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 has been a delightful starter at many family gatherings, always impressing with its colorful presentation and fresh taste.
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 This appetizer has quickly become a favorite for our family brunches and holiday celebrations, sparking joy with every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these veggie cups with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing start to your meal.
Variations
For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. Add finely diced radish or shredded carrot to the filling for an extra crunch.
Storage Tips
Prepare the filling and vegetables separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Save Enjoy this fresh, colorful appetizer that delights both the eyes and palate every time you serve it.
Kitchen Questions
- → How do you create the tulip petal effect with bell peppers?
Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact, and carefully remove seeds and membranes to create tulip-shaped petals.
- → Can this dish be adapted for a vegan diet?
Yes, substituting cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives keeps it vegan while preserving the creamy filling.
- → What herbs enhance the filling’s flavor?
Fresh chives, dill, and parsley provide a bright, fresh herbal profile complementing the creamy cheese blend.
- → How should the veggies be prepared for the best texture?
Trim green onions lengthwise to mimic stems, cut cucumber into thin sticks, and use whole cherry tomatoes for color and crunch.
- → What garnishes work well for presentation?
Extra chives or microgreens add a pop of green and enhance the fresh, vibrant look of the cups.