Stuffed bell peppers with cheese

Bell Pepper Boats with Cheese – a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Discover a captivating recipe that transforms the classic combination of bell peppers and cheese into real flavor-packed boats! These bell pepper boats with cheese are perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish for a festive meal. With a rich taste and attractive presentation, these delicious appetizers are sure to impress everyone who tries them.

Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (preferably red or yellow for a vibrant look)
- 200 g cream cheese (you can also use goat cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g grated cheese (or mozzarella for a softer texture)
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or parsley for a different aroma)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove of fresh garlic, crushed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for a touch of acidity)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by washing the bell peppers well. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. These halves will become your boats. Place them cut side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

2. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the grated cheese, chopped dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated to achieve a creamy and flavorful filling. If desired, you can also add some chopped olives or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

3. Filling the peppers: Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the bell pepper halves with the cheese mixture. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed in each boat. This step is essential for achieving a uniform texture and rich flavor in every bite.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Drizzle the filled boats with olive oil and, if desired, a little balsamic vinegar for a note of acidity. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the pepper becomes soft and the cheese melts beautifully, forming a lightly golden crust.

5. Serving: Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh dill leaves or a drizzle of olive oil. These boats are excellent alongside a fresh salad or as part of an appetizer platter.

Helpful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or cottage cheese to customize the flavor of the recipe.
- If you want to turn them into a main dish, you can add ground meat or sautéed vegetables to the filling.
- These boats are also great cold, so you can prepare them in advance for a party.

Enjoy this simple and quick recipe for bell pepper boats with cheese, which represents a perfect combination of textures and flavors, ideal for bringing a touch of creativity to your kitchen!