Save A festive and colorful vegetarian appetizer featuring sweet bell peppers shaped into charming Christmas bows, perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first made these bell pepper Christmas bows last holiday season and they were a huge hit at our family gathering.
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 (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.
Save This recipe has become a family favorite during the holidays bringing everyone together in the kitchen.
Notes
Filling variations include adding 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 These bell pepper bows add a festive and healthy touch to any holiday appetizer spread.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I shape the bell peppers into bows?
Slice the peppers into wide, flexible strips and fold each strip’s ends toward the center to create loops resembling bows. Secure the center with a small pepper strip or chive.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peppers and filling earlier, then shape the bows just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → What can I use as a filling alternative?
Try adding finely chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the creamy herb mixture for additional texture and flavor.
- → Are there vegan options for the filling?
Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based sour cream to make the filling suitable for vegans without sacrificing creaminess.
- → How should I garnish these bows?
Optional garnishes include pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and fresh dill sprigs for added aroma and presentation.