Banana peppers are a versatile ingredient that can add a tangy kick to many dishes. Whether you prefer them mild or spicy, these peppers offer a unique flavor that can elevate your cooking.
You’ll find plenty of ways to use banana peppers in both hot and cold recipes.
These 15+ banana pepper recipes will give you new ideas for using this tasty veggie in your meals. From stuffed peppers to relishes and pizzas, you’ll discover creative ways to enjoy banana peppers.
Try out these recipes to spice up your usual menu and impress your family and friends with some zesty new flavors.

1. Stuffed Banana Peppers
Stuffed banana peppers are a tasty way to enjoy this mild, tangy vegetable. You can fill them with various ingredients to suit your taste.
Cheese is a popular stuffing choice, with cream cheese and cheddar being common options.
For a heartier meal, try stuffing your banana peppers with a mix of ground beef and pork. Add breadcrumbs, milk, and Italian seasoning to the meat for extra flavor.
You can also include vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers in your stuffing.
To make your stuffed peppers extra special, wrap them in bacon before cooking. Secure with toothpicks to keep everything in place. Bake or broil your stuffed peppers until they’re hot and the cheese is melted.

2. Banana Pepper Salsa
Banana pepper salsa adds a tangy twist to your snack table. To make it, start with fresh banana peppers. Remove the seeds and veins for better texture.
Chop the peppers and mix them with diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Add some jalapeno for extra kick if you like.
Stir in cilantro, lime juice, and a splash of vinegar. This brings out the flavors and balances the heat.
You can serve this salsa with chips or use it as a topping for tacos and grilled meats. It’s a great way to use up extra banana peppers from your garden.

3. Grilled Banana Peppers
Grilled banana peppers are a tasty way to enjoy this mild, sweet vegetable. To prepare them, start by washing and drying the peppers.
Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the peppers on a hot grill, cut-side down. Cook for 3-5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes.
You can stuff the peppers before grilling for extra flavor. Try filling them with cream cheese, bacon, and chives.
Grilled banana peppers make a great side dish or topping for burgers and sandwiches. They’re also delicious in salads or as part of an antipasto platter.

4. Banana Pepper Hot Sauce
Banana pepper hot sauce is a tasty way to use up your pepper harvest. You can make it with mild or hot banana peppers, depending on your heat preference.
To make the sauce, simmer chopped banana peppers with garlic, vinegar, and salt. Cook until the peppers are soft, about 15-20 minutes.
Blend the mixture until smooth. Add water if needed to thin it out. Store your homemade hot sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
This versatile sauce adds a tangy kick to many dishes. Try it on eggs, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for fries.

5. Banana Pepper Poppers
Banana pepper poppers are a tasty snack or appetizer. To make them, cut banana peppers in half and remove the seeds.
Mix cream cheese with shredded cheddar and spices. Stuff this mixture into the pepper halves.
Dip the stuffed peppers in milk, then coat with flour. Chill them for an hour before cooking.
Bake the poppers at 425°F for about 15 minutes. They’re done when golden brown and the peppers are tender.
You can adjust the filling to suit your taste. Try adding bacon bits or different cheeses for variety.
Serve these poppers warm as a snack or side dish. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

6. Banana Pepper and Cheese Omelette
Want to spice up your breakfast? Try a banana pepper and cheese omelette. It’s quick, tasty, and easy to make.
Start by beating two eggs in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Dice some banana peppers and shred your favorite cheese.
Heat butter or oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and let it cook until the bottom is lightly browned.
Add the diced banana peppers and shredded cheese to one half of the omelette. Fold the other half over the filling.
Cook for another minute or two until the cheese melts. Your spicy, cheesy omelette is ready to serve!

7. Banana Pepper Pizza Topping
Banana peppers make a tasty pizza topping. They add a sweet and tangy flavor with a bit of crunch.
You can pair banana peppers with many other toppings. Try them with onions and green peppers for a classic combo.
Banana peppers also go well with meats like pepperoni, sausage, or ham. For a vegetarian option, mix them with mushrooms or olives.
To use banana peppers on pizza, slice them thinly. Spread them evenly over the sauce and cheese. Don’t use too many or they may overpower other flavors.
Banana pepper pizza works with different sauces too. Try it with tomato sauce, garlic sauce, or even ranch dressing as a base.

8. Banana Pepper Pickles
Banana pepper pickles are a tasty way to preserve your garden harvest. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.
To start, slice your banana peppers into rings. Mix vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a pot and bring it to a boil.
Pour the hot liquid over the peppers in clean jars. Add some mustard seeds and garlic for extra flavor. Let the jars cool, then store them in the fridge.
Your homemade pickles will be ready to eat in about 24 hours. They’re great on sandwiches, salads, or as a zesty snack.

9. Banana Pepper Pasta
Banana pepper pasta is a quick and tasty dinner option. To make it, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions.
While the pasta cooks, sauté sliced banana peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil. Add some red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like.
Once the vegetables are soft, toss them with the cooked pasta. Add a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce.
Finish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. The mild heat of the banana peppers adds a nice kick to the pasta.

10. Banana Pepper Soup
Banana pepper soup is a tasty way to use up extra peppers. It combines the mild heat of banana peppers with creamy ingredients for a comforting meal.
To make it, start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in olive oil. Add diced banana peppers and cook until soft. Pour in chicken broth and simmer.
Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in some heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add cooked ground sausage for extra protein if you like.
Serve your banana pepper soup hot with crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something warming and flavorful.

11. Banana Pepper Relish
Banana pepper relish adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick to your meals. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
To prepare, chop banana peppers and mix them with vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, and celery seed. Bring the mixture to a boil in a saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
This versatile condiment pairs well with various dishes. Try it on sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs for extra flavor. You can also use it as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.
For a sweeter version, increase the sugar. If you prefer more heat, add some hot peppers to the mix. The relish keeps well in sterilized jars, making it perfect for preserving your pepper harvest.

12. Banana Pepper Casserole
Banana pepper casserole is a tasty dish that’s perfect for family meals. To make it, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Start by slicing banana peppers in half and removing the seeds. Place them in a greased baking dish.
Brown some ground beef with diced onions in a pan. Drain any extra fat. Mix the meat with cooked rice and melted cheese.
Stuff each pepper half with the meat mixture. Cover the peppers with diced tomatoes.
Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes until the peppers are tender. The cheese should be bubbly and golden on top.

13. Banana Pepper Stir Fry
Banana pepper stir fry is a tasty dish that’s quick to make. You start by heating oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
Next, add chicken and cook it for about 5 minutes until it turns golden brown. Then toss in sliced banana peppers, onions, and garlic.
Keep stir-frying for another 5 minutes. The banana peppers give the dish a sweet and tangy flavor. Pour in some soy sauce and oyster sauce for extra taste.
This colorful meal comes together in just 10-15 minutes. Serve it hot over rice for a filling dinner.

14. Banana Pepper Sandwich
Banana pepper sandwiches are a tasty lunch option. You can make them with ease using simple ingredients. Start with your favorite bread and add sliced banana peppers.
For extra flavor, spread garlic butter on the bread. Layer on some cheese like provolone or mozzarella. You can also add meat such as ham or turkey if you like.
Toast the sandwich until the cheese melts. The result is a warm, tangy, and satisfying meal. Banana peppers give the sandwich a nice kick without being too spicy.

15. Banana Pepper Chutney
Banana pepper chutney is a tasty way to use up extra peppers. It mixes the mild, tangy flavor of banana peppers with sweet fruits.
You can make it with just banana peppers or add hot peppers for extra kick. The peppers blend well with fruits like mango or pineapple.
To make chutney, chop the peppers and fruit. Cook them with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Simmer until thick and jam-like.
Spread this chutney on sandwiches or serve it with cheese and crackers. It’s also great with grilled meats or as a dip.
Nutritional Benefits of Banana Peppers
Banana peppers pack a nutritional punch while adding zesty flavor to meals. They offer important vitamins and minerals to support your health. These peppers are also low in calories, making them a smart choice for weight management.
Vitamins and Minerals
Banana peppers are rich in vitamin C. A single cup gives you more than 100% of your daily needs. This vitamin boosts your immune system and helps your body heal.
These peppers also provide vitamin A. This nutrient is key for eye health and skin function. You’ll get about 15% of your daily vitamin A from 100 grams of banana peppers.
Banana peppers contain other helpful minerals too. These include potassium, which aids heart health. They also have small amounts of iron and calcium.
Low-Calorie Content
Banana peppers are great for watching your weight. A whole pepper has only about 9 calories.
They’re very low in fat too. One pepper contains less than 0.2 grams of fat. This makes them a smart swap for higher-calorie foods.
Banana peppers are also a good source of fiber. Fiber helps you feel full and aids digestion. It can help control your appetite and support healthy eating habits.
Adding banana peppers to your meals can boost nutrition without many extra calories. They’re a tasty way to add flavor and crunch to your diet.
Cooking Techniques for Banana Peppers
Banana peppers are great for many cooking methods. You can use them raw, cooked, or pickled to add flavor to dishes. Here are some popular ways to prepare these tasty peppers.
Grilling and Roasting
Grilling banana peppers brings out their sweet flavor. Brush whole peppers with oil and put them on a hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning often. The skin will blister and char. This adds a smoky taste.
To roast, cut peppers in half and remove seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Broil for 5-10 minutes until skin blackens. Let cool, then peel off the skin.
Grilled or roasted peppers are great in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. You can also chop them up for salsas or sauces.
Pickling Methods
Pickling is an easy way to preserve banana peppers. Slice peppers into rings.
Mix vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil.
Pour the hot brine over the peppers in jars.
For a quick pickle, let jars cool and refrigerate. They’ll be ready in 24 hours.
For longer storage, process jars in a water bath.
Add herbs or spices to the brine for extra flavor. Try garlic, dill, or peppercorns.
Pickled peppers are tasty on sandwiches, pizzas, or in salads.