Stuffed with three different kinds of cheese and lots of pimentos, these sweet pepper poppers are grilled until perfectly smoky and the most addicting summer appetizer!
Step aside, jalapeno poppers! There’s a new gal in town and she’s just about the most addictive thing you’ll ever throw on your grill this summer.
We’re swapping out the spicy jalapenos for their sweet cousin today and stuffing these beauts to capacity with a creamy 3-cheese filling, lots of pimentos, fresh basil, and sending it all to the grill.
Suffice to say, it’s your new favorite snack.
You’re only going to need 7 simple ingredients and about 20 minutes to pull off these peppers making them ideal for pretty much any kind of gathering this summer! They’re a great little teaser to throw on the grill at a cookout and will definitely get the appetites rolling.
These Pepper Poppers feature…
- Gooey cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese
- Flavorful pimentos and fresh basil
- Tender mini sweet peppers
- Ready in minutes and cooked entirely on the grill
Making the Pepper Poppers
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Pimentos
- Garlic
- Mini sweet peppers
- Basil
Tips for Perfect Pepper Poppers
- Buy 12 mini peppers – depending on the size of your peppers, I found that there’s usually enough of the cream cheese filling for 10-12 peppers, so error on the side of having more.
- Soften cream cheese – this will make it much easier to incorporate into the other ingredients.
- Grill poppers on a grill pan or tin foil – this will eliminate the risk of peppers falling through the grates while they cook.
- Top poppers with basil after cooking – this adds an amazing pop of herby flavor!
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on these peppers.
- Use jalapenos – jalapenos can easily be substituted for the sweet peppers for a spicy version.
- Top poppers with bacon – top the peppers with crispy bacon bits after grilling.
- Substitute cheese – shredded gouda, pepperjack, mozzarella, or asiago would all work great.
- Swap out fresh herbs – try fresh chives, oregano, or parsley instead of the basil.
Oven Instructions
Don’t have a grill? You can easily make these poppers in the oven instead! Arrange poppers in a single layer on a greased sheet pan and bake at 400F 15-20 minutes until filling is bubbly.
You’ll soon see why one of these poppers turns into many more! The rich cheese filling paired with the flavorful pimentos and all that incredible smoky grill flavor makes for the most perfect bite.
I mean, I’d go so far as to call this entire-meal material.
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.
More summery appetizers to make next!
Grilled Sweet Pepper Poppers
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Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz jarred pimentos, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10-12 mini sweet peppers, halved and cored
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, and pimentos until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and fill pepper halves with cream cheese filling.
- Preheat a grill to 400F. Once grill is preheated, arrange poppers in a single layer in a grill pan or on a sheet of tin foil and allow to cook 6-8 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is bubbly.
- Transfer poppers to a serving plate and top with basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 6/12/25.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Anything stuffed with three cheeses is a guaranteed hit in my books. These look amazing Sarah.
Sarah says
Agreed! What’s not to love?? Thanks Thaila!
CT says
Hey Sarah,
Have you tried them in the oven? I don’t have a BBQ, any suggestions?
Sarah says
You could definitely make these in the oven! Baking them at 400F 20-25 minutes would work fine.
William says
These look really tasty. When it comes to bbq my wife is not a huge fan of meat so i’m constantly on the lookout for recipes like this that I know she’ll love. Thanks!
Sarah says
Definitely let me know if you make these poppers for your wife! I know she’ll love them! 😉
Ginger says
Oh, these are so yummy! We made last night. It was so easy to prepare ahead of time and grill later. I think I am going to put a little shrimp or crab meat into the mixture next time. Thank you for the recipe!
Sarah says
I’m so happy to hear that you loved these poppers, Ginger! Love the sound of adding seafood into these too!
Chantal says
I added crab meat to the recipe for an extra something! But no pimento
Emily says
Hey Sarah i love the way how you explain all the things will you please tell me should i smoke it on digital electric smoker or not. thnaks
Mohit says
A great and easy to cook recipe. I loved the cheesy grilled pepper. Thank you for the recipe.
Calvin says
The stuffed peppers are very good, I have eaten stuffed peppers rice and other stuff, so for the next I have new ideas, thank you very much!
sarah animes says
it is my husband most favorite food. thanks for sharing it.
Susan says
Really creative and great pictures 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Lesley says
Wow this looks delicious. I am currently on a crazy low carb diet, before the holidays I know. And these poppers look to be pretty low carb?
SK Zai says
They are really yummy and delicious 😀
Husnain says
Thanks for this amazing and yummy recipe
rankingqueen says
Yes I agree With you Husain it’s really delicious Recipe
Foodie girl says
WOAHH!! Great work! I found this site very helpful! keep it up
Foodie girl says
WOAHH!! Great work! I found this site very helpful! lovee love