I still remember the first time I tried stuffed peppadews at a friend’s party—those little bursts of sweet, tangy pepper and creamy cheese disappeared from the platter faster than the main course! That’s when I knew I had to recreate them at home. The best part? They’re embarrassingly easy to make, yet they look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Just a handful of ingredients—peppadews, cream cheese, feta, and a sprinkle of chives—transform into the most addictive appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or just craving something zesty, these stuffed peppadews are my go-to for flavor that wows with zero fuss.
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Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Peppadews
Trust me, these little flavor bombs are about to become your new party staple. Here’s why:
- No cooking required – Just mix, stuff, and chill (perfect for hot summer days!)
- 5-minute prep – Faster than ordering takeout
- Guaranteed crowd-pleaser – I’ve never brought leftovers home
- Endlessly customizable – Swap cheeses or add herbs based on what’s in your fridge
The hardest part? Stopping at just one!
Ingredients for Stuffed Peppadews
Here’s all you need for these addictive little bites – I promise your pantry probably has half of this already! The key is using softened cream cheese (leave it out for 30 minutes – no shortcuts here!) and freshly chopped chives for that bright pop of flavor. Here’s the lineup:
- 12 peppadew peppers (look for the small jar near the olives)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best texture)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the salty bite makes it!)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (scissors work great)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy)
See? Told you it was simple! Now let’s make some magic.
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5-Minute Stuffed Peppadews – Irresistible Creamy Bites
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful appetizer featuring stuffed peppadew peppers with creamy cheese filling.
Ingredients
- 12 peppadew peppers
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Drain the peppadew peppers and pat them dry.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, feta, chives, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fill each peppadew pepper with the cheese mixture.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a piping bag for easier filling.
- Adjust pepper to taste.
- Serve cold for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
How to Make Stuffed Peppadews
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – transforming these simple ingredients into irresistible bites! I’ll walk you through each step so they turn out perfect every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
First, drain those gorgeous peppadews from their brine and give them a gentle shake in a colander. Here’s my golden rule: pat them dry like you mean it! I use paper towels to blot inside and out – any leftover moisture will make your filling watery. Nobody wants sad, drippy stuffed peppers!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Now for the creamy magic! In a medium bowl, mash the softened cream cheese with a fork until it’s smooth (no lumps allowed!). Then fold in the crumbled feta, chives, and black pepper. Taste it – this is your moment to adjust! Need more tang? Add extra feta. Want some heat? A pinch of cayenne works wonders. The filling should be creamy but still hold its shape when scooped.
Step 3: Fill and Chill
Here’s my favorite trick: spoon the filling into a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off) for mess-free stuffing. Pipe gently into each pepper until just brimming – overfill and they’ll burst! Then comes the hardest part: refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. I know, the wait kills me too, but this chill time lets the flavors marry and gives that perfect firm-yet-creamy texture we’re after.
See? I told you it was easy! Now try not to eat them all before your guests arrive…
These Stuffed Peppadews are the ultimate 5-minute party bite—sweet, tangy, and filled with creamy goodness that disappears fast. For another stuffed veggie favorite with a bit more crunch, check out our Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers — a healthier twist that’s just as satisfying and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppadews
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my foolproof tricks for stuffed peppadew greatness:
- Piping bag hack: Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off – way easier than spooning!
- Taste as you go: Filling too mild? Add a pinch of garlic powder or lemon zest.
- Keep ’em cold: Serve straight from the fridge – the filling firms up perfectly.
- Prep ahead: They actually taste better after 2 hours of chilling (if you can wait that long!).
Bonus: Leftover filling? Spread it on crackers – chef’s snack!

Variations for Stuffed Peppadews
The beauty of these little guys? You can tweak them a million ways! Swap the feta for tangy goat cheese or rich blue cheese if you’re feeling fancy. For a smoky kick, mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or crumbled bacon. Fresh herbs like dill or basil work wonders too – just don’t tell my original recipe I said so!
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppadews shine brightest on a mezze platter with cured meats and crusty bread, but honestly, they steal the show all by themselves! Pour a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or rosé – the acidity cuts through the creamy filling perfectly. I love tucking them into lunchboxes too for a surprise midday treat!
Storage and Reheating
Good news – these stuffed peppadews never need reheating! Just pop them in an airtight container (I layer them between parchment paper) and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The filling stays perfectly creamy when served cold straight from the fridge!
Nutritional Information
While these stuffed peppadews are light bites, nutrition varies by brands and cheese types. Each pepper has roughly 45 calories—perfect for guilt-free indulgence! Remember, estimates are just that—estimates.
Explore more appetizer inspiration, quick bites, and crowd-pleasing favorites on our Pinterest page — we’re pinning new flavor-packed ideas daily.
FAQs About Stuffed Peppadews
I get asked these questions all the time when I bring my stuffed peppadews to parties! Here are the answers straight from my trial-and-error experience:
Can I use jarred peppadew peppers?
Absolutely! In fact, jarred peppers are what I always use – just drain them well. Fresh ones are nearly impossible to find, and the brined version gives that perfect tangy-sweet flavor we love.
How long do stuffed peppadews last in the fridge?
They’ll stay delicious for 2 days max – if they last that long! The filling might weep a little after day one, so I recommend making them the morning of your event for best texture.
Are peppadews spicy?
Not at all! They’re mildly sweet with just a whisper of heat – think less than a bell pepper. If you want more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. Kids and spice-averse friends always gobble these up at my gatherings!