Description
Spicy mini pizza pepper poppers combine zesty jalapeños with classic pizza flavors for an irresistible appetizer. Cheese-stuffed peppers baked to golden perfection deliver a crowd-pleasing bite you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound sweet mini peppers, sliced in half lengthwise
- 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Extras:
- Mini pepperoni, for topping
- 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 milliliters) finely grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to a high temperature of 425°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the peppers.
- Carefully halve the mini peppers along their length, creating boat-like vessels for the upcoming toppings.
- Arrange the pepper halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing upward, creating a uniform surface for seasoning.
- Enhance the peppers’ flavor profile by lightly coating them with olive oil and generously sprinkling with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil.
- Roast the seasoned peppers in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a slight char.
- Remove the baking sheet and transform each pepper half into a miniature pizza by adding a dollop of marinara sauce.
- Crown the sauced peppers with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring complete coverage of the marinara base.
- Strategically place mini pepperoni slices atop the cheese, creating a visually appealing and flavorful topping.
- Return the loaded pepper poppers to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, waiting until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly surface.
- Retrieve the baking sheet and finish the dish with a light dusting of finely grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory complexity.
- Serve the pizza pepper poppers immediately while hot and enjoy their vibrant, bite-sized appeal.
Notes
- Choose peppers that are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent presentation.
- Pat peppers dry before seasoning to ensure crisp edges and better oil absorption.
- Customize toppings by substituting pepperoni with vegetarian alternatives like sliced mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles for dietary restrictions.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg