Bell Pepper Christmas Bow

Featured in: Weekend Mint-Touched Treats

This festive dish features sweet bell peppers sliced into flexible strips and shaped into charming bows filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, and garlic. No cooking required, it's a quick and easy vegetarian option that adds colorful elegance to any holiday spread. Garnished with pomegranate seeds and dill, these bite-sized bows offer a refreshing, savory flavor with a delightful presentation.

Ideal for entertaining, the simple assembly involves careful folding and securing strips around a rich herb filling. Variations include vegan alternatives and added textures like nuts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor complexity. A wholesome, gluten-free choice suitable for diverse gatherings.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:10:00 GMT
Vibrant Bell Pepper Christmas Bow Appetizer, filled with creamy cheese, ready for your festive spread. Save
Vibrant Bell Pepper Christmas Bow Appetizer, filled with creamy cheese, ready for your festive spread. | rusticmint.com

A festive and colorful vegetarian appetizer featuring sweet bell peppers shaped into charming Christmas bows, perfect for holiday gatherings.

This appetizer quickly became a favorite at our holiday parties due to its vibrant look and refreshing taste.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 large red bell peppers, 2 large yellow bell peppers, 2 large green bell peppers
  • Filling: 200 g cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 garlic clove minced, Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional), Fresh dill sprigs (optional)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Wash and dry the bell peppers. Cut off the tops and bottoms then carefully slice each pepper into wide flat strips about 2 cm (¾ inch) wide. Set aside the most flexible strips for shaping bows.
Step 2:
In a bowl mix the cream cheese sour cream chives parsley and minced garlic until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3:
Lay a strip of bell pepper flat. Place a heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center. Fold both ends toward the center to form two loops resembling a bow. Secure the center with a small strip of bell pepper or a chive stem wrapping it around and tucking under the bow.
Step 4:
Repeat with remaining pepper strips and filling until all bows are formed.
Step 5:
Arrange the bows on a serving platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh dill sprigs if using.
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Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
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Product image
Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
Check price on Amazon
Bright red and yellow Bell Pepper Christmas Bows, delightfully garnished and perfect for a holiday party. Save
Bright red and yellow Bell Pepper Christmas Bows, delightfully garnished and perfect for a holiday party. | rusticmint.com

My family loves the festive look of these appetizers; they always spark conversations and compliments.

Notes

Use any color combination of bell peppers to match your holiday theme. Filling variations: Add finely chopped nuts sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra texture and flavor.

Required Tools

Sharp knife Cutting board Mixing bowl Spoon

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream cheese sour cream). Check all processed ingredients for possible allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.

Close-up of fresh, colorful Bell Pepper Christmas Bows appetizer, a delicious vegetarian treat to enjoy. Save
Close-up of fresh, colorful Bell Pepper Christmas Bows appetizer, a delicious vegetarian treat to enjoy. | rusticmint.com
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This appetizer offers a perfect blend of taste and holiday spirit sure to impress your guests.

Common Questions

How do I shape the bell peppers into bows?

Slice bell peppers into wide strips and fold each end towards the center to form loops, then secure with a small strip or chive to keep the bow shape intact.

Can I prepare the bows in advance?

Yes, assemble the bows shortly before serving and keep them refrigerated. Cover tightly to maintain freshness and texture.

What variations can enhance the filling?

You can add finely chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the cream cheese mixture for added texture and flavor depth.

Is there a vegan alternative for the filling?

Replace cream cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives to maintain creaminess while keeping the dish plant-based.

How should I select bell peppers for best results?

Choose firm, fresh bell peppers with vibrant colors and enough flexibility in the strips to shape easily without breaking.

Bell Pepper Christmas Bow

Vibrant bell peppers shaped into bows with creamy herb filling, ideal for festive occasions.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
0
All Steps Time
20 minutes
Created by Benjamin Thomas


Skill Level Easy

Tradition International

Makes 6 Portions

Nutrition Info Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 large red bell peppers
02 2 large yellow bell peppers
03 2 large green bell peppers

Filling

01 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 2 tbsp sour cream
03 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
04 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 1 garlic clove, minced
06 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
02 Fresh dill sprigs (optional)

Method

Step 01

Prepare Bell Pepper Strips: Wash and dry the bell peppers. Cut off tops and bottoms, then slice each pepper into wide, flat strips about 3/4 inch wide. Reserve the most flexible strips for shaping bows.

Step 02

Mix Filling: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, parsley, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 03

Form Bows: Lay a bell pepper strip flat and place a heaping teaspoon of filling in the center. Fold both ends toward the center to create two loops resembling a bow. Secure the center with a small strip of bell pepper or chive stem, wrapping and tucking it underneath.

Step 04

Assemble Bows: Repeat the folding and filling process with remaining strips and filling until all bows are formed.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Arrange bows on a serving platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh dill sprigs, if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Allergy Notes

Look over every ingredient for allergens, and reach out to your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream). Check for allergen content in processed ingredients.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

Provided as a general guide by Rustic Mint—always speak with your doctor for dietary help.
  • Energy (Kcal): 90
  • Lipids: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 3 g