If you’re looking for a high-protein snack or lunch that requires zero cooking and comes together in about five minutes, these High Protein Stuffed Mini Peppers are about to become your new obsession. Sweet, crunchy mini peppers are filled with a creamy, herby cottage cheese mixture that is loaded with protein and flavor, then topped with everything bagel seasoning for the perfect finishing touch. They’re light, satisfying, and so good that I find myself making them multiple times a week.
Friends, if you follow me on Instagram, then you may have already seen these Stuffed Mini Peppers make an appearance on my feed. As I’ve been paying more attention to my protein intake lately, I’ve been on the hunt for snacks and lunches that are actually filling, and this one checks every single box. It has 50 grams of protein (for the whole recipe), which is no small feat for something that takes five minutes to throw together with practically no work.
Now, I do want to take a second to talk about the cottage cheese, because this is not the gross cottage cheese of your childhood. I use Good Culture, and if you haven’t tried it yet, it is in a completely different category — thick, creamy, and made with ingredients you can actually pronounce. Once you mix it with the Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, fresh chives, and a little garlic powder, it transforms into this bright, savory filling that I could eat with a spoon.
The everything bagel seasoning on top is non-negotiable, and I’ll die on that hill. It adds just enough crunch and saltiness. These are also a dream if you’re someone who likes to have lunch ready to grab without thinking about it. Make the filling on Sunday, keep it in the fridge, and stuff the peppers whenever you’re hungry.
What You Need to Make These High Protein Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Mini Bell Peppers: Mini bell peppers are sweet, sturdy, and the perfect vessel for this creamy filling. You’ll want to halve them and remove the seeds before filling.
- Cottage Cheese: I use Good Culture 2% cottage cheese because it’s thick and creamy, which means the filling holds its shape inside the peppers. If you can’t find Good Culture, look for any full-fat or 2% cottage cheese — avoid the low-fat varieties, as they tend to be watery.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: A couple of tablespoons of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano adds a salty, nutty depth to the filling. I recommend grating it fresh if you can.
- Lemon: Both the zest and the juice of half a lemon go into the filling, and they make a big difference.
- Chives: Fresh chives add a mild onion-y flavor that pairs well with the cottage cheese.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder seasons the filling without being overpowering. I prefer garlic powder over fresh garlic here because it blends smoothly into the cottage cheese.
- Black Pepper: A little freshly cracked black pepper adds just enough kick to round out the flavor.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: The everything seasoning on top is the finishing touch that ties this whole recipe together.
How to Make These Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers
To make these, start by prepping the peppers. Slice each mini pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Arrange them on a plate or serving board and set them aside.
Next, prepare the filling. Add the cottage cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chives to a medium bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
Then, spoon the cottage cheese mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously. Finally, top each pepper with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until you’re ready to eat!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new!
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Ingredients
- 6-8 Mini Bell Peppers, halved, seeds removed
- 1 ½ Cups 2% Cottage Cheese, Good Culture
- 2 Tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ Lemon, juiced + zested
- ¼ Cup Chives, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Everything Seasoning
Instructions
- To make these, start by prepping the peppers. Slice each mini pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Arrange them on a plate or serving board and set them aside.
- Next, prepare the filling. Add the cottage cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chives to a medium bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
- Then, spoon the cottage cheese mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously. Finally, top each pepper with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until you’re ready to eat!
Rate & review
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