Cottage Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Mini Peppers
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Mini Peppers are a vibrant and wholesome appetizer that combines the natural sweetness of mini bell peppers with a creamy and nutritious cottage cheese and spinach filling. These stuffed peppers are not only visually appealing but also a great way to enjoy a balance of flavors and textures.
INGREDIENTS
- 12-16 mini bell peppers, assorted colors, washed and halved lengthwise
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the mini bell peppers in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and membranes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chopped spinach, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Fill each mini bell pepper half with the cottage cheese and spinach mixture, pressing it gently to fill the cavity.
Arrange the stuffed mini peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed peppers to prevent them from drying out during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Serve:
Arrange the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Mini Peppers on a serving platter.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve as an appetizer, snack, or a colorful side dish.
TIPS
Customize the filling by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or feta cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 kcal (varies based on portion size)
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-12g
- Protein: About 8-10g
- Fat: Approximately 3-4g
- Fiber: About 2-3g