Stuffed Cucumbers
A refreshing appetizer featuring hollowed cucumbers filled with creamy, colorful peppers and onion, perfect for summer gatherings or light snacks, offering crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Salt the cucumber halves and turn them over on paper towels to drain excess moisture.
- Mix cream cheese, green pepper, red pepper, yellow pepper, onion, and paprika together in a bowl.
- Stuff the mixture into the hollowed-out cucumber halves.
- Wrap each stuffed cucumber in foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Slice and serve as a salad or hors d'oeuvre.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider using a flavored cream cheese, such as chive or garlic. If you're short on time, you can substitute the fresh peppers with jarred roasted peppers. For added crunch, include diced celery or cucumber flesh in the filling. Make sure to drain the cucumbers well to prevent a watery filling, which can detract from the overall texture.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed cucumbers make a refreshing appetizer or salad option at gatherings. They pair beautifully with Wayne'S Champagne Salad for a light summer meal. Consider serving them alongside a platter of assorted cheeses and crackers for a delightful snack spread. They are also great for picnics due to their portability.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat them. If you find they have released some moisture, you can gently pat them dry before serving again to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cucumbers contains roughly 59 calories, with 2g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just stuff the cucumbers right before serving to maintain their crunch. This also helps save time on the day you plan to serve them.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese blended until smooth. This will give you a creamy texture while reducing the fat content. Just be aware that it will change the flavor slightly.
Are there any other vegetables I can add?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding finely chopped herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor. Other great options include shredded carrots or finely diced radishes for extra crunch. Just adjust the quantities to maintain a balanced filling consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).