Stuffed Banana Peppers

Introduction

Stuffed banana peppers are a delightful dish that brings together a combination of savory flavors and a touch of spice. This recipe from Little House Big Alaska provides a simple yet delicious way to prepare these stuffed peppers, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, enjoying a family gathering, or simply preparing something new at home, these stuffed banana peppers bring a flavorful twist to your table.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Banana peppers:

12 medium-sized peppers

Ground sausage:

1 pound of your choice (spicy or mild)

Cream cheese:

8 ounces, softened

Shredded mozzarella cheese:

1 cup

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper:

To taste

Bread crumbs:

Optional, for topping

Prep Time

Preparation takes about 30 minutes. This includes cleaning and prepping the banana peppers, mixing the filling, and getting everything ready to go into the oven. The process is simple, quick, and doesn’t require an extensive cooking background, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks of any level.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of the banana peppers. Altogether, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 55 minutes to 1 hour to create this flavorful dish. The recipe typically yields enough servings for four to six people, depending on portion sizes.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Banana Peppers

– Start by washing the banana peppers thoroughly under cool water.
– Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
– Slice each banana pepper lengthwise to create an opening. Be careful not to cut them all the way through to the bottom.
– Use a small spoon or your fingers to remove the seeds and membranes inside the peppers. Rinse out any remaining seeds.

Prepare the Filling

– In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs.
– Mix all ingredients together until well-combined and smooth. Use your hands to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.

Stuff the Banana Peppers

– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Carefully stuff each banana pepper with the prepared filling. Make sure to fill them generously but do not overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
– Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, ensuring they are laid out in a single layer.

Prepare the Topping

– If using, sprinkle the tops of the stuffed banana peppers with breadcrumbs and additional shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor and texture.

Bake the Peppers

– Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
– Bake the stuffed banana peppers for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
– If desired, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a slightly golden and crispy top.

Cool and Serve

– Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the peppers cool for a few minutes.
– Garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs if desired.
– Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Notes

Choose Fresh Banana Peppers

– Select firm and fresh banana peppers for the best results. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes.

Spice Level

– If you’d like to add a bit of heat, consider using spicy banana peppers or mixing red pepper flakes into the filling.

Make-Ahead Tips

– You can prepare the stuffed banana peppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Cover tightly to maintain freshness.

Substitutions

– Ground sausage can be replaced with ground beef, turkey, or a plant-based alternative.
– Feel free to customize the cheese used in the filling. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack work well too.

Storage and Reheating

– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
– Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave in short intervals.

Serving Suggestions

– These stuffed banana peppers pair well with marinara sauce for dipping or as a complement to a larger Italian-inspired meal.
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Cook Techniques

Preparing the Banana Peppers

Start by cleaning the banana peppers. Slice them open along one side and remove the seeds and membranes while leaving the stems intact. This ensures a pocket for the stuffing and makes serving easier. Washing and drying the peppers beforehand will also help the stuffing adhere better.

Creating the Filling

Combine the stuffing ingredients thoroughly to ensure a well-blended mixture. A consistent filling will cook more evenly inside the peppers. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together rather than a mixer to prevent overworking the ingredients.

Stuffing the Peppers

Use a small spoon or your fingers to stuff the peppers generously. Make sure to fill every nook without over-packing to prevent splitting or spilling during cooking. Be gentle while filling to keep the pepper intact.

Baking for Perfection

Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish where they fit snugly to keep them upright as they cook. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. Monitoring them near the end of bake time will help achieve the perfect texture.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pepper?

Yes, you can use other mild peppers like poblano or Anaheim peppers. Each type will slightly change the flavor profile, but the technique remains the same.

How do I know if the stuffed peppers are cooked?

The peppers will be tender when poked with a fork, and the filling will be firm and fully cooked. You can check the internal temperature of the filling to ensure it’s at a safe level, usually 165°F.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the peppers and refrigerate them in the baking dish covered with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge, allow them to come to room temperature, and bake as directed.

Can I freeze stuffed banana peppers?

Yes, they can be frozen after stuffing but before baking. Wrap them tightly in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.

Can I make these peppers vegetarian?

Absolutely, you can substitute the filling with vegetarian options such as a combination of cheese, rice, beans, and seasonings to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

Stuffed banana peppers are a delicious, flavorful dish that combines the mild heat of banana peppers with a hearty filling. This recipe is perfect for spicing up your meal rotation, whether served as an appetizer, side, or main dish. It’s simple to prepare, satisfying, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Substitute banana peppers with bell peppers for a milder and sweeter variation. Perfect for a family meal with kids or anyone who prefers a less spicy alternative.

Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños

For those who crave even more heat, try stuffing jalapeños with a creamy cheese filling. These make a great starter or party snack.

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Skip the meat and use a mixture of rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese to create a hearty yet vegetarian-friendly stuffed pepper option.

Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

Use a similar stuffing mixture from the banana peppers and fill mushroom caps for a bite-sized and flavorful appetizer.

Peppers in Spaghetti Sauce

Chop up cooked stuffed banana peppers and mix them into a rich tomato spaghetti sauce for an extra burst of flavor in your pasta dish.

Grilled Veggie Platter

Pair stuffed banana peppers with other grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and asparagus for a colorful and healthy combination.