What’s the star of any party spread? Finger food, no question! Today, we’re firing up the grill for Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers—hot, juicy, and packed with sweet-savory flavor. These bite-sized gems are your secret weapon to wow guests at any shindig, whether it’s a chill homegating night or a full-on game day blowout. Better yet, you can prep them ahead and finish them off just in time to kick back with your crew. Because, honestly, who wants to miss the pregame buzz?
Stuffed sweet mini peppers ready to impress.
What You’ll Need for Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1–2 pinches coarse salt
- 12 cups water
- 2 cups brown rice
- 1–2 pinches black pepper
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 20 sweet mini peppers
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
- ¼ bunch parsley
- 8 oz crumbled goat cheese
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 4 thick-cut bacon strips
- 1 yellow onion
Tools
How to Grill Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers
Alright, y’all, it’s time to get that grill humming! Here’s how Mia “The Coastal Catch” Meyer whips up these crowd-pleasers with a breezy, fun twist.
Step 1: Prep the Rice
First, fill a big ol’ pot with water—about 6 cups per cup of rice—and crank it to a boil. Meanwhile, rinse that brown rice under cold water in a colander to wash off the starch. Trust me, this keeps your Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers light and fluffy, not some gluey disaster.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Next, toss the rice into that boiling water, then ease up the heat so it doesn’t bubble over like a tidal surge. Let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, just rolling along.
Step 3: Prep the Peppers
While the rice is simmering, grab those 20 sweet mini peppers. Slice ‘em in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pith. Here’s a coastal trick: A serrated grapefruit spoon makes this as easy as shucking oysters!
Step 4: Cool the Rice
Once done, drain that rice, slide it back into the pot, and cover it up. Let it cool off the heat for 10 minutes—give it a breather—then fluff it with a fork. Set it aside, because we’re almost ready to roll!
Step 5: Cook the Meat
Now, fire up a big sauté pan over medium heat. Throw in the ground chuck and bacon strips, letting them sizzle like a Charleston summer day. Cook ‘til they’re nearly done, then drain the fat and get that pan back on the stove.
Step 6: Sauté the Veggies
After that, add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the mix. Sauté ‘em until they’re soft and golden—those sweet, caramelized vibes are what we’re after.
Step 7: Mix the Flavors
Then, drop the heat to medium-low. Stir in the salt, black and white pepper, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, cooked rice, and chopped parsley. Let it all meld for 2-3 minutes—those flavors are dancing now!
Step 8: Process the Stuffing
Take the pan off the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Afterward, pulse it in a food processor ‘til it’s coarse and chunky—perfect for stuffing those peppers just right.
Step 9: Add the Cheese
Dump that mixture into a big bowl and fold in the crumbled goat cheese. Keep mixing ‘til it’s creamy and even—oh, that’s the good stuff coming through!
Step 10: Prep or Chill
Grilling now? Get that grill fired up to medium-high heat—let’s bring the heat! Otherwise, wrap the stuffing tight in plastic wrap and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready, let it sit out for 20 minutes before moving forward.
Step 11: Stuff the Peppers
Grab a tablespoon and pack those peppers full—don’t hold back! The stuffing should mound up about a quarter-inch over the edge, looking as pretty as a coastal sunset.
Step 12: Grill and Serve
Finally, place the peppers on the grill, stuffed side up, and let ‘em cook for a few minutes ‘til you see those gorgeous char marks on the bottom. Plate ‘em up hot off the grill, and watch your crew dive in like it’s a shrimp boil!
Why Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers Shine at Parties
These little treasures aren’t just tasty—they’re the life of the party. The sweet peppers play off that savory stuffing, and the grill adds a smoky kiss that screams coastal charm. Plus, you can prep ‘em ahead, so you’re free to sip a sweet tea and soak in the fun. Want to switch it up? Try tossing in some fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon for that extra seaside zing. Either way, they’re a breeze to grill and always steal the show.
For more grilling inspiration, check out our guide on grilling techniques or dive into BBQ history at The BBQ Museum.
How do you make your Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers stand out? Share your secret ingredients or grilling hacks in the comments below!