Stuffed Banana Peppers with Hot Sausage Recipe

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Stuffed Banana Peppers with Hot Sausage Recipe

Stuffed Banana Peppers with Hot Sausage Recipe makes for a fantastic, flavorful dinner that’s easy to pull together. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn simple banana peppers into a hearty meal with a little kick, this recipe is just the ticket. It balances spicy sausage with creamy cheese and tender peppers, making every bite a winner.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Banana Peppers with Hot Sausage

This dish hits all the right notes spicy, cheesy, and satisfying. I’ve made it countless times for friends and family, and they always ask for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to use banana peppers beyond the usual pickled versions. Ever thought about stuffing them? Once you do, you’ll see why they’re perfect vessels for sausage and cheese.

Variation I’ve Tried

I like to switch things up depending on what’s in the fridge or how spicy I feel. Sometimes, I swap hot sausage for Italian sausage or turkey sausage if I want it a bit milder. Adding some chopped mushrooms or spinach to the filling gives it a nice veggie boost. Oh, and sprinkling a bit of smoked paprika on top before baking adds a subtle smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.

Stuffed Banana Peppers with Hot Sausage Recipe
Adaly Kandice

Stuffed Banana Peppers with Hot Sausage

Delicious stuffed banana peppers filled with spicy hot sausage and melted cheese, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the banana peppers and carefully remove the seeds.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
  4. Add the hot Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
  5. Mix in marinara sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stuff each banana pepper with the sausage mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed peppers.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Notes

Use fresh banana peppers for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the spiciness by selecting mild or hot sausage if preferred.

Serving

Serve these with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any juices. They also pair well with roasted potatoes or a light pasta dish. If you want to keep things low-carb, a bed of sautéed greens works perfectly. Ever tried topping them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce? Both add a nice finishing touch.

Expert Tips for Stuffed Banana Peppers Recipe

  • Don’t rush the cooking of the sausage mixture; browning it well builds flavor.
  • Use gloves when handling hot peppers if you’re sensitive to spice.
  • If you want extra gooey cheese, add a little more mozzarella on top before baking.
  • Let the peppers rest a bit after baking to firm up the filling and avoid burns.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, but watch the microwave time so the peppers don’t get soggy. They also freeze well if you want to prep ahead—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the removal of seeds and membranes can make the peppers too spicy or bitter.
  • Overstuffing can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
  • Not cooking the sausage fully before stuffing leads to uneven texture and flavor.
  • Baking at too high a temperature can burn the peppers before the filling heats through.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g