Pin it A festive and colorful vegetarian appetizer featuring sweet bell peppers shaped into charming Christmas bows, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer was a hit at my family’s holiday party. Everyone loved the colors and the creamy filling that balanced the sweetness of the peppers.
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.
Pin it Making these bows reminds me of holiday gatherings with my family, where everyone chipped in to create festive dishes filled with love.
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
Pin it This appetizer adds a colorful and tasty touch to any holiday spread—both beautiful and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the bell peppers into bows?
Slice the peppers into wide flat strips and use the most flexible ones to fold ends toward the center, forming loops. Secure with a small strip or chive stem.
- → Can I make this appetizer vegan?
Yes, substitute vegan cream cheese and plant-based sour cream to keep it dairy-free and maintain the creamy texture.
- → What is the best way to prepare the filling?
Blend cream cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, parsley, and minced garlic until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- → Are there garnish options to enhance presentation?
Pomegranate seeds and fresh dill sprigs add vibrant color and fresh flavor, complementing the bell pepper bows beautifully.
- → How should the bell peppers be selected?
Choose firm, colorful bell peppers for best flexibility and visual appeal—red, yellow, and green work well for a festive look.