Boursin-Stuffed Peppadew Peppers Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 to 14 pickled peppadew peppers, drained
• 1 (5.3-ounce) package shallot and chive spreadable cheese (such as Boursin), softened

Directions

Step 1: Gently pat the peppadew peppers dry with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid.

Step 2: Spoon the Boursin cheese into a small resealable plastic bag. Once filled, snip off one corner of the bag to create a makeshift piping bag.

Step 3: Carefully pipe the cheese into each peppadew pepper, filling them until the cheese is mounded slightly above the top.

Step 4: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a serving platter, and they are ready to serve!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 26
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 1g

Nutrition Facts (per recipe, 12 servings)

• Calories: 26
• Total Fat: 1g (1% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 0g (2% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 2mg (1% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 17mg (1% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 4g (2% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 1g (2% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 15mg (16% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 32mg (2% Daily Value)
• Iron: 0mg (2% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 89mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Boursin-Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

The combination of Boursin cheese and peppadew peppers is a modern culinary creation that reflects the fusion of European cheeses with South African-inspired produce. Boursin, a soft, creamy, and herbed cheese originating from France in the 1950s, became widely popular for its rich texture and aromatic flavors. Peppadews, small sweet-and-spicy pickled peppers, were discovered in the Limpopo province of South Africa in the late 1990s. The marriage of these two ingredients created an appetizer that is both visually appealing and flavorfully balanced, catering to contemporary tastes that favor quick, elegant, and bite-sized dishes.

Regional Characteristics

While Boursin cheese is distinctly French, peppadews are uniquely South African. The peppers are hand-harvested and pickled in a sweet, tangy brine, giving them a signature mild heat with a slight fruity sweetness. This appetizer has become popular in American cuisine, particularly in casual fine dining and entertaining circles, because it pairs the creamy, herbaceous French cheese with the vibrant, slightly piquant South African pepper. In different regions, chefs may substitute locally available mild peppers or experiment with flavored Boursin varieties, but the core essence remains the same: a balance of creamy and spicy-sweet.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Boursin-stuffed peppadew peppers differ from other stuffed pepper appetizers in both flavor and preparation. Unlike jalapeo poppers, which often use cream cheese and may be breaded or fried, this dish is served fresh, without cooking, highlighting the natural sweetness and mild spice of the peppadews. Compared to antipasto-style stuffed peppers, which might include meats or complex fillings, this recipe focuses on simplicity and the interplay between creamy cheese and lightly pickled fruitiness. It is elegant in presentation yet requires minimal preparation.

Where They Are Typically Served

These bite-sized delights are most commonly found at cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, and wine-and-cheese events. They are perfect for appetizer platters alongside crackers, olives, cured meats, and fresh vegetables. Due to their colorful appearance and easy-to-handle size, they are also favored in catering menus and tapas-style restaurants. Many home entertainers serve them as a sophisticated snack that requires little effort while offering a gourmet impression.

Interesting Facts

• Peppadews are the only peppers of their kind cultivated commercially in South Africa, and they are protected under a geographical indication, similar to Champagne in France.
• The name Boursin comes from the surname of its inventor, Franois Boursin, who created the original garlic-and-herb cheese in Normandy in 1957.
• Despite their simplicity, Boursin-stuffed peppadews provide a complex flavor profile that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings in a single bite.
• The appetizer has gained viral popularity in social media food communities because of its minimal ingredients, colorful presentation, and speed of preparation.
• Pairing these peppers with crisp white wine or sparkling beverages enhances the creamy and tangy contrast, making it a favorite among sommeliers and casual wine drinkers alike.

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