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Spooky Spinach Dip Stuffed Peppers

Spooky Spinach Dip Stuffed Peppers - featured image

A festive and easy Halloween appetizer featuring mini sweet peppers stuffed with a creamy, tangy spinach and cheese dip filling, topped with panko and Parmesan for a crunchy finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12–15 mini sweet peppers (or 3 large bell peppers)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • Pinch of salt (for peppers)
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. If using large bell peppers, cut off tops, remove seeds, and chop into bite-sized pieces. If using mini peppers, wash and pat dry.
  3. Toss peppers lightly with vegetable oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
  4. While peppers roast, squeeze excess water from the thawed spinach until completely dry.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, feta, garlic, onion, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  6. Remove partially roasted peppers from the oven.
  7. Fill each pepper with the spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Do not overfill.
  8. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the stuffed peppers.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, and peppers are tender-crisp.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

Ensure spinach is thoroughly squeezed dry to prevent a watery dip. Cream cheese should be at room temperature for smooth mixing. For a gluten-free version, omit panko or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add 5 minutes to baking time if cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween appetizer, spinach dip, stuffed peppers, cream cheese, party food, easy recipe, vegetarian appetizer