Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers: The Ultimate Comfort-Filled Bite

There’s something magical about the first bite of a warm, cheesy stuffed banana pepper. The combination of creamy cheese and the subtle tang of the pepper brings back memories of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, where the aroma of melting cheese and roasting peppers filled the kitchen. If you’ve never tried cheesy stuffed banana peppers, this is the comfort food experience you didn’t know you needed.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something hearty and flavorful, these peppers are the kind of dish that checks all the boxes. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make them perfect every time.

What Are Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers?

Cheesy stuffed banana peppers are a beloved American appetizer made by hollowing out mild banana peppers and stuffing them with a creamy, savory filling—usually a blend of cheeses, herbs, and sometimes meat. They’re typically baked until bubbly and golden or even grilled for a smoky twist.

Banana peppers vs. other peppers:

• Banana peppers are milder than jalapeños and thinner than bell peppers.
• They offer a sweet-tart flavor, making them ideal for stuffing.
• Their size makes them easy to handle and perfect for individual servings.

This recipe brings out the best of this underrated pepper, delivering gooey cheese wrapped in a tender pepper casing—an irresistible combination.

Ingredients for Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers

Before you start, gather your ingredients. You’ll love how flexible this recipe is—you can swap in your favorite cheeses or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

🛒 For the best results, choose fresh, firm banana peppers from your local market. You can find cream cheese and Italian seasoning at most grocery stores or online at major U.S. retailers like Amazon.

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers (Step-by-Step)

Creating this recipe is surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying.

Step 1: Prep the Peppers

• Wash the banana peppers thoroughly.
• Slice off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon or paring knife.
• If you prefer spicier dishes, leave a few seeds in.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Fill each pepper with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
• Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
• Optional: Top with breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy finish.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Banana Peppers

Here are some expert tips to help your stuffed banana peppers come out just right:

Keep Them from Getting Soggy:

• Roast the peppers slightly before stuffing if you prefer a firmer texture.
• Avoid overbaking—20–25 minutes is plenty.

Get the Cheese Right:

• Use block cheese, not pre-shredded, for the best melt.
• For an added kick, try adding a little grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese.

Filling Tips:

• Don’t overfill—the cheese will expand slightly during baking.
• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for neater stuffing.

Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers in the Air Fryer

Want a faster, crispier version? The air fryer has your back.

Air Fryer Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
• Arrange stuffed peppers in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10–12 minutes, checking halfway through.
• They’ll come out golden and slightly crispy with a soft interior.

This method is ideal for small batches or quick snacks.

Meat Lover’s Variation: Add Sausage

Looking for something heartier? You can transform this dish into a protein-packed delight.

How to Add Meat:

• Cook and crumble Italian sausage.
• Mix the meat into the cheese filling before stuffing.

The smoky flavor adds an indulgent touch that’s perfect for parties or cookouts.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options

This recipe is easy to customize for dietary needs:

Vegetarian:

• Stick to the base cheese mixture with herbs.
• Add chopped mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.

Gluten-Free:

• Skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Always check cheese labels to confirm they’re gluten-free (most are, but it’s best to double-check).

You’ll still get all the creaminess and comfort without the extra carbs or gluten.

What to Serve with Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers

These peppers pair well with a wide range of side dishes. Here are a few crowd-pleasers:

• Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or BBQ ribs
• Fresh salads (Caesar, tomato & cucumber, or spinach)
• Pasta dishes such as baked ziti or mac and cheese
• Crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the cheesy filling

For entertaining, serve them as an appetizer tray alongside wings and sliders.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Cheesy stuffed banana peppers store and reheat well, making them an excellent choice for meal prep.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
• Air fryer: 370°F for 5–7 minutes
• Microwave: 60–90 seconds (though it may lose some texture)

Avoid freezing if the peppers are already cooked—they can become mushy when thawed.

Can You Freeze Stuffed Banana Peppers?

Yes, with a few simple tweaks.

To Freeze:

• Assemble the peppers, but do not bake.
• Place on a tray and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

To Use:

• Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, or thaw overnight and bake for 20–25 minutes.

This make-ahead method is a lifesaver during busy weeks or for prepping ahead of gatherings.

More Ways to Use Banana Peppers in Recipes

Don’t stop at stuffing—banana peppers are incredibly versatile:

• Pickled banana peppers add zip to sandwiches and salads
• Slice and toss into pasta salads or grain bowls
• Make banana pepper poppers with a spicy cream cheese blend
• Add to a cheeseburger or pizza for a tangy flair

If you’re a fan of pepper-forward dishes, consider exploring options like banana pepper relish or roasted pepper spreads.

Get inspired with more mouthwatering recipes! Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and subscribe to YouTube for new cooking ideas every week.

Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers: The Ultimate Comfort-Filled Bite

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• Author: Maha Al-Sayed
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

These cheesy stuffed banana peppers are loaded with a creamy mix of cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar and then baked until golden and bubbly. A perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or hearty side dish, with easy variations for meat lovers, vegetarians, and air fryer fans.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8–10 banana peppers

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

• Cooked sausage (optional, for variation)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Wash and core banana peppers, removing seeds and membranes.

• In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Stuff the banana peppers with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

• Place the peppers on a lined baking sheet and top with breadcrumbs if desired.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

• Serve warm, optionally, with dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, mix in cooked sausage with the cheese filling.

To make them gluten-free, skip the breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free version.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

You can also freeze the stuffed peppers before baking for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Baking, Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy stuffed banana peppers, stuffed peppers recipe, banana pepper appetizer, cream cheese filling, baked stuffed peppers, gluten-free option, party snacks