08/28/2026
🌶️🧀🌿 Italian Mozzarella Stuffed Pepperoncini
Creamy, tangy, cheesy, and bursting with Italian flavor! These tender pepperoncini are filled with fresh mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, then marinated in a zesty garlic-herb dressing. They’re a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for parties, holidays, picnics, or antipasto boards. 😍
Ingredients 🫙
For the Stuffed Pepperoncini
20–24 whole pepperoncini peppers, drained
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, finely chopped
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Italian Herb Marinade
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp pepperoncini brine
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
Prepare the peppers: Drain and thoroughly pat the pepperoncini dry. Cut a small slit down one side of each pepper. Carefully remove the seeds if you prefer them milder.
Make the filling: Combine the mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, basil, chives, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Stuff: Using a small spoon or piping bag, gently fill each pepperoncini with the creamy cheese mixture.
Make the marinade: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, lemon juice, sliced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Marinate: Arrange the stuffed peppers in a shallow container and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours; overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
Serve: Enjoy chilled or slightly cool with toasted baguette slices, crackers, cured meats, olives, or as part of a colorful antipasto board. 🌿🧀
⏱️ Prep: 20 minutes | ❄️ Marinate: 2–4 hours | 🍽️ Servings: 10
✨ Optional add-ins: chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, diced salami, pepperoni, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, or a drizzle of hot honey.
