the softer the peppers will become.
Make Ahead: Want to prep these in advance? Clean and cut the peppers up to 2 days ahead, and store them separately from the hummus in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just fill them up and sprinkle with fresh parsley. This way, your peppers stay crisp and fresh!
Serving Tips: If you’ve had them in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving – the hummus tastes better when it’s not super cold. Give them a quick sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving to keep the herbs looking their best.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 10-15 g
- Fat: 15-20 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
- 10 small bell peppers
- 1 cup hummus (try with za’atar spice for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Begin by slicing each pepper lengthwise to create two halves.
Use a spoon to gently scrape out any seeds from the inside of the peppers, ensuring a clean and tidy base for filling.
Step 2: Fill the Peppers with Hummus
Take 2-3 teaspoons of hummus and fill each pepper half generously.
You can adjust the amount based on the size of the peppers or to your taste preference, ensuring the hummus covers the cavity of each pepper.
Step 3: Add Garnish
Sprinkle the filled peppers with chopped parsley or your choice of fresh herbs to add a burst of color and extra flavor.
This step enhances both the presentation and taste.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Serve the prepared pepper halves immediately as a fresh and nutritious snack or appetizer.
If you plan to serve them later, cover the peppers with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour to maintain freshness.
