How do I choose the best bell peppers for shaping?

Select large, firm bell peppers with flexible skin and minimal blemishes for easy slicing and shaping into bows.

Can I prepare the bows in advance?

Yes, assemble the bows shortly before serving to maintain crispness and freshness of the peppers.

Cream cheese combined with fresh herbs, sour cream, and garlic creates a smooth, flavorful filling that balances the sweet peppers.

Try finely chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh olives for varied textures and flavors that enhance the presentation.

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for gluten-sensitive individuals.

A festive and colorful vegetarian appetizer featuring sweet bell peppers shaped into charming Christmas bows, perfect for holiday gatherings.

This appetizer quickly became a favorite at our holiday parties for its unique shape and fresh flavors.

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)

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 (¾ 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.

Making these bows together has become a joyful holiday tradition in our family.

Sharp knife Cutting board Mixing bowl Spoon

Contains dairy (cream cheese sour cream). Check all processed ingredients for possible allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.

Calories 90 Total Fat 5 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 3 g

These bell pepper bows bring vibrant color and delightful flavor to your holiday table.

→ How do I choose the best bell peppers for shaping?: Select large, firm bell peppers with flexible skin and minimal blemishes for easy slicing and shaping into bows.
→ Can I prepare the bows in advance?: Yes, assemble the bows shortly before serving to maintain crispness and freshness of the peppers.
→ What fillings complement the bell peppers well?: Cream cheese combined with fresh herbs, sour cream, and garlic creates a smooth, flavorful filling that balances the sweet peppers.
→ Are there alternative garnishes to pomegranate and dill?: Try finely chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh olives for varied textures and flavors that enhance the presentation.
→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for gluten-sensitive individuals.