Save Pin A festive and colorful vegetarian appetizer featuring sweet bell peppers shaped into charming Christmas bows, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer always brightens our holiday table and gets compliments from guests every year.
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 Pin Making these together has become a beloved family tradition each holiday season.
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
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This easy festive appetizer is sure to impress and delight guests at any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What peppers work best for shaping bows?
Choose large, flexible bell peppers like red, yellow, and green for easy slicing and shaping into loops that hold their form.
- → How can I make a vegan version?
Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bows shortly before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the peppers from softening too much.
- → What garnishes complement the bows?
Pomegranate seeds add a sweet crunch and bright color, while fresh dill sprigs bring a fresh aroma and taste.
- → Are there variations for the filling?
Try adding finely chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for unique textures and flavors within the creamy base.