Save A festive and colorful vegetarian appetizer featuring sweet bell peppers shaped into charming Christmas bows, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer adds a colorful and fun twist to the holiday table that always impresses guests.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 large red bell peppers, 2 large yellow bell peppers, 2 large green bell peppers
- Filling: 200 g cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 garlic clove minced, salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish: 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional), fresh dill sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and dry the bell peppers. Cut off the tops and bottoms, then carefully slice each pepper into wide, flat strips about 2 cm (¾ inch) wide. Set aside the most flexible strips for shaping bows.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, chives, parsley, and minced garlic until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 3:
- Lay a strip of bell pepper flat. Place a heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center. Fold both ends toward the center to form two loops, resembling a bow. Secure the center with a small strip of bell pepper or a chive stem, wrapping it around and tucking under the bow.
- Step 4:
- Repeat with remaining pepper strips and filling until all bows are formed.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the bows on a serving platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh dill sprigs, if using.
Save Our family loves creating these together as a seasonal tradition that brings out everyone’s creativity.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream). Check all processed ingredients for possible allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 90, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 7 g, Protein: 3 g per serving
Save These colorful appetizers bring charm and flavor to any holiday celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the bell pepper bows?
Cut bell peppers into wide, flat strips and fold each strip's ends toward the center to create loops, securing the middle with a pepper strip or chive stem.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, shape and fill the bows ahead of time, then refrigerate and garnish just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What variations can I make to the filling?
Try adding chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the cream cheese mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- → Are there dairy-free alternatives for the filling?
Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based sour cream to create a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture.
- → How should I choose bell peppers for this dish?
Pick firm, colorful bell peppers with flexible strips to easily shape the bows and add a vibrant look to your display.