Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most irresistible appetizer that'll make your guests beg for the recipe! These Cilantro Crab Sweet Corn Mini Peppers are not just a dish – they're a culinary masterpiece that combines the delicate sweetness of crab, the fresh crunch of corn, and the vibrant kick of cilantro, all nestled in adorable pepper boats. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet bite, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering sensation that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 mini sweet peppers
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully slice mini sweet peppers lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes to create boat-like vessels for filling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, fresh corn kernels, crab meat, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently spoon the crab and corn mixture into each pepper half, ensuring an even and generous filling.
- Arrange filled pepper boats on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until peppers are slightly softened and edges begin to char lightly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow filling to set.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves and a small squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- Serve immediately while warm as an appetizer or light meal.
Tips
- Cream Cheese Hack: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Pepper Preparation: Choose uniform-sized mini peppers for consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Crab Meat Quality: Use fresh or high-quality canned crab meat for the best flavor. If budget allows, fresh lump crab meat works wonders.
- Corn Freshness: Fresh corn kernels provide the best sweetness, but frozen corn can be an excellent alternative if fresh is unavailable.
- Baking Precision: Watch peppers closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-charring.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers in advance, refrigerating until ready to bake.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after baking to maintain the perfect temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 135kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
