Loaded Peppers

Flavourful Hors D’oeuvre:

Party Bites With Zing:

These Loaded Peppers with Olive Cottage Cheese Dip & Chili Lemon Hummus make a fantastic flavourful hors d’oeuvre.

When it comes to appetisers that are fresh, colourful, and full of flavour, you don’t need to overcomplicate things.

The key is to pick the right ingredients that shine on their own and let them work together.

These flavour-packed bites are a prime example of how vibrant produce, a few well-chosen dips, and a little creativity can turn a simple dish into something irresistible.

They’re easy to make, packed with crunch and flavour, and perfect for any party or gathering.

A Colourful Burst of Freshness

I mean look at the colours of these peppers!

These little gems come in a variety of hues—red, yellow, orange, and green—which means your plate will be as colourful as a rainbow.

Not only are they pretty to look at, but the sweet, crisp texture of the peppers is the perfect vessel for creamy fillings.

The beauty of using fresh peppers is that they add an incredible crunch to balance out the smoothness of the dips.

They’re light, refreshing, and satisfying to bite into.

By using a mix of colours, you’ll create a platter that’s not only tasty but visually stunning.

Even those who prefer their chips and dips or fried party foods are going to be drawn to these fresh & colourful bites.

The Olive Cottage Cheese Dip: Savoury & Smooth

Now let’s talk about the first dip: the olive cottage cheese dip.

Cottage cheese often gets a bad rap, but when you combine it with the right ingredients, it’s anything but boring.

The creamy texture of the cottage cheese pairs perfectly with the briny olives, which add a nice depth of flavour without being too overpowering.

The combination is rich yet light, making it a perfect contrast to the crispness of the peppers.

The olives bring a touch of saltiness, while the cottage cheese helps to mellow things out and create a smooth texture.

The dip is easy to make, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll find it’s one of those dips you want to keep on hand for all sorts of snacks and meals.

Chilli Lemon Hummus: A Zesty Kick

Next, for this zingy little party bite, we have the chilli lemon hummus.

I have used a store-bought hummus, which I can’t stop raving about!! Thank you Pilpel 🙂

The kick from the chilli brings some heat, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the dips.

The balance of spice and tartness makes this hummus incredibly refreshing and bold in flavour, contrasting with the sweetness of the peppers and the savoury cottage cheese dip.

The hummus is also super versatile—it’s the kind of dip that can stand alone with crackers or veggies, but in this case, it takes on a whole new dimension when stuffed inside the peppers.

The spice level is just right—not too intense, but with enough heat to get your taste buds buzzing.

If you happen to be a fan of a bit of spice and zing, this one will quickly become a go-to.

But if you want to make your own, go ahead & if you wish to make things even simpler, you can buy 2 dips.

I do encourage you to at least try this hummus and the cottage cheese dip first.

Quick & Easy to Prepare

The best part about this flavourful hors d’oeuvre?

They couldn’t be easier to prepare.

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, and there’s very little cooking involved—just a bit of slicing, mixing, and filling.

The peppers are the perfect size for stuffing, and with just a few ingredients, you can create a platter full of party-ready bites that will keep the masses happy.

You can even make the dip ahead of time and store them in the fridge, so when it’s time to assemble, it’s a quick and stress-free process.

Simply slice your peppers, spoon in your dips, and you’re done.

If you want to get fancy, garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little extra drizzle of olive oil, but they’re already so tasty that they don’t need much more.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a cozy family dinner, or an elegant dinner party, these loaded peppers will elevate your appetiser spread without the drama.

They’re the kind of dish that works for almost any occasion—light enough for a summer gathering and hearty enough to stand up to other party favourites.

And once again this type of appetiser is customisable, so make it your own. Change it up for future events.

Serve these peppers alongside some charcuterie, a cheese board, or other dips, and you’ve got a spread that’ll impress guests without a hard slog in the kitchen.

Fresh, Vibrant, and Full of Flavour

If you’re looking for a simple yet stunning appetiser, these loaded peppers are a great option for creating a memorable bite with minimal effort.

The combination of sweet, crunchy peppers and creamy, zesty fillings is so satisfying that these appetisers will be the first to disappear from the table.

So next time you’re looking for a fresh, flavour-packed bite that will impress your guests and leave them satisfied, give these loaded peppers a try.

They’re easy, they’re fun to make, and they’ll definitely add some colour and excitement to your party spread.

Enjoy!

Loaded Peppers

(Serves 12 Prep 20 Mins)

You Will Need:

Yellow & Red Capsicums:
Capsicums, or bell peppers, come in a range of colours, but yellow and red are especially vibrant and sweet. Yellow capsicums have a mild, slightly tangy flavour, while red capsicums offer a rich sweetness that intensifies as they ripen. These peppers are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C, and offer a satisfying crunch that pairs amazingly with creamy dips. Their natural sweetness and bright colour make them ideal for stuffing, providing a perfect base for showcasing tasty fillings.

High Protein Cottage Cheese:
High protein cottage cheese is a nutrient-packed ingredient that adds a creamy texture while being rich in protein and calcium. Unlike regular cottage cheese, this version contains more protein, making it a great option for adding a satisfying element to appetisers. When used in dips, it creates a smooth consistency and works as a great base for a variety of flavour combinations, from herbs to olives and beyond.

Greek Yoghurt:
Greek yoghurt is thicker and creamier than regular yoghurt, with a tangy, slightly sour flavour that balances out rich and savoury dishes. It’s not only a delicious but also a nutritious addition to any appetiser. Greek yoghurt can be used to add creaminess to dips, sauces or even served on its own as a topping. Its tanginess makes it the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of peppers and the heat of chilli in dips like hummus.

Garlic Cloves:
Garlic cloves are the powerhouse of flavour in many dishes, bringing an aromatic, savoury, and slightly spicy kick. When used fresh, garlic adds a sharp, bold taste that can elevate any dip or spread. In this recipe, garlic is key for infusing the dips with its fragrant depth, balancing the richness of the cottage cheese and the heat of the hummus with its earthy notes. If you prefer a sweeter garlic taste, you can roast the garlic first and then cool it before adding to the dip.

Garlic Olive Oil:
Garlic olive oil is a fragrant oil infused with the robust flavour of garlic. It is another way to add a subtle yet rich garlic undertone to any dish, without overpowering the other ingredients. This oil works beautifully in dips or drizzled over vegetables, and it’s an excellent way to incorporate the flavour of garlic without having to chop it up.

Dried Italian Herbs:
Dried Italian herbs are a blend of classic Mediterranean flavours, typically consisting of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. These herbs bring a fragrant, earthy, and slightly peppery taste that complements a wide variety of dishes. When used in dips or seasonings, they infuse the dish with warm, herby notes that make every bite more aromatic. In this recipe, the dried Italian herbs bring a savoury complexity to the olive cottage cheese dip.

Everything Greek Seasoning:
Everything Greek seasoning is a really tasty little spice mix that typically includes a mix of herbs and spices like oregano, garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and salt. It captures the essence of Greek cuisine with its rich, earthy flavours and slight tang & is a great little seasoning. Perfect for adding to dips, dressings, and roasted vegetables. In fact, it makes everything taste amazing!

Coles Sicilian Lemon & Garlic Olives:
Coles Sicilian Lemon & Garlic Olives are a tangy, zesty variety of olives that have been marinated with lemon and garlic, giving them an aromatic, citrusy punch. These olives bring a bright, zesty flavour that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dips. Their rich, briny notes are balanced by the sharpness of lemon and the warmth of garlic, making them a perfect complement to the mild cottage cheese dip. Chopped and mixed into the dip, they add texture and a burst of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavour.

Sea Salt:
When used in dips, sea salt helps to bring out the depth of the other ingredients, adding a necessary contrast to balance out richness and sweetness.

Pilpel Chilli Lemon Hummus:
Pilpel Chilli Lemon Hummus is a zesty twist on the classic hummus, with the bold heat of chilli and the tangy brightness of lemon. I like this one because it is a loaded hummus with whole chickpeas & lemon zest on the top. It not only looks amazing but tastes and smells amazing too. The hummus itself is creamy and smooth, made from blended chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil. The addition of chilli gives it a nice kick, while the lemon adds a refreshing citrus flavour. It’s the perfect hummus for those who love a bit of spice and heat in their appetisers, adding a punchy contrast to the sweetness of the peppers. Love love love this hummus!

Fresh Chopped Parsley:
Fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of colour and a fresh, slightly peppery flavour to any dish. It’s often used as a garnish, but it also adds Mediterranean flare to dips, salads, and spreads. The bright green colour of parsley adds freshness to the dish, while its flavour works to cut through richness and balance out the other ingredients. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can really elevate the dish, giving it a final burst of flavour and freshness. Parsley is a little underrated in my opinion but you are not limited to parsley. Feel free to swap out the parsley for basil, lemon balm, coriander or green onions.

Black Sesame Seeds:
Black sesame seeds add a nutty flavour and a subtle texture to any dish. They have a slightly richer taste than their white counterparts and are commonly used in Asian cuisine, but they’re equally delicious when sprinkled over Mediterranean-style dishes like these loaded peppers. The deep black colour contrasts beautifully with the bright peppers, adding visual appeal as well as texture.

Instructions:

Prepare the Peppers

Choose fresh, firm peppers for the best flavour and ensuring they are crisp. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. After washing, pat them dry with a paper towel. Use a couple of different colours to make it more interesting.

Step 2: Slice and Core the Peppers

Place each pepper upright on a sturdy cutting board, with the stem facing upward. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice downward to create three equal sections. Remove the core and any excess seeds from each section, ensuring a clean surface for filling. Set the pepper slices aside on a plate or tray.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Filling

In a small food processor, add the cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, Greek seasoning, and a pinch of salt. For a delicious Mediterranean twist, toss in a few pitted olives—these will add a briny depth to the filling. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. If needed, stop to scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. The dip needs to be a thick consistency so it holds it’s own & doesn’t run out of the peppers. Add a little more cottage cheese if it is too runny.

Step 4: Fill the Pepper Slices

Using a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a round tip, evenly spoon or pipe the creamy cheese mixture into one end of each pepper slice. The filling should be slightly mounded but not overflowing.

Step 5: Add the Hummus Layer

For the second layer of flavour, add a generous spoonful of chilli lemon hummus beside the cheese filling. Make sure each portion includes some whole chickpeas and a sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance texture and brightness. If using a piping bag, you will need a wider piping nozzle, otherwise the whole chickpeas with block the tip.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds generously over the filled peppers, for a nutty flavour. Then, finely chop fresh parsley and scatter it over the top for colour & freshness. Arrange the filled peppers neatly on a serving platter. For an extra touch, serve with lemon wedges on the side or drizzle with a light olive oil glaze for added richness. I always recommend loading the peppers when ready to serve to ensure they remain fresh.

Serve & Enjoy!

Helpful hints

• Adjust the size of your capsicum slices based on their dimensions, cutting them into thirds or quarters as needed. Aim for pieces that can hold the filling securely without overflowing.

• When making your olive dip, add the oil and yoghurt a little at a time so that the dip consistency is not too runny, adding more cottage cheese if too runny.

• I have only used red & yellow peppers, but the green & orange ones would be great also.

• Any dips could work for this flavourful hors d’oeuvre. If you don’t enjoy heat, then swap out the chilli and lemon hummus for a milder one. Equally, if you don’t enjoy olives, add pickled eggplant or artichokes.

Loaded Peppers

Recipe

(Serves 12-16, Prep 30 Mins)

Ingredients

• 2 Yellow & 2 Red Capsicums

Olive Cottage Cheese Dip

• 200g High Protein Cottage Cheese
• 2 Tbsp Greek Yoghurt
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 2 Tbsp Garlic Olive Oil
• 1 Tbsp dried Italian herbs
• 1 Tbsp Everything Greek
• 80g Coles Sicilian Lemon & Garlic Olives
• ½ tsp Sea Salt

• 100g Pilpel Chilli Lemon Hummus
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley (Garnish)
• Black Sesame Seeds (Garnish)

Method

1. Rinse the peppers under cold water and pat them dry.
2. Stand each pepper upright with the stem facing up. Using a sharp knife, slice them into 1/4’s (or 1/3’s), removing the core. *
3. In a small food processor, combine cottage cheese, yoghurt, garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, Greek seasoning, olives, and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. Spoon the cheese mixture into one end of each pepper slice.
5. Add a dollop of chilli lemon hummus on top, ensuring each serve includes chickpeas and lemon zest.
6. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds & fresh chopped parsley.

Serve & Enjoy!

*The size of your peppers will determine whether you cut them into 1/3’s or 1/4’s. you want the peppers to hold the filling comfortably without it running out.

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

A few of the usual suspects here for this flavourful hors d’oeuvre.

Sauvignon Blanc – Of course, a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc (like one from New Zealand or the Loire Valley) will complement the lemony hummus, garlic, and herbs while balancing the creamy filling.

Assyrtiko – A Greek Assyrtiko offers bright acidity and mineral notes, making it a natural match for the Mediterranean flavours of the dish.

Chenin Blanc – A dry or off-dry Chenin Blanc provides refreshing acidity and a subtle sweetness that works well with the hint of spice from the chilli.

Provence Rosé – A dry, crisp rosé from Provence with notes of red berries and herbs pairs beautifully with the briny olives and creamy textures, keeping the dish light and refreshing.

Gamay (Beaujolais-Villages) – A light, fruit-forward Gamay with bright acidity pairs well with the fresh flavours of the peppers and the tangy hummus. Serve slightly chilled for extra refreshment.

Grenache – A soft, medium-bodied Grenache with juicy red fruit and subtle spice will complement the chilli and sesame without overwhelming the dish.