Spicy Chili Pepper Fiesta (Printable)

A vibrant mix of chili peppers paired with colorful dips and fresh accompaniments for sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chili Peppers

01 - 3 large red bell peppers
02 - 3 large yellow bell peppers
03 - 3 large orange bell peppers
04 - 4 to 6 assorted fresh chili peppers (jalapeños, Fresno, serrano; adjust for heat preference)

→ Dips

05 - 1 cup classic guacamole
06 - 1 cup spicy roasted red pepper hummus
07 - 1 cup mango salsa
08 - 1 cup creamy chipotle yogurt dip

→ Accompaniments

09 - 2 cups blue corn tortilla chips
10 - 1 cup baby carrots
11 - 1 cup cucumber slices
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes

→ Garnishes

13 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
14 - 2 limes, cut into wedges

# Directions:

01 - Wash and dry all peppers. Slice bell peppers vertically into thick strips suitable for scooping, keeping a few halves reserved to serve dips inside.
02 - Cut chili peppers into thin rings or halve lengthwise for an attractive display; remove seeds to reduce heat if preferred.
03 - Place bell pepper strips and chili pepper slices on a large serving platter, grouping by color (red, orange, yellow) to create a visually appealing arrangement.
04 - Transfer each dip into small bowls or into the reserved pepper halves. Arrange these around the platter as colorful accents.
05 - Fill in remaining spaces on the platter with tortilla chips, baby carrots, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes to add texture and vibrant colors.
06 - Sprinkle chopped cilantro and place lime wedges on the platter to brighten flavors. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to mix peppers and dips.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that lets everyone build their perfect bite, like edible finger painting where the results are always delicious
  • The colors are so vibrant your platter becomes the centerpiece before a single bite is taken
  • It requires zero cooking skills but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen
  • You can prep everything ahead and assemble in minutes, leaving you free to actually enjoy your guests
02 -
  • Prep your peppers close to serving time—they dry out and lose their crispness if they sit cut for too long. I learned this the hard way with a platter that looked sad by the time guests arrived
  • Always taste your dips before the party. Store-bought versions vary wildly in heat and flavor, and you might want to adjust with lime juice, salt, or extra cilantro
  • The presentation matters as much as the flavors. Take an extra two minutes to arrange thoughtfully—your guests will eat with their eyes first
03 -
  • Buy peppers at a farmers market or quality grocery store where you can choose unblemished ones with that fresh shine—these will look beautiful and taste crisp
  • Make your chipotle yogurt dip at home instead of buying it ready-made. The adobo sauce and fresh lime juice elevate it from good to 'what is this magic' in seconds
  • If you're making this for a large crowd, double everything except the chilis—let your guests decide how much heat they want by controlling their own portions
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