A vibrant, no-bake vegan appetizer featuring sweet mini bell peppers filled with silky herbed cashew cheese — creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly fresh.
Yields6 ServingsPrep Time25 minsTotal Time25 mins
For the Peppers
12 mini sweet bell peppers (multicolor), halved lengthwise and deseeded
Optional garnish: chopped chives, paprika, microgreens, hemp seeds, or black sesame seeds
For the Herbed Cashew Cheese
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1 hour or cold water overnight
2 tbsp tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove small garlic, minced
¼ cup water (adjust for consistency)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
2 tbsp fresh herbs, finely chopped (e.g. dill, chives, parsley, basil, or a mix)
Soak the Cashews
1
-
Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water.
-
Soak for 1 hour (or up to 4 hours).
Make the Herbed Cashew Cheese
2
-
Drain the soaked cashews and add to a high-speed blender or food processor.
-
Add:
-
Blend until very smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
-
Once blended, stir in chopped herbs by hand to preserve their color and texture.
Prepare the Peppers
3
-
Rinse mini bell peppers and slice them lengthwise.
-
Carefully remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon.
-
Arrange halves cut-side up on a serving platter or tray.
Stuff the Peppers
4
-
Fill each pepper half with 1–2 teaspoons of the herbed cashew cheese.
-
Garnish with:
-
Fresh herbs or chopped chives
-
Sprinkle of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes
-
Microgreens, black sesame seeds, or hemp hearts
Flavor Variations
5
-
Add sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or roasted garlic to the cheese for a Mediterranean twist
-
Use roasted mini peppers for a sweeter, softer bite
-
Swap herbs for chipotle, harissa, or curry spices for global flair
-
Serve on a platter with olives, cherry tomatoes, and crackers for a mezze vibe
Pairing Suggestions
6
-
Wine: Dry rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay
-
Cocktail: Cucumber gin spritz, dry vermouth over ice, or a smoky mezcal paloma
-
Mocktail: Mint lemonade or sparkling lime-cucumber soda
Ingredients
For the Peppers
12 mini sweet bell peppers (multicolor), halved lengthwise and deseeded
Optional garnish: chopped chives, paprika, microgreens, hemp seeds, or black sesame seeds
For the Herbed Cashew Cheese
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1 hour or cold water overnight
2 tbsp tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove small garlic, minced
¼ cup water (adjust for consistency)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
2 tbsp fresh herbs, finely chopped (e.g. dill, chives, parsley, basil, or a mix)
Directions
Soak the Cashews
1
-
Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water.
-
Soak for 1 hour (or up to 4 hours).
Make the Herbed Cashew Cheese
2
-
Drain the soaked cashews and add to a high-speed blender or food processor.
-
Add:
-
Blend until very smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
-
Once blended, stir in chopped herbs by hand to preserve their color and texture.
Prepare the Peppers
3
-
Rinse mini bell peppers and slice them lengthwise.
-
Carefully remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon.
-
Arrange halves cut-side up on a serving platter or tray.
Stuff the Peppers
4
-
Fill each pepper half with 1–2 teaspoons of the herbed cashew cheese.
-
Garnish with:
-
Fresh herbs or chopped chives
-
Sprinkle of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes
-
Microgreens, black sesame seeds, or hemp hearts
Flavor Variations
5
-
Add sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or roasted garlic to the cheese for a Mediterranean twist
-
Use roasted mini peppers for a sweeter, softer bite
-
Swap herbs for chipotle, harissa, or curry spices for global flair
-
Serve on a platter with olives, cherry tomatoes, and crackers for a mezze vibe
Pairing Suggestions
6
-
Wine: Dry rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay
-
Cocktail: Cucumber gin spritz, dry vermouth over ice, or a smoky mezcal paloma
-
Mocktail: Mint lemonade or sparkling lime-cucumber soda
Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers with Herbed Cashew Cheese