These cottage cheese-stuffed mini peppers are super easy, fresh, and taste amazing.
They’ve got that creamy, cheesy filling with a little crunch from the sweet peppers. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a light lunch. No cooking involved—just chop, mix, and stuff.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these on a super hot day when I didn’t want to turn on the stove. I had some leftover cottage cheese, a bag of mini peppers, and figured, why not? Turns out, this combo is a total win. Now I make them all the time when I need something quick, refreshing, and satisfying. Here’s why they’re a keeper:
- No cooking needed
- Takes 10 minutes or less
- Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor
- High in protein
- Super customizable
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, full fat)
- 8–10 mini sweet peppers
- ¼ cup cucumber, finely diced
- 2 tbsp onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Pro Tips
- Slice mini peppers vertically so they hold the filling better
- Use a spoon or mini spatula to fill each pepper cleanly
- Drain cottage cheese slightly if it’s too watery
- Chill filling for 15 minutes before stuffing for firmer texture
- Want it spicy? Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Small spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cottage cheese for cream cheese or ricotta
- Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor
- Use green onion instead of regular onion
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Use bell pepper slices if you don’t have mini peppers
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the filling up to 1 day ahead—store covered in the fridge
- Slice the peppers and keep them in a container, then stuff right before serving
Recipe & Instructions
Makes: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
No cooking needed
Step 1: Dice the cucumber and onion
Finely dice ¼ cup cucumber and 2 tbsp onion.
Step 2: Mix the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup cottage cheese, the diced cucumber and onion, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Mix until creamy
Use a spoon to stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Slice the mini peppers
Slice 8–10 mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove any seeds or membranes.
Step 5: Fill the peppers
Spoon the cottage cheese mixture into each pepper half, filling them to the top.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
Place filled peppers on a round white plate and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge
- Best eaten within 2 days for freshness
- Don’t freeze—cottage cheese doesn’t hold up well after freezing
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese is high in protein and moisture. The creamy curds mix perfectly with crunchy veggies, and the mini peppers act like little edible cups. The salt and seasonings pull the flavors together, and the natural sweetness of the peppers balances the slight tang of the cheese. No heat needed—so everything stays fresh and crisp.
Common Mistakes
- Not dicing veggies small enough—big chunks don’t mix well
- Using watery cottage cheese—drain it a bit if needed
- Overstuffing the peppers—can cause filling to spill out
- Cutting peppers unevenly—makes stuffing harder
What to Serve With
- A side of hummus and pita chips
- Fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices
- Hard-boiled eggs for more protein
- A crisp green salad
- Crackers or pretzels
FAQ
Can I use large bell peppers?
Yes! Just cut them into wide strips or small cups and fill like usual.
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat is creamier and holds up better.
Can I prep these ahead for a party?
Yes—make everything ahead and stuff right before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yep! No gluten in any of the ingredients.
Final Thoughts
These cottage cheese-stuffed mini peppers are a fresh, feel-good snack that comes together in no time. They’re light but super satisfying and totally customizable with whatever you’ve got on hand. Give them a try and let me know how they turned out—or ask if you’ve got any questions!