Banana peppers are a versatile ingredient that can add a tasty kick to many dishes. These mild peppers come in sweet and hot varieties, offering a range of flavors from tangy to spicy.

They’re easy to grow and can be found in most grocery stores.

You can use banana peppers in many ways, from stuffing them with cheese to pickling them for later use. These recipes will show you how to make the most of this flavorful vegetable.

Whether you prefer your peppers mild or hot, you’ll find ideas here to spice up your meals and snacks.

1. Stuffed Banana Peppers

Stuffed banana peppers are a tasty way to enjoy this mild chili. You can fill them with various ingredients for a delicious appetizer or main dish.

Try stuffing banana peppers with a mix of ground beef and pork. Add breadcrumbs, eggs, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

For a vegetarian option, use a blend of cheeses like cream cheese and Parmesan. Mix in some garlic and herbs for a flavorful filling.

You can bake stuffed banana peppers in the oven at 400°F. They also work well on the grill for a smoky taste. Serve them as a side dish or appetizer at your next gathering.

2. Banana Pepper Pizza

Banana pepper pizza is a tasty twist on a classic favorite. To make it, start with a pizza crust and spread on your favorite sauce.

Top the sauce with mozzarella cheese. Add sliced banana peppers for a tangy kick. You can also include other toppings like pepperoni or red onions.

Bake your pizza in a hot oven, around 425°F, for 12-15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly when it’s done.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or garlic powder on top before baking. Your homemade banana pepper pizza will be ready to enjoy in no time!

3. Banana Pepper Salsa

Banana pepper salsa adds a zesty kick to your meals. To make it, start by removing the seeds from banana peppers for a milder flavor.

Chop tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Pulse half in a food processor for a few seconds. Dice the rest by hand for varied texture.

Mix in cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste. For extra heat, add some jalapeño.

Let the salsa chill overnight. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely.

Serve your homemade banana pepper salsa with chips, tacos, or grilled meats. It’s a versatile condiment that brightens up many dishes.

4. Banana Pepper Jelly

Banana pepper jelly is a tasty spread that combines sweet and spicy flavors. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

To prepare, chop banana peppers and mix them with vinegar and pectin. Some recipes also add bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

You can adjust the heat level by including hot peppers like jalapeños or keeping it mild with just banana peppers. The jelly will have a pretty, confetti-like appearance from the pepper pieces.

This versatile condiment is great on crackers, as a glaze for meats, or as a unique sandwich spread. It’s also a nice way to preserve your garden’s pepper harvest.

5. Pickled Banana Peppers

Pickled banana peppers are a tasty way to preserve your pepper harvest. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Slice your banana peppers into thin rounds. Pack them tightly into clean jars with some garlic cloves.

Mix vinegar, water, sugar, and spices in a pot. Bring this mixture to a boil. Pour the hot liquid over the peppers in the jars.

Let the jars cool, then refrigerate them. Your pickled peppers will be ready to eat in about a week. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to a month.

Use these tangy peppers on sandwiches, salads, or as a zesty snack.

6. Banana Pepper Chicken Bake

You can make a tasty banana pepper chicken bake in just a few steps. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.

Place chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Mix diced tomatoes and sliced banana peppers with Italian herbs and spices.

Pour this mixture over the chicken. Add a few pats of butter on top for extra flavor.

Bake for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. The banana peppers will soften and infuse the dish with a tangy kick.

This easy meal combines protein and veggies in one pan. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

7. Banana Pepper Hummus

Want to spice up your hummus? Try adding banana peppers! This twist on classic hummus brings a tangy kick to the creamy dip.

Start with a base of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend in chopped banana peppers for extra flavor and color. You can adjust the amount to your taste preference.

For a smoother texture, remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them. If you like it spicier, leave some seeds in.

Serve your banana pepper hummus with pita chips, fresh veggies, or as a spread on sandwiches. It’s a tasty way to use up extra banana peppers from your garden.

8. Banana Pepper and Sausage Pasta

This tasty pasta dish combines the mild heat of banana peppers with savory Italian sausage. You’ll love how the flavors blend together in this quick and easy meal.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package directions. While it’s boiling, brown some Italian sausage in a pan. Add sliced banana peppers and cook until they’re tender.

Mix the sausage and peppers with your cooked pasta. Toss in some marinara sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese. For extra flavor, you can stuff the banana peppers with the sausage before adding them to the pasta.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time to cook. It’s sure to become a family favorite!

9. Spicy Banana Pepper Soup

Banana pepper soup offers a zesty twist on traditional comfort food. To make it, start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in olive oil.

Add diced banana peppers and cook until softened. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. For extra heat, include some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Blend the mixture until smooth, then stir in cream cheese for richness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.

You can adjust the spice level by adding more hot peppers or hot sauce. Serve hot with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that warms you up on chilly days.

10. Grilled Banana Peppers

Grilling banana peppers brings out their sweet flavor and adds a smoky char. Start by washing and drying the peppers. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds if you prefer less heat.

Brush the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re tender and have nice grill marks.

You can eat grilled banana peppers as a side dish or add them to salads and sandwiches. For extra flavor, try marinating them in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and herbs before grilling.

11. Banana Pepper Relish

Banana pepper relish is a tangy and sweet condiment you can easily make at home. To prepare it, chop banana peppers, onions, and garlic.

In a saucepan, mix vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices like mustard and celery seeds. Bring this mixture to a boil, then add your chopped vegetables.

Simmer the relish for about 30 minutes until it thickens and the peppers soften. Let it cool before storing in jars.

You can keep this relish in your fridge for up to 2 weeks. It’s great on sandwiches, hot dogs, or as a zesty addition to your favorite dishes.

12. Banana Pepper Stir-Fry

Banana pepper stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in no time. Start by slicing chicken breast into thin strips and coating them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Next, toss in sliced banana peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Pour in some soy sauce and oyster sauce for extra flavor. Stir-fry everything together for another 5 minutes.

Your banana pepper stir-fry is ready to serve. Enjoy it hot over a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

13. Banana Pepper Omelette

Start your day with a zesty banana pepper omelette. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add diced banana peppers and shredded cheese to the mix.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 6-8 minutes. The bottom should be lightly browned and the top set.

Fold the omelette in half and serve hot. This quick and easy recipe adds a spicy kick to your breakfast routine. You can adjust the amount of banana peppers to suit your taste preferences.

14. Banana Pepper Nachos

Banana pepper nachos are a tasty twist on the classic snack. You start with a base of tortilla chips spread on a baking sheet.

Top the chips with cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, and sliced banana peppers. Add black olives for extra flavor if you like.

Drizzle Alfredo sauce over everything and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Pop the nachos under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Watch them closely to avoid burning. These zesty nachos are perfect for game day or movie night. The banana peppers add a tangy kick that pairs well with the creamy sauce and savory meats.

15. Roasted Banana Peppers

Roasting banana peppers brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. To roast them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Wash the peppers and pat them dry. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds if you prefer less heat.

Place the peppers on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.

The peppers are done when they’re soft and slightly charred. Let them cool before using in your favorite recipes or eating as a tasty side dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Banana Peppers

Banana peppers pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. These colorful veggies offer many health perks while being low in calories. Let’s look at some of their key nutrients and benefits.

Vitamins and Minerals

Banana peppers are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They have lots of vitamin C, which helps your immune system stay strong. One cup gives you more than the daily amount you need. These peppers also have vitamin A, which is good for your eyes and skin.

You’ll find other helpful nutrients in banana peppers too. They have:

• Iron for healthy blood
• Calcium for strong bones
• Potassium for heart health
• Magnesium to help your muscles work well

Eating banana peppers can boost your intake of these important nutrients. They’re a tasty way to get more vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Low-Calorie Content

If you’re watching your weight, banana peppers are a great choice. They’re very low in calories but still fill you up. A 100-gram serving has only about 27 calories.

Banana peppers are mostly water, which helps explain their low calorie count. They also have some fiber, which is good for your digestion and can help you feel full.

You can add banana peppers to many dishes without worrying about extra calories. They’re perfect for:

• Salads
• Sandwiches
• Pizza toppings
• Snacking on their own

This makes them a smart pick for anyone trying to eat healthier or lose weight.

Cooking Techniques for Banana Peppers

Banana peppers can be cooked in many tasty ways. Two popular methods are roasting and grilling. These techniques bring out the peppers’ sweet flavor and add a nice smoky touch.

Roasting

Roasting banana peppers is easy and adds depth to their taste. Start by washing and drying the peppers. Cut them in half and remove the seeds. Place them on a baking sheet with the cut side down.

Brush the peppers with olive oil. Roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes. The skin should blister and turn dark in spots. Let them cool, then peel off the skin.

Roasted banana peppers are great in salads or sandwiches. You can also blend them into dips or sauces. Try adding them to pasta dishes for extra flavor.

Grilling

Grilling gives banana peppers a nice smoky flavor. It’s perfect for summer cookouts.

Clean the peppers and leave them whole. Brush them with oil to prevent sticking.

Place the peppers on a hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side.

Turn them often until the skin is charred all over. The peppers should be soft when done.

Let the grilled peppers cool in a paper bag. This makes the skin easier to remove.

Peel off the skin, then slice or chop as needed.

Grilled banana peppers are tasty in fajitas or on burgers. You can also stuff them with cheese for a yummy side dish.