Save A vibrant and fresh spring appetizer featuring crisp vegetables arranged as edible tulip blooms, filled with a creamy herb cheese. Perfect for festive gatherings or light starters.
This recipe is perfect for parties and showcases vegetables in a fun and elegant way
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 8 large red or yellow bell peppers, 8 long green onions (with stalks), 1 small cucumber, 8 cherry tomatoes
- Filling: 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp sour cream, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Extra chives or microgreens
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
- Step 2:
- Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact to resemble tulip petals. Remove seeds and membranes carefully.
- Step 3:
- Trim the green onions to about 12 cm (5 in) and gently slice the white ends lengthwise halfway up, creating a stem effect.
- Step 4:
- Cut cucumber into thin sticks, about 8 cm (3 in) long.
- Step 5:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, chives, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Step 6:
- Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into the hollowed bell pepper halves.
- Step 7:
- Insert a green onion stem into each filled pepper cup. Tuck a cucumber stick and a cherry tomato into the cheese filling for extra color and texture.
- Step 8:
- Arrange on a platter, garnish with extra chives or microgreens, and serve immediately.
Save My family loves assembling these veggie cups together as a fun weekend activity
Required Tools
Sharp knife, Mixing bowl, Spoon or piping bag, Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream). Gluten-free always check labels to ensure no cross-contamination in packaged cheeses
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 110, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 3 g
Save This appetizer is both visually stunning and delicious making it a perfect choice for your next gathering
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you create the tulip shape with bell peppers?
Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise keeping the stem intact, then remove seeds and membranes carefully to resemble tulip petals.
- → What herbs enhance the creamy filling?
Fresh chives, dill, and parsley finely chopped add a fragrant herbal flavor to the cheese filling.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare vegetables and filling separately, then assemble just before serving to keep peppers crisp and fresh.
- → What alternatives suit a vegan preference?
Use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream substitutes to maintain creamy texture and flavor.
- → How is the green onion used in the presentation?
Trimmed green onions are sliced lengthwise to form stems that insert into the filled pepper cups, enhancing the tulip effect.