Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Cut and Clean the Peppers:

Wash the mini bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops of each one. Use a small knife or spoon to remove the seeds and any membranes from the inside. Make sure the peppers are hollowed out so they can easily be filled with the creamy mixture.

2. Slice Faces (Optional):

For a spooky twist, use a sharp knife to carefully carve little “faces” into the front of each pepper, creating eyes, noses, and mouths. You can make ghostly, silly, or scary faces depending on your preference. These carved faces will give the Phantom Pepper Pals their haunted appearance!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

1. Mix the Filling:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, Italian herbs, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Season to Taste:

Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any additional seasonings like chili powder or hot sauce if you want to make the filling spicier.

3. Optional Add-Ins:

If you’re adding any extra ingredients like crumbled bacon, ground sausage, or chopped spinach, fold them into the cream cheese mixture at this point.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill the Peppers:

Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each hollowed-out pepper with the creamy mixture. Make sure each pepper is generously stuffed, but avoid overfilling them.

2. Decorate the Faces:

If you’ve carved spooky faces into the peppers, press black olive slices into the “eyes” and “mouths” to create eerie facial features. You can also use jalapeño slices, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes to add more personality to each pepper. Black sesame seeds can be added as tiny eyes for extra detail!

Step 4: Bake or Serve Raw

Option 1: Serve Raw

If you prefer a fresh, crunchy texture, you can serve the Phantom Pepper Pals raw. Simply garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and arrange them on a spooky Halloween platter for serving.

Option 2: Bake for Warm, Soft Peppers

For a warm, softer version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened and the filling is heated through. Baking the peppers will create a warm, gooey interior and enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the peppers are ready, garnish them with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve the peppers with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette to dip into the extra filling that may ooze out as you bite into the peppers.

You can also pair these spooky treats with ranch dressing, salsa, or even a spicy jalapeño dip for an extra burst of flavor.