As the sun sets on a warm summer evening, the enticing smell of blistered peppers wafts through my kitchen, instantly brightening my mood. I first encountered this magical recipe for Blistered Cheesy Peppers during a casual weekend gathering, and it quickly became a staple in my home. The smoky char of the poblanos pairs perfectly with the melding of creamy, gooey cheese, creating an explosion of flavors that dance on your palate.
What makes this dish truly special is not just how delicious it is, but also its versatility. It’s a keto-friendly and low-carb snack that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes—ideal for those moments when you’re craving something satisfying yet wholesome. Whether you want to serve it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next get-together or as a delectable side dish during family dinners, these cheesy peppers are sure to impress. Plus, with various cheese options and spice levels to explore, you can easily make it your own. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Why are Blistered Cheesy Peppers so irresistible?
Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe allows anyone, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs, to create a gourmet snack effortlessly.
Quick and Easy: In under 20 minutes, you can have a delicious dish ready to serve, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky poblanos and melty cheese delivers an unforgettable taste experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Versatile: Customize your peppers with different cheeses and heat levels to suit your palate, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this guilt-free decadence.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, these cheesy peppers are sure to be a hit, appealing to both keto devotees and cheese lovers alike.
Try pairing them with a refreshing side salad or your favorite soup for a complete meal!
Blistered Cheesy Peppers Ingredients
For Marinated Shallots
- Marinated Shallots – Adds brightness and tang; substitute with red onions if desired.
- Shallot – Use thinly sliced shallots for best infusion when marinating.
- Olive Oil – Offers richness and enhances flavor; any light vegetable oil can substitute.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Provides acidity; raspberry vinegar adds a fruity twist as an alternative.
- Salt – Enhances flavors; using kosher salt ensures even seasoning.
For the Peppers
- Poblano Peppers – The base of the dish; substitute with Anaheim, cubanelle, or New Mexican Hatch chiles for different heat levels.
- Pepper Jack Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds spice; feel free to use sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for bold flavor.
- Serrano Pepper – Adds freshness and mild heat; omit for a milder version or use jalapeño for added kick.
These blistered cheesy peppers are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that everyone will love!
How to Make Blistered Cheesy Peppers
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Prepare Shallots: Toss shallots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt. Set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prep the Peppers: Halve poblanos lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush each half with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring they are coated evenly for that perfect char.
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Broil the Peppers: Place the peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they become blistered and charred, developing a smoky flavor.
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Stuff with Cheese: Carefully flip the peppers over and stuff them generously with the shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Mound the cheese as it will shrink when melted, creating a deliciously gooey center.
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Final Broil: Broil for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. The aroma will be irresistible!
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Add the Finishing Touches: Top the peppers with the marinated shallots and sliced Serrano pepper. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then serve immediately for the best texture.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Blistered Cheesy Peppers
Room Temperature: Enjoy these blistered cheesy peppers fresh for the best flavor and texture; they are best consumed immediately after cooking.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for optimal crispness and gooey cheese texture.
Freezer: While not recommended for freezing due to potential texture changes, you can freeze any leftover stuffed peppers for up to 1 month. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen peppers, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
What to Serve with Blistered Cheesy Peppers?
These delightful cheesy morsels are the perfect addition to a summer feast or cozy family dinner.
- Chilled Gazpacho: This refreshing cold soup offers a vibrant contrast to the warm, cheesy peppers, brightening your meal with its garden-fresh flavors.
- Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos: The smoky, charred flavors of grilled shrimp harmonize beautifully with the cheesy peppers for a fiesta of tastes.
- Zesty Quinoa Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and crunch, balancing the richness of the cheesy peppers perfectly.
- Creamy Avocado Dip: The luscious creaminess of avocado dip adds a smooth contrast, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.
- Roasted Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn provides an exquisite texture and flavor to complement the rich cheesy filling.
- Crisp Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: The freshness of greens with a tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the peppers, creating a delightful contrast.
Pairing these blistered cheesy peppers with a variety of sides not only enhances your meal experience but also creates a symphony of flavors to indulge in!
Expert Tips for Blistered Cheesy Peppers
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Freshness Matters: Serve the peppers immediately after broiling for the best texture. Sitting too long can make the melted cheese rubbery.
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Broiler Watch: Oven broiler times can vary. Keep a close eye while cooking to prevent burning; adjust time as needed based on your oven’s heat.
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère for unique flavors in your blistered cheesy peppers. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
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Perfect Peppers: When halving the poblanos, ensure to remove all seeds for a milder taste. If you prefer heat, leave some seeds intact.
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Marinating Tips: Allow shallots to marinate for at least 10 minutes for maximum flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
Blistered Cheesy Peppers Variations
These delightful cheesy peppers can be customized to fit your taste buds perfectly!
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Dairy-Free: Swap pepper Jack cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version. Enjoy the same melty goodness without the dairy!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños directly into the cheese for a heartier heat. The lively flavors will tantalize those who love a bit of spice in their bites.
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Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the cheese before stuffing. This elevates the flavor with a fresh, aromatic twist that’s simply divine.
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Crunchy Topping: For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before the final broil. This adds a delightful crunch that’s hard to resist!
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Smoky Twist: Incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the cheese for an added smoky flavor. This will enhance the dish’s warmth and depth beautifully.
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Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the cheese mixture. These veggies make every bite a little more wholesome and satisfying.
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Mini Bell Peppers: Use mini bell peppers instead of poblanos for a milder, sweeter option. They’re colorful and fun to eat, perfect for little hands at family gatherings.
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Greek Style: Swap the cheese for feta and add olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. These flavors create a unique, tangy taste that will amaze your guests!
Feel free to experiment with these variations, making this dish your own with each delicious iteration!
Make Ahead Options
These Blistered Cheesy Peppers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the shallots and prepare the poblanos up to 24 hours in advance. To do so, toss the shallots in olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt, then refrigerate. Halve the poblanos and brush them with olive oil, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply broil the prepared peppers for about 5 minutes until blistered, stuff them with cheese, and broil again until bubbly. This way, you’ll have a delicious, smoky snack ready with minimal effort, just as satisfying as freshly made!
Blistered Cheesy Peppers Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right peppers for my Blistered Cheesy Peppers?
Absolutely! For the best results, select firm, glossy poblano peppers that feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles as these indicate overripeness. If you prefer a milder flavor, mini bell peppers make a great alternative, and they’re also perfect for stuffing!
How should I store leftover Blistered Cheesy Peppers?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to consume them fresh, as the texture may change upon reheating. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their delightful crispness.
Can I freeze Blistered Cheesy Peppers?
While it’s not ideal due to possible texture changes, you can freeze any leftover stuffed peppers. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
What if my cheese doesn’t melt well in the oven?
Very! If you find the cheese isn’t melting to your liking, it may be due to the type of cheese used. For the best results, ensure you are using shredded cheese for even melting. If you’re using a block of cheese, shred it finely, and consider increasing the final broiling time by a minute or two while keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Are there any dietary considerations to be aware of with Blistered Cheesy Peppers?
Absolutely! If serving to guests with dietary restrictions, confirm they’re okay with dairy, as this recipe primarily relies on cheese. For those on a gluten-free diet, this recipe is safe as it contains no gluten ingredients. However, always double-check your ingredients to ensure they meet their dietary needs!
What can I serve alongside Blistered Cheesy Peppers?
These peppers pair wonderfully with various dishes. I often serve them with a refreshing side salad or alongside creamy soups for a balanced meal. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, providing a flavorful contrast that complements the smoky, cheesy goodness!
Delicious Blistered Cheesy Peppers for a Guilt-Free Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss shallots with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt. Set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Halve poblanos lengthwise and remove seeds. Brush each half with olive oil.
- Place peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes until blistered and charred.
- Flip peppers over and stuff them generously with shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
- Broil for an additional 3 minutes until cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Top with marinated shallots and sliced Serrano pepper, season, and serve immediately.