Tuscan Sunburst Yellow Peppers (Printable)

Bright yellow bell peppers paired with tangy lemon goat cheese and crunchy breadsticks create a summer delight.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 large yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into thin strips

→ Cheese Mixture

02 - 7 oz fresh goat cheese, softened
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Bread

08 - 12 grissini (Italian breadsticks)

# Directions:

01 - Combine goat cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, chives, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
02 - Place yellow bell pepper strips in a circular pattern on a large serving platter to form sun rays, leaving the center empty.
03 - Spoon the lemon-infused goat cheese into the center of the platter, shaping it into a neat circle or dome.
04 - Position breadsticks around the platter, radiating outward from the cheese center like sun rays.
05 - Serve immediately, allowing guests to use the breadsticks and bell peppers to scoop the cheese.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks impressive enough to stun guests, but requires zero cooking and barely any prep.
  • The bright lemon cuts through the creamy richness in a way that makes you want another breadstick every single time.
02 -
  • Room-temperature goat cheese is non-negotiable; attempting to blend cold cheese into smoothness will exhaust your arm and your patience.
  • Fresh lemon zest makes or breaks this dish—that's where all the brightness lives, so don't skip it or substitute extract.
03 -
  • Prep the cheese mixture and peppers separately up to an hour ahead; assemble on the platter 15 minutes before guests arrive so everything is fresh and the presentation is pristine.
  • If the cheese seems too soft or warm, chill the platter briefly; cold surfaces help it hold its shape and look more deliberate.
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