Kamil Perry
Stuffed banana peppers are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side, or main course. They are often filled with meat, cheese, or a combination of the two. The peppers can be grilled, baked, or broiled, and are typically served warm. With a mild flavour and thin walls, banana peppers are ideal for stuffing, and their versatility means they can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas. This guide will explore the different methods for cooking cheese-stuffed banana peppers, as well as some serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F to 425°F |
| Preparation | Wash and pat dry the peppers. Cut them lengthwise, remove seeds and core. |
| Cheese | Cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, goat cheese, pepperjack, shredded cheese |
| Additional Ingredients | Bacon, steak, sausage, beef, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, cilantro, sun-dried tomatoes, horseradish |
| Cooking Time | 10-25 minutes |
| Serving | Can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right peppers
When making cheese-stuffed banana peppers, it's important to choose the right peppers to ensure the best flavour and texture. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect peppers for your dish:
Firstly, look for large banana peppers that are as straight as possible. Straight peppers will be easier to cut in half and fill, making them ideal for stuffing. If you can only find medium or small peppers, consider buying a few extra to ensure you have enough for your recipe.
Secondly, consider the heat level you prefer. Banana peppers are typically mild, but you can also find sweet or hot varieties. Sweet banana peppers will have a milder flavour, while hot banana peppers will add a spicy kick to your dish. Choose the variety that aligns with your taste preferences or make a batch of each to suit different tastes.
When selecting your peppers, look for ones that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any peppers with soft spots, wrinkles, or discolouration, as these may be past their prime. Fresh banana peppers should also have bright green stems; if the stems are brown or dry, it could indicate that the peppers are no longer fresh.
Lastly, consider the thickness of the pepper walls. Banana peppers have relatively thin walls, which is great for stuffing as they will soften nicely during cooking. However, if you prefer very soft stuffed peppers, you can blanch the peppers in hot water for a few minutes before stuffing them.
Remember to wash your peppers thoroughly before using them, especially if you plan to enjoy them raw. Pat them dry with a towel or paper towel before cutting and stuffing.
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Preparing the peppers
Once you've selected your peppers, give them a good wash and dry them with a towel or paper towels. This step ensures that you start with clean peppers and removes any dirt or residue. After drying, place the peppers on a cutting board. Cut the peppers from the top, all the way down to the tip, using a small knife. You can choose to cut off the stem, or keep it on—it's a matter of personal preference. If you want to create a neat pocket for the stuffing, cut a "T" shape by making a slit from the stem about a quarter-inch down and then slicing lengthwise without cutting the pepper in half.
After cutting, use a small spoon to carefully scrape out the pith and seeds, discarding them. Be thorough in this step to ensure a neat pocket for the filling. Pick out any remaining seeds or pith with your hands and wipe the insides of the peppers clean. If you prefer softer peppers, you can blanch the cored peppers in hot water for a couple of minutes before stuffing them.
Now that the peppers are prepared, you can move on to the next step of making cheese-stuffed banana peppers—preparing the filling and assembling the dish.
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Making the filling
To make the filling for cheese-stuffed banana peppers, you can use a variety of cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or a combination of these. You can also add other ingredients to the cheese mixture, such as sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and parsley.
For a meatier filling, you can add cooked chopped steak, Italian sausage, or ground meats. Season the meat with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add other ingredients such as bread crumbs, milk, and Italian seasoning.
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can stuff the banana peppers with just the cheese mixture or add other ingredients such as beans or vegetables.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making the filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and any other ingredients you're using until well combined.
- If you're adding meat to the filling, cook it according to your preference before mixing it with the cheese.
- Season the filling with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Your filling is now ready to be stuffed into the banana peppers!
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Cooking the peppers
To cook cheese-stuffed banana peppers, you'll first need to prepare the peppers themselves. Wash the peppers and pat them dry, then cut them in half lengthwise. You can cut off the stems, but some prefer to keep them on. Next, use a small spoon to remove the pith, seeds, and membranes. If you want very soft peppers, you can blanch the cored peppers in hot water for a couple of minutes before stuffing them.
For the cheese stuffing, you can use a blend of cheeses such as cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix the cheeses in a bowl with your choice of seasonings. Some common seasonings include salt, garlic powder, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes. You can also add other ingredients to the cheese mixture, such as sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro.
Once the peppers are prepared and the cheese mixture is ready, it's time to stuff the peppers. Use a small spoon to fill each pepper half with the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. If you're using bacon, wrap each pepper with a slice of raw bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Now, it's time to cook the peppers. You can bake, grill, or broil them. If baking, preheat the oven to between 350°F and 425°F, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. If you're using bacon, you may need to bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bacon is cooked to your liking. If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat, lightly oil the grate, and grill the peppers for 15 minutes, turning them occasionally. For broiling, bake the peppers for 10 minutes, then broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Finally, serve the peppers warm. You can sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley, chopped green onions, spicy chilli flakes, or your choice of toppings.
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Serving suggestions
Cheese-stuffed banana peppers are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. They can be a great addition to a party platter or a simple weeknight meal. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
As an Appetizer or Snack
Cheese-stuffed banana peppers can be an excellent starter or snack, especially if you're serving a large group. You can adjust the spiciness to suit your guests' preferences. Serve them alongside other appetizers like a couscous salad, garlic potatoes, or Spanish rice.
As a Main Course
Stuffed banana peppers can be a tasty and satisfying main course, especially when paired with side dishes. For a low-carb option, try serving them with a crock of warm marinara sauce on the side. You can also serve them with a side salad, using the banana peppers as a tasty salad topper.
As a Side Dish
These stuffed peppers can complement various main courses, including meat-based dishes like steak or chicken. They can also be a delicious side to pizzas, especially if you're serving Italian food.
For a Heartier Meal
If you want to make the dish more filling, you can experiment with adding meat to the stuffing. Try ground beef, steak, sausage, or a classic meatball filling. You can also serve the peppers with a side of grilled or baked meat, creating a well-rounded meal.
Storage and Reheating
Stuffed banana peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer. They can also be frozen for 2-3 months in freezer containers. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need banana peppers, cheese, and any other ingredients for your stuffing of choice. Popular stuffings include meat, such as steak, sausage, or ground meats, and seasonings like garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
First, wash and dry the peppers. Then, slice the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. If you want very soft peppers, you can blanch the cored peppers in hot water for a few minutes before stuffing them.
It is best to use a cheese that melts well, like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack. Harder cheeses like Parmesan can also be used, but in smaller quantities as they may affect the consistency.
You can cook the peppers in the oven or on the grill. To cook in the oven, place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Then, broil for 3-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. To grill the peppers, wrap each pepper with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Grill for about 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp.
