This cold, four-ingredient appetizer has been my go-to for casual get-togethers and busy weekend prep. I first combined the bright crunch of mini bell peppers with a rich, whipped cream cheese filling and sharp everything bagel seasoning on a warm spring afternoon when friends were stopping by unexpectedly. The result was immediate: crunchy, sweet pepper halves filled with tangy, silky cream cheese speckled with sesame, poppy seeds, and onion flakes. Everyone reached for seconds and asked how something so simple could taste so celebratory.

What makes this preparation special is the contrast of textures and how accessible the ingredients are. The peppers provide fresh, crisp sweetness instead of a heavy base, so the filling feels indulgent without weighing you down. Because it is served cold, the preparation is forgiving: you can assemble it ahead of time and let the flavors meld while you finish other dishes. I often keep a tray in the fridge for easy grazing, and it disappears faster than anything else on the table.

Ingredients

• Mini bell peppers (16 ounces): Look for firm, brightly colored peppers with taut skins. Choose a mixed pack of red, orange, and yellow for visual appeal. Buying mini packs labeled 16 ounces (1 pound) usually yields about 30 halves. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces): Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor; soften to room temperature for easy mixing. Brands I trust for consistent texture are Philadelphia or a good local dairy. Low-fat versions can be used but will be slightly less creamy.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and lightens the filling. Full-fat sour cream gives the richest mouthfeel; Greek-style will be thicker and tangier and can be used 1:1 if you prefer a denser filling.
• Everything bagel seasoning (2 tablespoons, plus more for topping): This is the flavor hero. Look for blends with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and coarse salt. Store-bought blends like Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel or homemade mixes work equally well.

Instructions

Prepare the peppers: Wash the mini bell peppers, pat them dry, then slice each pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Aim for uniform halves so they sit flat on a tray. If any halves are floppy, trim a thin slice from the bottom so they sit level. Arrange them in a single layer on a serving platter or baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup. Make the filling: Soften the 8 ounces of cream cheese to room temperature (about 20 minutes on the counter) so it blends smoothly. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1 cup sour cream and 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning. Stir with a rubber spatula or small whisk until fully homogenized and airy. Taste and adjust seasoning; if you want more tang, add a teaspoon of lemon juice, or for more crunch, fold in an extra teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning. Stuff and chill: Using a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip, spoon the filling into each pepper half, creating a small peak to hold a bit more seasoning on top. Sprinkle with extra everything bagel seasoning for visual contrast and added crunch. Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill for at least 60 minutes to let the flavors meld and the filling set up; this also helps the filling hold shape when served.

Storage Tips

Keep assembled pieces in a single layer in an airtight container lined with parchment to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to 24 hours; after that, the pepper texture softens and the filling takes on more moisture. If you need to store longer, keep the filling and pepper halves separate: the filling will last 3 days refrigerated, while washed, dry pepper halves will keep for 3 to 4 days in a crisper drawer. To rehydrate slightly dried-out halves, sprinkle them lightly with water and let sit 10 minutes before filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter version, substitute half the cream cheese with strained Greek yogurt, keeping the same total volume. For a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free sour cream; flavor will be subtly different but still delicious. Swap the everything bagel seasoning for plain sesame and poppy seed mix plus a pinch of dried onion and garlic if you prefer a milder profile. If mini peppers are unavailable, use halved cucumber slices or endive leaves as crisp vessels.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the halves on a long wooden board with contrasting colors and sprinkle microgreens or chives on top for a fresh finish. Pair with smoked salmon bites for a brunch twist, or place beside charcuterie components like olives, pickles, and cured meats. These also make elegant additions to a large grazing table alongside crackers and cheeses. For a kid-friendly platter, cut larger peppers into manageable cups and omit any strong seasoning.

Cultural Background

The combination of everything bagel seasoning with cream cheese is rooted in New York bagel culture, where bagels topped with sesame, poppy, onion, garlic, and salt are commonly paired with a schmear of cream cheese. Transforming that combination into a handheld appetizer highlights how regional flavors can be adapted into modern, low-carb small plates. Using fresh produce as vessels follows a long tradition of stuffing vegetables across many cuisines, from Mediterranean to Middle Eastern mezze.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, use the brightest peppers you can find for color and peak sweetness. In cooler months, consider adding a tablespoon of finely chopped roasted, drained red pepper to the filling for a deeper, roasted flavor. For holiday variations, fold in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon for a festive, herb-forward bite. During tailgate season, sprinkle smoked paprika into the filling for a barbecue-friendly flavor.

Meal Prep Tips

For efficient prep, halve and seed all peppers the day before and store them on paper towels in a sealed container to maintain dryness. Mix the filling the morning of serving and pipe it into halves just before guests arrive, or assemble and chill for at least an hour if you prefer everything ready in advance. Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to speed filling and give a neat, bakery-style presentation that’s easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

These small bites combine simplicity with crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you are hosting a casual party, preparing lunches, or looking for a quick snack that feels special, they deliver every time. Enjoy customizing them to your taste and sharing them with friends and family.