Cheesy Herb Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate culinary resource for creating mouthwatering dishes that impress and satisfy. Today, we delve into a savory, cheesy, and herbaceous appetizer that will elevate your gathering—Baked Artichoke Squares. This recipe, thoughtfully shared by a kind co-worker, combines the tender, slightly nutty flavor of artichoke hearts with a rich blend of cheeses and aromatic herbs. Its versatility makes it suitable for brunches, parties, or a delightful snack, and its crisp crust paired with gooey cheese topping offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday celebration or just looking to elevate your appetizer game, these squares are sure to become a favorite. Crafted with love and attention to detail, this recipe from Love With Recipes aims to provide you with comprehensive instructions, tips, and insights to ensure perfect results every time.

Estimated Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: approximately 30 minutes

Cooking Time: approximately 30 minutes

Total Time: approximately 1 hour

Needed Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons for precise measurement
• Large mixing bowls for combining ingredients
• Skillet or sauté pan for cooking vegetables
• Cooking spoon or spatula for sautéing
• Grater for cheese
• Can opener for opening artichoke hearts
• Knife and chopping board for chopping vegetables and herbs
• Small bowl for mixing wet ingredients
• Medium bowl for mixing dry ingredients
• 13x9x2 inch baking pan (rectangular)
• Rubber spatula or spoon for spreading dough and filling
• Oven mitts for handling hot pans
• Cooling rack for cooling baked squares
• Sharp knife for cutting into squares
• Optional: pastry cutter or fork for mixing dough if needed

Tags

• Appetizer
• Cheese
• Vegetarian
• Party Food
• Vegetables
• Baked Goods
• Party Snack

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 24 individual squares, making it perfect for serving at small or large gatherings. Each square is about 2 inches by 2 inches, ideal for sharing or as part of a tasting platter. The serving size is designed to be a modest appetizer, allowing guests to enjoy multiple pieces without feeling overfull. If you’re serving this as a main dish or part of a larger meal, adjust portion sizes accordingly.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is classified as Easy to Moderate. While it involves multiple steps—such as sautéing vegetables, preparing a crust, and assembling the squares—it is straightforward and requires basic culinary skills. Familiarity with handling dough, sautéing, and baking will be advantageous. The process emphasizes organization and timing to ensure each component is prepared correctly.

Allergen Information

Note: Always check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination or allergens. For dairy or gluten allergies, suitable substitutions can be explored.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is vegetarian and can be adapted for specific dietary needs. For vegans, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives, and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed binders. For low-sodium diets, reduce salt and opt for low-sodium cheese options. Always tailor ingredients to meet individual dietary restrictions.

Course

This dish is categorized as an appetizer or finger food, suitable for social gatherings or as a light snack.

Cuisine

American, Mediterranean-inspired flavors with a focus on cheese, herbs, and vegetables.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Sautéing the Vegetables

Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil warms, prepare your vegetables for sautéing. Slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure uniform cooking, chop the celery finely to release their flavors effectively, and mince the garlic to maximize its aroma and taste. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms first. Sauté these until they release their moisture and turn a light golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. This step enhances their flavor profile and ensures they are cooked through. Next, add the chopped celery and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to sauté, stirring frequently, until the celery becomes tender and slightly translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This process infuses the vegetables with the aromatic garlic and allows the flavors to meld. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the sautéed vegetables to a plate or bowl to cool slightly. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the filling’s consistency.

Step 2: Preparing the Artichoke Mixture

While the sautéed vegetables are cooling, focus on preparing the main filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and chopped artichoke hearts with the sautéed mushrooms, celery, and garlic. Add the finely chopped green onions, which lend a mild onion flavor and freshness, along with the dried marjoram and oregano—both herbs that impart a Mediterranean-inspired aroma and taste. Sprinkle the ground red pepper to introduce a subtle spicy note that complements the richness of the cheeses. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the vegetable mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a harmonious flavor profile in every bite, so take your time to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Incorporating Cheeses and Eggs

Next, add the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the vegetable mixture. These cheeses melt beautifully during baking, creating a luscious, gooey topping that contrasts with the crisp crust. Mix the cheeses into the filling, ensuring they are evenly coated with the vegetables and herbs. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk them until fully blended. Pour the eggs into the mixture and stir thoroughly. The eggs serve as a binder, helping the filling to set firmly once baked, and they contribute to the overall richness of the squares. Once all components are combined, set the mixture aside while you prepare the crust.

Step 4: Making the Crust

In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt, whisking to distribute the salt evenly. In another small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of vegetable oil with the 1/4 cup of milk until well combined. This creates a wet mixture that will help turn the flour into a dough. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring constantly with a spoon or spatula. Continue until the mixture forms a cohesive dough ball. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a splash more milk. The result should be a pliable, soft dough that can be pressed easily into the pan without cracking.

Step 5: Pressing the Crust into the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line your 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Using your fingers or a spatula, press the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan, making sure it covers the entire surface. Then, press the dough about 1 ½ inches up the sides of the pan to create a crust that contains the filling. Use the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula to smooth out the dough and ensure it is packed firmly. This step is essential for a sturdy base that won’t collapse under the weight of the filling during baking. Once the crust is evenly distributed and pressed firmly, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes to partially cook the crust. This initial baking helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy once the filling is added.

Step 6: Assembling the Filling

After removing the crust from the oven, carefully spread the prepared artichoke mixture over the partially baked crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer, ensuring all corners are covered. The filling should be spread gently but firmly to avoid disturbing the crust beneath. Once fully assembled, place the pan back into the oven for the final baking stage.

Step 7: Baking the Squares

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. During this time, the cheeses will melt into a delightful, gooey layer that encases the vegetables, forming a savory topping. The top should turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating the squares are ready. The filling should be set in the center, not runny, and the crust should be crisp and firm. Keep an eye on the edges to prevent over-browning, and tent with foil if necessary. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the squares to cool slightly in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the filling set, making it easier to cut clean squares without them falling apart.

Step 8: Cutting and Serving

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baked artichoke squares into 24 equal pieces. For precise cuts, wipe the knife clean between slices. Serve these squares warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor and texture. They are perfect for serving at brunch, parties, or as a snack. Complement with a fresh green salad, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a side of dipping sauces such as aioli or spicy mayo for added variety.

Preparation Tips

• Ensure all vegetables are chopped uniformly for even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
• Drain the artichoke hearts thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
• If preparing ahead, assemble the crust and filling separately, refrigerate, and assemble just before baking to keep the crust crisp.
• For a spicier version, increase red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For a crispier crust, blind-bake the crust for an additional 5 minutes before adding the filling.
• Use a food processor to quickly combine the flour and oil into a crumbly texture if desired.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or feta for varied flavors.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding chopped fresh herbs such as basil or thyme before baking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture.

Add-ons and Variations

• Incorporate cooked bacon bits or pancetta into the filling for a smoky flavor.
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
• Mix in sautéed spinach or kale for added greens and nutrients.
• Replace the cheeses with vegan cheese for a plant-based adaptation.

Side Dishes

Complement these savory squares with a variety of side dishes to create a full meal or balanced platter:

• Fresh mixed greens salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetable medley
• Crusty artisan bread or baguette slices
• Tomato and cucumber salad
• Fragrant rice pilaf or quinoa salad

Improvements and Customizations

• For a creamier texture, fold in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the filling before baking.
• Use whole wheat or spelt flour for a healthier crust option.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra umami flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.

Save and Store

To preserve leftovers, allow the squares to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they regain their crispness. For longer storage, freeze the squares in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes. Replace cheeses with plant-based cheese alternatives and eggs with flaxseed or chia seed mixtures—about 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg. Use plant-based milk and vegan margarine if needed. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the crust and filling separately, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving. This makes it ideal for parties or busy days.

How do I ensure the squares stay firm when cutting?

Allow the baked squares to cool for at least 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Using a sharp knife, cut carefully and wipe the blade clean between cuts to achieve clean, neat squares.

What variations can I try?

Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and vegetables to customize the flavor. Adding chopped cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes introduces new layers of taste. Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.

Conclusion

Incorporating the perfect balance of savory herbs, melty cheeses, and tender artichoke hearts, these Baked Artichoke Squares are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Their crisp crust and gooey topping make them an irresistible addition to any gathering, from casual brunches to elegant parties. Remember, the secret to success lies in proper preparation—sautéing vegetables thoroughly, crafting a sturdy crust, and baking to golden perfection. With detailed instructions, helpful tips, and room for personalization, this recipe from Love With Recipes ensures you create a dish that not only looks beautiful but tastes extraordinary. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these squares are bound to become a staple in your appetizer repertoire, delighting guests and satisfying taste buds alike.

References

1. Simply Recipes: Artichoke Quiche

2. Allrecipes: Cheesy Artichoke Dip