Halloumi-Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Updated Dec. 9, 2024

Halloumi-Stuffed Sweet Peppers
Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
5(275)
Comments
Read comments

Mini peppers make adorable, colorful wrappers for cheese in this sweet and savory recipe that’s extremely easy to make. Just stuff the diminutive peppers with chunks of cheese (halloumi, or paneer also works), some garlic and herbs, then roast until they collapse into soft, caramelized heaps filled with salty, not-quite melted cheese. You can serve these on crostini or lettuce to make festive finger food, or plop them on salads, rice dishes, eggs or beans.

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Ingredients

Yield:8 to 10 peppers
  • 1pound mini sweet peppers in different colors (the smaller, the better)
  • 1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
  • 1tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, marjoram or sage leaves
  • 4 to 5ounces halloumi, cut into pieces that fit inside each pepper
  • Crostini or lettuce cups, for serving
  • Pesto, for serving (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (9 servings)

80 calories; 5 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 6 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 190 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    Use a knife to remove the top of the peppers. Scoop out seeds and ribs, making sure to remove them all so the peppers keep a silky texture. Add the peppers to a medium bowl, and toss with olive oil and salt.

  3. Step 3

    Sprinkle garlic and herbs into each pepper. Place 1 to 2 halloumi pieces inside each pepper.

  4. Step 4

    Place peppers on the rimmed baking sheet. Flipping the peppers halfway through, roast until the peppers are golden brown and are beginning to slump, 20 to 24 minutes for smaller peppers, 22 to 28 for larger ones.

  5. Step 5

    Serve on crostini or with lettuce cups. Drizzle with pesto or serve pesto as a dip alongside, if you like.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
275 user ratings
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Comments

I found it easier to cut the halloumi into small pieces then mix the oregano and garlic with it in the bowl so you can put it all in at once

In my experience, halloumi is best eaten warm because it becomes rubbery as it cools. In Cyprus, where slices of halloumi are grilled and served as appetizers, all table chit-chat stops when the halloumi is served. Talk resumes after the soft warm cheese is devoured. I'll be trying this festive-looking recipe.

I have a nearly identical recipe I frequently make, usually using Queijo Coalho cheese. I also usually add bacon on top of the cheese, and use either Little Gem, endive, or radicchio as the 'holder'. Always a winner, great for lunch with fruit, or for breakfast with eggs. This is so easy to prepare, very adaptable to tastes and what you have on hand, and looks festive and lovely. You'll want to keep mini peppers on hand so you can always whip some up!

I had gorgonzola so I used that, these were subtley divine. Sweet, tangy, salty.

The Halloumi sold here has mint in it. Is that normal, or weird? The photo looks mint-less.

I’ve stuffed jarred Piquillo peppers with marinated cubes of feta and black olive bits which were delicious but this sounds like it’s right up there for a quick appetizer too! Will get some mini peppers next shopping trip!

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