Santa’s Favorite Colors: Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with Tuna & Béchamel

This festive appetizer brings together the iconic colors of Santa Claus — bright red roasted peppers, creamy white filling, and a touch of green from herbed oil. It’s my way of staying on Santa’s good side this year — fingers crossed he brings what I wished for in my letter! 🎅✨

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min

❄️ Chill Time (optional): 30 min

🍽️ Servings: 12 stuffed peppers

🧾 Ingredients

For the stuffed peppers:

1 jar (220 g, drained) of Piquillo peppers (approx. 12 pieces)
(or small roasted red Kapia peppers)
125 g high-quality canned tuna
1/2 portion béchamel sauce (see below)
1/2 portion parsley oil (see below)

Quick béchamel (half portion):

25 g butter
1/2 tbsp flour
125 ml milk
Salt & black pepper

Roasted pepper mayo sauce:

100 g roasted red peppers
150 g mayonnaise

For serving:

Toasted baguette slices
Sea salt flakes

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Béchamel

In a saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thick like vanilla pudding.
Season with salt and black pepper. Let cool slightly.

2. Make the Tuna Filling

Flake the tuna and mix it thoroughly into the warm béchamel.
Taste and adjust salt if needed.
If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.

3. Stuff the Peppers

Drain the roasted peppers.
Using a small spoon, gently fill each pepper with the tuna cream. Do not overpack.

4. Make the Sauces

Parsley Oil: Blend fresh parsley with olive oil and a small garlic clove (optional). Strain if you want a smoother texture.
Roasted Pepper Sauce: Blend 100 g roasted peppers with the mayonnaise until silky.

5. Assemble & Serve

Spread 1 tablespoon of the roasted pepper sauce in the center of a serving plate.
Place a toasted baguette slice on top.
Lay 1–2 stuffed peppers over each slice.
Drizzle with parsley oil and finish with sea salt flakes.

🎄 Serving Ideas

This appetizer is perfect for:

Christmas dinner starters
Holiday buffet spreads
Wine pairing nights (try with Verdejo or Albariño)
Tapas-style party platters

📝 Final Thoughts

Bright, bold, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor — these stuffed peppers combine creamy tuna, smoky sweetness, and herbaceous oil in a bite-sized package worthy of the holidays. Make them ahead and assemble at the last minute for festive flair with minimal fuss!