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If you’re looking for the ultimate banana pepper recipe, these Italian stuffed banana peppers are it. Mildly spicy banana peppers are filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs, then baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This simple banana pepper recipe is a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together with just 15 minutes of prep. Whether you serve them as a main dish or a hearty appetizer, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s make this easy banana pepper recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Dinner
Easy
Easy Stuffed Banana Peppers
This easy banana pepper recipe transforms mild peppers into a cheesy, sausage-stuffed Italian dinner. Ready in 40 minutes, it's a crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
4
💡 Chef Tip
For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving
Calories
450 kcal
Protein
28 g
Carbs
12 g
Fat
32 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugar
6 g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 375°F.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3
In a bowl, combine cooked sausage, ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4
Carefully cut the tops off the banana peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, leaving the peppers whole.
5
Spoon the sausage mixture into each banana pepper, pressing gently to fill completely.
6
Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
7
Arrange stuffed peppers on top of the sauce. Spoon remaining marinara over the peppers.
8
Sprinkle an extra handful of mozzarella over the peppers.
9
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5-10 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10
Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Mini sweet peppers or bell pepper halves work beautifully in this banana pepper recipe. Just adjust the baking time slightly if using thinner-walled peppers.
Banana peppers are usually mild, with a slight tang. Their heat level is much lower than jalapeños, making them perfect for this family-friendly banana pepper recipe.
Absolutely. Freeze assembled, unbaked peppers on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Serve with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or over a bed of spaghetti for a complete Italian dinner.
Replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. The cheesy filling will still be delicious.
Ingredients for Italian stuffed banana peppers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✓ Easy 15-minute prep
✓ Hearty Italian dinner
✓ Perfectly cheesy and saucy
✓ Mildly spicy banana peppers
Equipment Needed
🧰 Large skillet
🧰 Mixing bowl
🧰 Baking dish
🧰 Aluminum foil
Recipe Notes
🧊 Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
Assemble the stuffed peppers up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes.
🍴 Kitchen Picks
Helpful tools that make this recipe easier and more enjoyable.
Lodge 12-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Perfect for browning the Italian sausage before stuffing the peppers.
Ninja Foodi SP101 Digital Air Fry Oven
Versatile appliance that can bake the stuffed peppers to bubbly, golden perfection.
Oven‑baked Italian stuffed banana peppers
📋 Recipe Summary
⏱️
40 Min
40 Min
👨🍳
Easy
Easy
🍽️
4 Servings
4 Servings
🔥
450 kcal
450 kcal
- ✓ Easy 15-minute prep
- ✓ Hearty Italian dinner
- ✓ Perfectly cheesy and saucy
- ✓ Mildly spicy banana peppers
This banana pepper recipe is a keeper. Stuffed banana peppers are a versatile, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with crusty bread or over pasta. We hope you love this banana pepper recipe as much as we do.
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