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Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers on a plate

Savory Stuffed Pepper Bites

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 20-24 mini sweet peppers halved and seeded
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1½ cups shredded Italian cheese blend
  • ½ cup cooked white rice or quinoa
  • ½ cup marinara sauce plus more for drizzling
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook sausage in large skillet over medium until browned and fully cooked, crumbling finely. Drain excess grease; cool slightly.
  2. Thoroughly mix sausage, cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheese, rice, marinara, garlic, Italian seasoning, optional pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in large bowl.
  3. Carefully fill each pepper half with about 1-2 tablespoons filling, packing gently but firmly.
  4. Pour about ½ cup water or broth into slow cooker bottom for moisture.
  5. Arrange peppers in single or double layer, upright if possible; drizzle extra marinara.
  6. Cover; cook on low 2½-3 hours until peppers tender but intact.
  7. In final 15 minutes, add remaining ½ cup cheese; cover to melt.
  8. Garnish with basil or parsley; serve warm with toothpicks.