Banana peppers add a tangy kick to many dishes. These mild peppers can be used in all kinds of recipes, from appetizers to main courses. Their bright flavor and crunchy texture make them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
You can stuff banana peppers, pickle them, or chop them up for salads and salsas. There are lots of tasty ways to use these peppers in your cooking. Whether you grow your own banana peppers or buy them at the store, these recipes will help you make the most of this zesty vegetable.
1. Stuffed Banana Peppers with Cheese
Cheese-stuffed banana peppers are a tasty treat you can easily make at home. Start by cutting banana peppers in half and removing the seeds.
Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella in a bowl. Add some salt, dried parsley, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Spread the cheese mixture into each pepper half. Place them on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven.
For a different twist, try adding cooked Italian sausage to your cheese mixture. This creates a heartier filling that’s still low in carbs.
You can also experiment with various cheeses like parmesan to find your perfect combination.
2. Banana Pepper and Sausage Pizza
Spice up your pizza night with this tasty combo. Start with a thin crust and spread tomato sauce evenly. Add crumbled Italian sausage and sliced banana peppers.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the toppings. For extra flavor, add some red pepper flakes. Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
The mild heat of banana peppers pairs well with savory sausage. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures. This pizza is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of kick in their meals.
3. Pickled Banana Peppers
Pickled banana peppers are a tasty treat you can make at home. Start by slicing your peppers into rings. Pack them into clean jars with garlic and spices like mustard seeds.
Make a brine by boiling vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Pour the hot brine over the peppers in the jars. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top.
Seal the jars and let them cool. You can store them in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. The longer they sit, the more flavor they’ll develop.
Enjoy your pickled peppers on sandwiches, salads, or as a zesty snack. They add a tangy kick to many dishes.
4. Grilled Banana Pepper Sandwich
Grilled banana pepper sandwiches are a tasty and easy meal option. Start by slicing banana peppers lengthwise and removing the seeds.
Brush the peppers with olive oil and grill them until they’re slightly charred. Toast your favorite bread on the grill too.
Spread cream cheese on the bread and add the grilled peppers. For extra flavor, you can include sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, or grilled chicken.
This sandwich offers a perfect mix of tangy and creamy flavors. It’s great for lunch or a quick dinner. You can customize it with different cheeses or meats to suit your taste.
5. Banana Pepper Salsa
Banana pepper salsa adds a tangy twist to your usual salsa recipe. To make it, start by seeding and chopping your banana peppers.
Mix them with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for extra heat. Pulse the ingredients in a food processor for a smoother texture, or chop by hand for a chunkier salsa.
Add lime juice, cilantro, and salt to taste. For best results, let the salsa chill in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to blend together.
Serve your banana pepper salsa with chips, tacos, or grilled meats. You can adjust the spiciness by keeping or removing the seeds from the peppers.
6. Banana Pepper Hot Sauce
Banana pepper hot sauce is a tangy and zesty condiment you can make at home. It’s a great way to use up extra banana peppers from your garden.
To make the sauce, slice banana peppers and remove the seeds. Add them to a jar with garlic and spices. Boil vinegar and water to create a brine, then pour it over the peppers.
For a spicier version, add some jalapeños or serranos to the mix. Blend the peppers with tomato paste and vinegar for a smoother consistency.
This versatile sauce goes well with many dishes. Try it on sandwiches, eggs, or as a dipping sauce for fries.
7. Banana Pepper and Chicken Skewers
Banana pepper and chicken skewers are a tasty grilled dish you can easily make at home. Cut boneless chicken breasts into cubes and slice banana peppers into rings.
Thread the chicken and peppers onto skewers, alternating between the two. Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to cook evenly on all sides. The chicken should reach 165°F internally when done.
Serve these flavorful skewers hot off the grill. They pair well with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
8. Banana Pepper and Beef Stir-Fry
This quick and tasty stir-fry combines tender beef strips with crunchy banana peppers. It’s a great way to use up extra peppers from your garden.
Start by slicing flank steak thinly against the grain. Cut banana peppers into rings. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
Stir-fry the beef until browned, then remove it from the pan. Add the banana peppers and cook until crisp-tender. Return the beef to the pan with some soy sauce and garlic.
Toss everything together until heated through. Serve your stir-fry over rice for a simple weeknight meal. The mild heat of the peppers pairs nicely with the savory beef.
9. Banana Pepper Relish
Banana pepper relish is a tasty way to use up extra peppers from your garden. To make it, chop up banana peppers and mix them with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Cook the mixture in a pot until the peppers soften and the flavors combine. Let it cool before storing in jars in your fridge.
This tangy, sweet relish goes great on sandwiches, hot dogs, or burgers. You can also use it as a dip or spread. The relish keeps for a couple weeks, so you can enjoy it for multiple meals.
Try making a batch next time you have extra banana peppers. It’s an easy recipe that adds zesty flavor to many dishes.
10. Banana Pepper Risotto
Banana pepper risotto brings a zesty twist to a classic Italian dish. You’ll love the mild heat and tangy flavor these peppers add.
Start by sautéing diced banana peppers with onions and garlic. Then add Arborio rice and toast it briefly. Slowly stir in warm broth, letting the rice absorb it gradually.
Near the end of cooking, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese. The creamy rice pairs perfectly with the peppers’ tang. Top your risotto with extra sliced banana peppers for added punch and crunch.
This unique take on risotto makes a tasty side dish or light meal. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
11. Banana Pepper Nachos
Banana pepper nachos are a tasty twist on the classic appetizer. Start with a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese over the chips.
Add sliced banana peppers for a tangy kick. You can also include other toppings like cooked Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, and black olives.
Drizzle some Alfredo sauce over everything for extra flavor. Broil the nachos for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Serve your banana pepper nachos hot and enjoy the mix of spicy, tangy, and cheesy goodness.
12. Banana Pepper Poppers
Banana pepper poppers are a tasty appetizer you can easily make at home. Start by cutting banana peppers in half lengthwise and removing the seeds.
Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon for the filling. Spoon this mixture into the pepper halves.
Coat the stuffed peppers in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
Bake the poppers in a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes until golden brown. The peppers should be tender when done.
Serve these poppers warm as a crowd-pleasing snack or party appetizer. They offer a nice balance of creamy, crunchy, and slightly spicy flavors.
13. Banana Pepper Pasta Salad
Banana pepper pasta salad is a tasty and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. To make it, cook your favorite pasta and let it cool.
Chop up some banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Add cubed mozzarella cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Mix the pasta and veggies in a large bowl. Pour in a tangy Italian dressing and toss everything together.
For extra zest, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. This cool and crunchy salad is sure to be a hit at your next picnic or barbecue.
14. Banana Pepper Hummus Wrap
This tasty wrap combines the tangy zip of banana peppers with creamy hummus. Start by spreading hummus on a large tortilla. Add sliced banana peppers, cucumber, and red onion.
For extra flavor, toss in some roasted red peppers and olives. Sprinkle on crumbled feta cheese if you like. Roll it all up tightly.
You can customize your wrap with other veggies too. Try adding spinach, tomatoes or shredded carrots. For a protein boost, include some chickpeas or grilled chicken.
This wrap makes a quick and easy lunch or light dinner. It’s packed with Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients. Enjoy it as is or serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
15. Banana Pepper Quesadillas
Banana pepper quesadillas are a tasty twist on a Mexican classic. You’ll love the mix of melted cheese and tangy peppers in a crispy tortilla.
To make them, start with flour tortillas. Add shredded cheese and sliced banana peppers. Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a pan until golden brown.
For extra flavor, try adding some grilled chicken or black beans. You can also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar.
Serve your quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. They make a great quick lunch or easy dinner option.
Health Benefits of Banana Peppers
Banana peppers pack a punch of nutrition and health benefits. These mild peppers can boost your wellbeing in several key ways.
Nutritional Value
Banana peppers are low in calories but high in nutrients. A cup of sliced banana peppers has only about 30 calories. They’re a good source of vitamin C, with over 100% of your daily needs in one cup. You’ll also get vitamins A, B6, and K.
Banana peppers provide minerals like potassium and manganese. Potassium helps control blood pressure. Manganese aids bone health and wound healing.
These peppers have fiber too. Fiber keeps you feeling full and helps digestion. A cup of banana peppers gives you about 2 grams of fiber.
Antioxidant Properties
Banana peppers are rich in antioxidants. These compounds fight damage from harmful molecules called free radicals. This may lower your risk of some chronic diseases.
The vitamin C in banana peppers is a powerful antioxidant. It helps protect your cells and boosts your immune system. Banana peppers also contain beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A.
Capsaicin gives peppers their heat and has antioxidant effects. While banana peppers are mild, they still have some capsaicin. This compound may help reduce inflammation in your body.
Digestive Health
Adding banana peppers to your diet can support good digestion. Their fiber content aids in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Capsaicin may boost digestive health too. It can increase blood flow to your digestive tract. This may help protect against ulcers and reduce acid reflux.
Banana peppers might also promote healthy gut bacteria. A balanced gut microbiome is linked to better overall health. The fiber and nutrients in these peppers can feed good bacteria in your gut.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
Mastering banana pepper recipes starts with knowing how to choose, store, and adjust the peppers’ heat. These skills will help you get the most flavor and enjoyment from your dishes.
Choosing the Right Banana Peppers
Pick bright yellow-green peppers with smooth, firm skin. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. Bigger peppers are usually milder, while smaller ones pack more heat. For stuffing, choose larger peppers with thicker walls.
Look for peppers that feel heavy for their size. This means they’re fresh and juicy. If you want milder peppers, go for the ones that are more yellow than green. The greener the pepper, the spicier it will be.
Fresh banana peppers should have a crisp snap when you bend them. If they’re limp or wrinkled, they’re past their prime.
Storage and Preservation
Keep fresh banana peppers in the fridge’s crisper drawer. Put them in a plastic bag with small holes for air flow. They’ll stay good for about a week.
Don’t wash peppers before storing. Extra moisture can make them spoil faster. Only wash them right before you’re ready to use them.
To freeze banana peppers, slice them and spread on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 6 months.
You can also pickle banana peppers to make them last longer. Slice them and pack in jars with vinegar, water, salt, and spices. They’ll keep in the fridge for several months.
Spice Level Adjustment
Banana peppers are usually mild, but their heat can vary. To reduce spiciness, remove the seeds and white membranes inside the pepper. These parts hold most of the heat.
If you want more kick, leave the seeds and membranes in. You can also add a few hotter peppers to your dish for extra spice.
To cool down a dish that’s too spicy, add dairy products like sour cream or yogurt. The proteins in dairy help neutralize capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot.
For a milder flavor, roast the peppers before using them. This brings out their sweetness and reduces the heat. Just place them under the broiler until the skin blisters, then peel it off.