Herbed Cream Cheese Grilled Bell Pepper Boats: Your Go-To Easy Summer Appetizer

Sweet grilled (or broiled) bell pepper boats stuffed with creamy herbed cream cheese, fresh basil, and savory chives, then elegantly topped with juicy tomatoes and vibrant cilantro, create an unforgettable, fresh, and surprisingly simple appetizer. These colorful bites are perfect for any summer gathering, offering a burst of flavor and a satisfying texture that will leave your guests impressed.

As summer days gently transition towards their grand finale, many of us might find ourselves reflecting on the season’s fleeting moments. Perhaps, like me, you feel a pang of regret for not fully embracing every sun-drenched opportunity. Did I visit enough farmer’s markets? Did I savor enough sun-ripened peaches, or indulge in the sweet crunch of freshly grilled corn? And, crucially, did I spend enough time by the grill, mastering the art of outdoor cooking?

Grilling, for some, is a natural instinct, a ritual of summer. For others, it’s a skill constantly being refined. While I might be adept at lighting my tabletop propane grill for a quick hot dog session, the more complex nuances of smoking ribs, perfectly grilling chicken, or even coaxing the best flavor from corn on the cob often elude me. The thought of charcoal, cedar planks, or a dedicated smoker can feel daunting. Just last week, as I prepared to delve into a new grilling cookbook – a review of which is coming soon – a sudden realization hit me: I hadn’t fired up my grill even once this summer. Not even for those humble hot dogs! A wave of panic set in as I checked the calendar. Only a few precious weeks remained until summer officially concluded, followed by a brief window before the cooler autumn weather would truly set in.

Rediscover Summer Flavors with Effortless Grilling

Did I really let another summer slip by without expanding my grilling repertoire? Even if time no longer permits me to become a master of baby back ribs or cedar-planked salmon, there’s still ample opportunity to squeeze in some truly rewarding and easy recipes. And that’s where these delightful Herbed Cream Cheese Grilled Bell Pepper Boats come into play. They are a beacon of summer flavor, a vibrant celebration of fresh produce, and an incredibly simple way to ignite your grill (or even your broiler!) before the season bids farewell. These colorful, naturally sweet bell peppers, char-grilled to perfection and brimming with a luscious basil and chive cream cheese filling, are the quintessential end-of-summer appetizer, embodying freshness and ease.

I am thrilled to share this recipe for Herbed Cream Cheese Grilled Bell Pepper Boats, especially as you navigate the final bustling weeks of your local farmer’s markets. This is the perfect occasion to gather some of the season’s most beautiful bell peppers – choose a medley of red, yellow, and orange for a stunning visual display – along with a handful of fragrant fresh herbs. Then, it’s time to fire up that grill! You’ll find that the preparation for these boats takes slightly more time than the actual cooking, meaning that with just a little foresight and planning, you can have these delectable bell pepper boats ready to serve in remarkably short order. They’re an ideal choice when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Star of the Show: Herbed Cream Cheese Filling

Let’s talk about the Herbed Cream Cheese itself for a moment. Honestly, it’s so incredibly delicious that I’ve been tempted to eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon! Its creamy, savory goodness is truly addictive. I’m already planning to whip up another batch to slather generously on bagels for a luxurious breakfast and to elevate my everyday sandwiches for lunch. The process is wonderfully straightforward: simply beat softened cream cheese until it’s light and smooth, then fold in a touch of finely minced raw garlic for a delightful bite, along with generous amounts of fresh basil and fresh chives. While I had an abundance of fresh basil on hand, I opted for dried chives this time around, and they worked perfectly. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with whatever fresh herbs you have readily available in your garden or fridge – a sprinkle of dill, a dash of parsley, or a hint of oregano would all be fantastic additions, adding their unique aromatic profiles to the mix.

For the vibrant topping, the original recipe called for chopped tomatoes and fresh parsley. I found that a handful of halved cherry tomatoes added a burst of sweetness and color, and since I didn’t have any fresh parsley at the moment, I substituted with fresh cilantro, which provided a wonderful, zesty counterpoint to the rich cream cheese and sweet bell peppers. Don’t hesitate to customize this part as well – finely diced red onion, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a few thinly sliced jalapeño peppers could add an extra layer of flavor and texture, transforming this simple appetizer into something truly bespoke.

A Meal or an Appetizer? Why Not Both!

While these bell pepper boats are officially categorized as appetizers, I must confess: I found myself devouring about eight of them and happily declared it a complete meal! They are simply irresistible. The combination of textures and flavors is what makes them so captivating. You have the luxurious creaminess from the herbed filling, the subtle yet essential bite from the raw garlic, and the bright, invigorating freshness from the abundant herbs. All of this is beautifully complemented by the sweet crunch and smoky char of the perfectly grilled bell peppers. The slight blackening on the peppers adds a depth of flavor that is truly exquisite, making each bite a delightful experience.

The only challenging part I encountered was during the transportation of the cooked boats from the grill to the serving platter. I admit, I may not be the most coordinated chef, and a bit of the precious filling occasionally made a daring escape, either into the grill grates below or onto the table. So, a word to the wise: handle these culinary treasures with care! A wide, flat spatula is your best friend here, ensuring that each boat makes a safe journey. Also, a practical tip: always have a roll of paper towels handy. You might just find yourself with a little cream cheese under your nails, a small price to pay for such a delicious endeavor!

Herbed Cream Cheese Grilled Bell Pepper Boats

Yield:
8 servings

Sweet grilled (or broiled) bell pepper boats stuffed with cream cheese, basil, and chives then topped with tomatoes and cilantro make a great, fresh appetizer.

Ingredients

Herbed Cream Cheese

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

Bell Peppers

• 2 large red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and quarterly into “boats”
• Olive oil for brushing and drizzling
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare grill to medium-high heat*.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the garlic, basil, and chives. Set aside.
3. Brush the skin side of each pepper boat with olive oil. Spoon some cream cheese into the middle of each boat (don’t overstuff). Place on the grill and cover. Grill for 5 minutes or until the bottoms are scorched and the cheese has melted. Sprinkle each boat with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

*If grilling is not an option, you can also make these under a broiler.

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Explore More with “The Gardener and The Grill”

This delightful recipe is adapted from
The Gardener and The Grill, a truly inspiring cookbook that bridges the gap between fresh garden produce and the smoky allure of the grill. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to incorporate more seasonal fruits and vegetables into their outdoor cooking adventures. The book focuses heavily on maximizing the natural bounty from farmer’s markets and home gardens, showcasing how grilling can elevate even the simplest ingredients to gourmet status. While it places a strong emphasis on fresh produce, it’s important to note that this is by no means an exclusively vegetarian book. Within its pages, you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated selection of meat recipes that are expertly paired with nature’s harvest, demonstrating how to create balanced, flavorful, and truly memorable grilled meals.

If you’ve enjoyed crafting and savoring these Herbed Cream Cheese Grilled Bell Pepper Boats, then I highly recommend keeping an eye out next week for my in-depth cookbook review of
The Gardener and The Grill. I’ll share my favorite aspects, highlight some stand-out recipes, and give you a comprehensive overview of what makes this book a valuable addition to any culinary collection, especially for those who cherish fresh, seasonal ingredients and the unique flavors that only grilling can impart. Get ready to transform your summer cooking and embrace the vibrant possibilities that lie between the garden and the grill!

Why Bell Peppers Are a Grilling Game Changer

Bell peppers, often overlooked beyond their role as a crunchy salad ingredient, truly shine when introduced to the heat of the grill. Their natural sugars caramelize, intensifying their inherent sweetness and giving them a delightful smoky undertone. Beyond their fantastic flavor, bell peppers are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. Grilling them not only enhances their taste but also makes their vibrant colors even more pronounced, turning them into an eye-catching base for our herbed cream cheese filling. Whether you choose bright red, sunny yellow, or cheerful orange peppers, each offers a slightly different level of sweetness, allowing for a varied flavor profile in every boat. This versatility makes them an ideal candidate for a multitude of grilled dishes, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients yield the most remarkable results.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Bell Pepper Boats Every Time

Achieving the perfect grilled bell pepper boat is simpler than you might think, with just a few key tips. First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This allows for a quick char on the outside without overcooking the pepper to mush. Brushing the skin side of the pepper boats with olive oil is crucial; it prevents sticking, aids in charring, and adds a subtle richness. When spooning in the cream cheese, resist the urge to overstuff. A modest amount ensures the cheese melts beautifully and stays contained within the pepper “boat” structure, rather than overflowing onto the grill grates. Keep a close eye on them during the grilling process – five minutes is a good starting point, but watch for those lovely scorched marks on the bottom and for the cheese to become warm and slightly bubbly. If you notice the cheese starting to run too much, you can always move them to a cooler part of the grill or even finish them off in the oven. For those without a grill, remember the broiler is an excellent alternative, offering a similar char and melted cheese effect. Just place them on a baking sheet under the broiler, keeping a watchful eye as they cook quickly.

Beyond the Basic: Customizing Your Bell Pepper Boats

While the classic Herbed Cream Cheese Grilled Bell Pepper Boats are undeniably delicious, there’s always room for creative customization. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese for a touch of heat, or finely diced sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of umami. For a different cheesy experience, crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese could be mixed in with the cream cheese, adding a tangy complexity. Don’t limit yourself to basil and chives; fresh dill, parsley, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can transform the flavor profile. As for toppings, finely chopped red onion, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or toasted pine nuts could add delightful textural and flavor contrasts. These boats are also surprisingly versatile for a vegetarian main course; simply serve a larger portion alongside a fresh green salad or a quinoa pilaf. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor this simple recipe to your personal taste and whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand.

The Joy of Seasonal Eating and Farmer’s Market Finds

This recipe truly embodies the joy of seasonal eating and the unique treasures found at your local farmer’s market. There’s a profound satisfaction in selecting vibrant, fresh bell peppers and fragrant herbs directly from the growers, knowing they’ve been harvested at their peak. These ingredients not only taste superior but also connect us more deeply to the food we consume and the communities that produce it. Farmer’s markets offer an unparalleled opportunity to discover new varieties, engage with local farmers, and gather inspiration for your next culinary creation. The simple act of choosing seasonal produce ensures that your dishes are bursting with natural flavor, require minimal embellishment, and are often more nutritious. So, as you gather the ingredients for these Herbed Cream Cheese Grilled Bell Pepper Boats, take a moment to appreciate the journey of your food, from the field to your grill, and savor the rich, authentic flavors of the season.