Save to Pinterest A festive and colorful vegetarian appetizer featuring sweet bell peppers shaped into charming Christmas bows, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer has become a favorite at my holiday parties, with guests loving the fun presentation and fresh flavors.
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 (½ 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 to Pinterest My family always looks forward to these colorful bows as a fun and tasty holiday treat.
Filling Variations
Add finely chopped nuts sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra texture and flavor.
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.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer makes a stunning festive addition to any holiday table and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you shape the bell pepper into bows?
Cut bell peppers into wide strips, then fold each strip’s ends toward the center to create two loops resembling a bow. Secure with a small pepper or chive strip.
- → What filling ingredients are used for the bows?
The filling blends cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, fresh chives, and parsley, seasoned with salt and pepper for a creamy texture and fresh flavor.
- → Can I customize the colors of the bell peppers?
Yes, any combination of red, yellow, and green bell peppers can be used to match holiday themes or personal preferences.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for the filling?
For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to maintain creaminess and flavor.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Optional garnishes include pomegranate seeds for color and fresh dill sprigs to add an aromatic touch.