Appetizers & Starters > Finger Foods > Stuffed Items > Stuffed Mini Peppers

Spicy Sausage and Ricotta Stuffed Mini Peppers

Elevate your appetizer game with these spicy and savory stuffed mini peppers. Featuring a flavorful filling of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and a hint of chili flakes, these peppers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
24 peppers
Ingredients
  • 24 Mini Sweet Peppers
  • 8 oz Italian Sausage
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chili Flakes
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the mini sweet peppers. Cut each pepper lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Arrange the pepper halves in a baking dish.

Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, chili flakes, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the sausage and ricotta mixture into each mini pepper half, filling them generously.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and lightly browned. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve

Garnish with extra chopped basil, if desired. Serve warm.

← Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms →

FAQ

  • Can I use mild sausage?

    Yes, you can use mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat. You may want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of spice if you like.
  • Can I prepare these ahead of time?

    Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Add about 5 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
  • Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?

    While you can freeze them, the texture of the ricotta cheese may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, ensure the peppers are completely cooled before wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.