Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Introduction

If you’re searching for a delicious, flavorful, and unique appetizer or meal, try making Italian sausage stuffed banana peppers. This dish combines the zestiness of Italian sausage with the mild heat of banana peppers, creating a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. The recipe is easy to follow and results in a hearty and satisfying dish suitable for any occasion.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Here is what you’ll need to create this delectable recipe:

banana peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Italian sausage
plain breadcrumbs
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
dried Italian seasoning
spaghetti sauce
chopped fresh parsley

Prep Time

Preparing the Italian sausage stuffed banana peppers doesn’t require much time or effort. Prepare your peppers, filling, and sauce before combining it all together for baking. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

After the preparation, the stuffed banana peppers are baked to perfection in the oven in under an hour. This dish is quick to make and perfect for serving a group. With a total time of roughly an hour, you can expect a yield that will comfortably serve several people, depending on portion sizes.

Enjoy the satisfying and cheesy flavors of these stuffed banana peppers alongside a fresh salad or even pasta for a filling and delightful meal.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Peppers

Rinse the banana peppers thoroughly. Use a knife to slice off the tops of the peppers, and then carefully cut a slit down one side of each pepper. Using a small spoon, gently scoop out the seeds and membranes inside. Be sure to handle the peppers carefully to avoid splitting them apart. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, beaten egg, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Using your hands or a small spoon, take portions of the sausage mixture and stuff it firmly into the hollowed-out banana peppers. Ensure the filling is pressed in evenly and fills each pepper completely.

Step 5: Arrange Peppers on the Baking Sheet

Lay the stuffed banana peppers side by side on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced slightly apart to promote even cooking.

Step 6: Top with Marinara and Cheese

Spoon marinara sauce over the top of each stuffed pepper, ensuring they are well coated but not drowned. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the marinara-covered peppers.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F), and the peppers are tender. The cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Note 1:

You can adjust the spiciness of this recipe by selecting mild or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.

Note 2:

If you can’t find banana peppers, you can substitute them with poblano peppers or cubanelle peppers, although the flavor will vary slightly.

Note 3:

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Note 4:

For a lower-carb or keto-friendly version, skip the breadcrumbs and add a tablespoon of almond flour to help bind the filling.

Note 5:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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Cook Techniques

Preparing the Banana Peppers

Begin by washing and drying the banana peppers. Slice them lengthwise and remove the seeds, creating a hollow space for the filling.

Cooking the Filling

Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Stuffing the Peppers

Carefully spoon the prepared sausage filling into each hollowed-out banana pepper. Press the filling gently to pack it in tightly.

Baking the Stuffed Peppers

Place the stuffed banana peppers on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, then bake in the oven at the specified temperature until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

FAQ

Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy?

Yes, you can use sweet Italian sausage if you prefer a milder flavor.

How do I make this dish less spicy?

To make it less spicy, opt for mild Italian sausage and ensure all seeds are removed from the banana peppers.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them when ready to serve.

What can I serve with stuffed banana peppers?

These peppers pair well with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or a side of pasta.

Can I freeze stuffed banana peppers?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Store them in an airtight container, and bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use another type of pepper?

Yes, you can substitute banana peppers with other mildly spicy peppers, such as poblano or Anaheim peppers.

How do I know the peppers are done baking?

The peppers are done when they become tender, and the filling is hot and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the filling to ensure it reaches at least 165°F.
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Conclusion

The Italian Sausage Stuffed Banana Peppers recipe offers a delightful combination of spicy, savory flavors with the perfect balance of creamy cheese and hearty sausage. It’s a versatile dish that works wonderfully as a main course, side dish, or party appetizer. Whether you’re indulging in a family dinner or wowing guests at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease and bold taste. Make this dish part of your repertoire, and enjoy creating flavorful meals with minimal effort.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Try using the same stuffing mixture in colorful bell peppers for a milder, sweeter variation of the dish.

Zucchini Boats

Replace banana peppers with zucchini halves and turn this recipe into an equally delicious stuffed zucchini boat experience.

Cheesy Meatballs

Turn the sausage filling into cheesy meatballs by rolling and baking them as a fun standalone dish or to serve with marinara sauce.

Spicy Pepper Casserole

Layer stuffed banana peppers in a casserole dish with marinara and extra cheese for a crowd-pleasing baked dish.

Appetizer-Sized Stuffed Jalapeños

Use smaller, spicier peppers like jalapeños for bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties.

Pasta Pairing

Serve the stuffed peppers over a bed of al dente pasta with marinara sauce for a hearty and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

For a low-carb twist, try filling large portobello mushroom caps with the sausage stuffing and baking them until tender.

Mexican-Inspired Stuffed Poblanos

Give the dish a Mexican flair by swapping banana peppers with poblano peppers and incorporating spices like cumin and chili powder into the filling.