Stuffed Pepperoncini with Smoked Salmon

Name: Stuffed Pepperoncini with Smoked Salmon
Total time: PT0D0H0M
Yield: makes about 18
Ingredients: 1 (12-oz.) jar whole pepperoncini (about 18 peppers), drained; 8 oz. cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp. crème fraîche, plus more for garnish; 2 tbsp. finely chopped chives, plus more for garnish; 2 tsp. lemon zest; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 6 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into 6-by-1-inch strips

Serves
makes about 18

YOSSY AREFI

Spicy, briny, creamy, and salty, this simple, retro-inspired appetizer is an unabashed crowd-pleaser. The peppers can be stuffed ahead of time, but be sure to wrap them in smoked salmon just before serving.

Ingredients

1 (12-oz.) jar whole pepperoncini (about 18 peppers), drained
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp. crème fraîche, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp. finely chopped chives, plus more for garnish
2 tsp. lemon zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into 6-by-1-inch strips

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Instructions

Step 1

Make a 1-inch incision lengthwise in each pepperoncino. If you like, remove and discard the seeds. Dry peppers with paper towels; set aside. Mix cream cheese, crème fraîche, chives, zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl; transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a 1⁄2-inch tip. Pipe 1–1 1⁄2 tbsp. filling into peppers. Wrap a strip of salmon around each pepper and secure with a toothpick; garnish with more crème fraîche and chives, if you like.

Make a 1-inch incision lengthwise in each pepperoncino. If you like, remove and discard the seeds. Dry peppers with paper towels; set aside. Mix cream cheese, crème fraîche, chives, zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl; transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a 1⁄2-inch tip. Pipe 1–1 1⁄2 tbsp. filling into peppers. Wrap a strip of salmon around each pepper and secure with a toothpick; garnish with more crème fraîche and chives, if you like.