Description
These Mini Bell Pepper Poppers are a delightful, healthy twist on traditional cheese-stuffed appetizers, using a creamy tofu filling blended with nutritional yeast and spices, baked until golden and crispy, then topped with crunchy crushed tortilla chips and optional red pepper flakes for a perfect bite-sized snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 9 mini bell peppers
Filling
- 8 ounces firm tofu (or extra-firm tofu)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon white sugar
Toppings
- Finely crushed tortilla chips
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: Place all the ingredients for the cheesy tofu filling into a food processor or blender to combine the tofu with nutritional yeast and spices.
- Blend Filling: Blend the tofu filling until creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a small amount of water if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency, being careful not to make it runny.
- Prep Peppers: Wash and dry the mini bell peppers thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise and arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon about one tablespoon of the tofu filling into each pepper half. Some filling may remain, which can be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the stuffed peppers for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the filling is golden and crispy on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the mini bell poppers with finely crushed tortilla chips and optional red pepper flakes to add texture and a hint of spice before serving.
Notes
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture in the filling.
- Be cautious when adding water to the filling to prevent it from becoming runny.
- The leftover filling makes a great dip for tortilla chips or veggies.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if desired.
- Mini bell peppers vary in size, so adjust filling quantities accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
