Cooking Cheese-Stuffed Banana Peppers: How Long Does It Take?

Cheese-stuffed banana peppers are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that can be served as a snack, side dish, or main course. The peppers can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, including meat, vegetables, and different types of cheese, and can be baked, grilled, or broiled. The cooking time will depend on the method used, but typically ranges from 15 to 60 minutes.

How to cook cheese-stuffed banana peppers in the oven

Ingredients

Depending on how many cheese-stuffed banana peppers you want to make, you will need:

• Banana peppers
• Olive oil
• Filling of your choice (e.g. Italian sausage, ground beef, ground pork, ground chicken, or vegetarian alternatives)
• Cheese (cheddar, pepperjack, parmesan, mozzarella, or goat's cheese)
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, basil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder)
• Other vegetables (onions, celery, tomatoes)

Method

• Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper.
• Cut each banana pepper in half lengthwise. You can also cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and white flesh, or cut a slit down one side of the pepper to make it easier to stuff.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
• Cook your chosen filling in the skillet, seasoning as desired. Fillings such as meat should be cooked through before stuffing the peppers.
• Fill the banana peppers with your chosen filling.
• Top with shredded cheese.
• Bake for around 15-20 minutes, until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted and golden.

Tips

• Wear disposable gloves when handling peppers to protect your skin and eyes from irritation.
• If you prefer softer peppers, blanch the cored peppers in hot water for a couple of minutes before stuffing them.
• You can freeze cooked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months.

How to cook cheese-stuffed banana peppers on the grill

Ingredients

• Banana peppers
• Cheese (cream cheese, shredded cheddar, or your choice of melty cheese)
• Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional: meat, spices, sauces, toothpicks, bacon

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Slice the banana peppers in half lengthwise and core them. If your peppers are very fresh, you may want to blanch them in hot water first to make them more flexible and easier to work with. Remove the seeds using a spoon and wear kitchen gloves to protect your hands.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

For a simple cheese filling, mix together your choice of shredded or cream cheese with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add spices, sauces, or fresh herbs of your choice. If you want to add meat to your filling, cook this first and allow it to cool before mixing it with your cheese.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Use a small spoon to fill each pepper half with the cheese mixture, pushing it down to the tip of the pepper. If desired, wrap each pepper with a slice of raw bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Step 4: Grill the Peppers

Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Place the stuffed peppers on the grill and cook for 15 minutes. Turn the peppers and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the peppers are softened.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the toothpicks and serve the peppers immediately. Enjoy!

How long to cook cheese-stuffed banana peppers

Cooking times for cheese-stuffed banana peppers vary depending on the cooking method, the number of peppers, and the desired texture. Here are some general guidelines:

Baking

Baking is a common method for cooking cheese-stuffed banana peppers. Preheat your oven to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The baking time can range from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the peppers and the amount of filling. For smaller peppers or appetizers, a shorter baking time of around 15-20 minutes is sufficient. For larger peppers or a full meal, bake for 35-60 minutes.

Grilling or Broiling

Grilling or broiling cheese-stuffed banana peppers is a quicker option, taking around 15 minutes on the grill or 6-7 minutes under the broiler. This method is ideal for achieving a nice melt on the cheese filling.

Slow Cooking

For a "set-and-forget" option, slow cooking your cheese-stuffed banana peppers is a great choice. This method takes longer, typically cooking for 5-6 hours on low heat. This is a good option if you want tender peppers and melted cheese without the need for constant monitoring.

Stovetop

Cooking cheese-stuffed banana peppers on the stovetop is a quick and efficient method. Sautéing the peppers in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side is sufficient to cook the peppers and achieve a light browning.

Freezing and Reheating

Stuffed banana peppers can be frozen and reheated for later enjoyment. To freeze, place the cooked peppers uncovered on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours until slightly frozen. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or cook directly from frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot.

Cheese and meat combinations for stuffed banana peppers

Italian Sausage and Cheese

This combination is a popular choice for stuffed banana peppers. You can use hot or mild Italian sausage, or a combination of both. The sausage is usually mixed with other ingredients such as bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, before being stuffed into the peppers.

Ground Beef or Steak and Cheese

Ground beef or steak is another option for the meat filling. You can use any cut of steak, as long as it is chopped finely so that it fits easily into the banana peppers. Ground beef can also be combined with sausage for a unique flavor.

Pork and Cheese

Pork sausage is another option for the meat filling. You can use fresh pork sausage or pre-cooked pork sausage crumbles. The pork sausage can be mixed with other ingredients such as bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices before being stuffed into the peppers.

Chicken or Turkey and Cheese

Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute for the meat filling. This is a good option for those who prefer a leaner meat option.

Goat Cheese and Pork Sausage

This combination offers a unique flavor profile with the tanginess of goat cheese and the heartiness of pork sausage.

When choosing the cheese for your stuffed banana peppers, it is best to use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack. Harder cheeses may not melt properly and may not have the desired consistency. However, Parmesan cheese can be a nice addition to the filling or used as a topping. You can also get creative and experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite.

How to prepare banana peppers for stuffing

Preparing banana peppers for stuffing is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash the Peppers

Before you begin, make sure to wash the banana peppers thoroughly under running water. This will remove any dirt or residue on the surface.

Step 2: Cut and Clean the Peppers

Using a sharp knife, cut each banana pepper in half lengthwise. You can also keep the pepper whole and cut a slit down one side if you prefer. Once cut, carefully remove the seeds and white ribs from the inside of the peppers. You can use a small spoon or your fingers to scoop out the seeds. This step will create space for the stuffing and remove any bitter or spicy components of the pepper.

Step 3: Blanching (Optional)

If you prefer softer peppers, you can blanch them before stuffing. To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water. Cut a small slit in each pepper. Carefully place the peppers in the boiling water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the peppers and pat them dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Prepare the Peppers for Stuffing

Place the cleaned and cut peppers onto a large baking sheet or dish. If you want to prevent the peppers from rolling, you can make a small slice on the bottom of each pepper to create a flat surface. At this point, you can also brush the peppers with oil and season them with salt and pepper, if desired.

Your banana peppers are now ready for stuffing! You can fill them with your favorite mixture of meats, cheeses, and other ingredients. Once stuffed, they can be baked, grilled, or broiled until the filling is cooked and the cheese is melted.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade stuffed banana peppers!

Frequently asked questions