Banana peppers are a versatile ingredient that can add a mild, tangy kick to many dishes. These peppers are great for cooking, pickling, or eating raw.

Their bright yellow color and unique flavor make them stand out in recipes.

You can use banana peppers in over 16 different ways to spice up your meals. From stuffed peppers to salads and sandwiches, there are many tasty options to try.

These recipes are often easy to make and can add a new twist to familiar foods. Whether you like things sweet or spicy, there’s a banana pepper recipe for you.

1. Stuffed Banana Peppers with Quinoa

Stuffed banana peppers with quinoa offer a tasty and nutritious meal option. You’ll love this vegetarian-friendly dish that’s packed with flavor and protein.

Start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. While it cooks, prepare your banana peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds.

Mix the cooked quinoa with diced vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Add some herbs and spices for extra flavor.

Carefully stuff this mixture into your banana peppers.

Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cook them in the oven until they’re tender. You can top them with cheese for the last few minutes of baking if you’d like.

Serve your quinoa-stuffed banana peppers hot as a main dish or side. They’re perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

2. Banana Pepper and Feta Cheese Salad

This tasty salad combines the tangy kick of banana peppers with creamy feta cheese. To make it, start with a base of fresh lettuce torn into bite-sized pieces.

Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced banana peppers, and crumbled feta cheese. For extra flavor, toss in some sliced red onions and kalamata olives.

Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This refreshing salad works great as a light lunch or side dish. The banana peppers give it a zesty flavor that pairs well with the salty feta.

3. Spicy Banana Pepper Chicken Curry

This dish blends the heat of banana peppers with rich curry flavors. You’ll love how the sweet and spicy peppers complement the tender chicken.

To make it, start by cooking diced chicken in a pan with oil. Add sliced banana peppers, onions, and garlic.

Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and salt.

Pour in coconut milk and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through. The banana peppers will soften and infuse the curry with their unique flavor.

Serve your spicy banana pepper chicken curry over rice for a tasty meal. You can adjust the heat level by using more or fewer peppers to suit your taste.

4. Banana Pepper Pizza Topping

Banana peppers make a tasty pizza topping. You can pair them with many other ingredients for delicious combinations.

Try banana peppers with pepperoni and extra cheese. The peppers add a tangy kick to balance the savory meat and rich cheese.

For a veggie option, combine banana peppers with onions and green peppers. This creates a flavorful mix of textures and flavors.

Chicken also goes well with banana peppers on pizza. Add mushrooms or olives to round out the toppings.

Don’t forget the sauce. A classic tomato sauce works, but you could try making a banana pepper pizza sauce for extra zing.

5. Pickled Banana Peppers

Pickled banana peppers are a tasty way to preserve your pepper harvest. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by slicing fresh banana peppers into rings. Place them in clean jars with garlic cloves for extra flavor.

Mix water, white vinegar, salt, and spices like celery seeds to create the brine. Pour this mixture over the peppers in the jars.

Refrigerate the jars for at least a day before eating. These pickled peppers will last several weeks in the fridge.

Use your homemade pickled banana peppers on sandwiches, salads, or as a zesty snack. They add a tangy crunch to many dishes.

6. Banana Pepper and Jalapeño Chutney

This zesty chutney combines the mild heat of banana peppers with the kick of jalapeños. You’ll love its sweet and spicy flavor profile.

To make it, chop banana peppers and jalapeños. Mix them with vinegar, brown sugar, and spices in a pot.

Cook the mixture until it thickens.

This versatile condiment pairs well with meats, sandwiches, and cheese plates. You can adjust the heat level by changing the ratio of banana peppers to jalapeños.

Store your homemade chutney in sterilized jars. It will keep in the fridge for several weeks, letting you enjoy its tangy taste whenever you want.

7. Banana Pepper Omelette

Banana pepper omelettes bring a zesty kick to your breakfast routine. To make one, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Dice some banana peppers and shred cheese, then mix them into the eggs.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the bottom browns lightly.

Fold the omelette in half and cook a bit longer to melt the cheese inside.

You can customize your omelette by adding other ingredients like onions or tomatoes. The mild heat and slight sweetness of banana peppers pair well with melty cheese in this quick and tasty breakfast dish.

8. Banana Pepper Relish

Banana pepper relish is a tasty condiment you can make at home. It combines chopped banana peppers with other vegetables like bell peppers and onions.

To make it, you’ll need vinegar, sugar, and spices like mustard and celery seeds. Put everything in a pot and bring it to a boil. Then let it simmer until the peppers are soft and the mixture thickens.

This relish has a sweet and tangy flavor that goes well with many foods. You can spread it on sandwiches or use it as a topping for grilled meats.

Making your own relish lets you control the ingredients and adjust the taste to your liking.

9. Banana Pepper Alfredo Pasta

Banana Pepper Alfredo Pasta is a tasty twist on classic Italian cuisine. You’ll love the mix of creamy sauce and tangy peppers.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package directions. While it cooks, sauté diced banana peppers in butter until soft.

Make a simple Alfredo sauce with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked peppers to the sauce for extra flavor.

Toss the cooked pasta with your pepper Alfredo sauce. Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if you like.

This dish combines rich, creamy Alfredo with the mild heat of banana peppers for a unique and tasty meal.

10. Banana Pepper Salsa

Banana pepper salsa adds a unique twist to your snack lineup. This fresh and tangy dip combines the mild heat of banana peppers with other vibrant ingredients.

To make it, chop up some banana peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Add minced garlic and cilantro for extra flavor.

Mix everything together with a splash of lime juice and a pinch of salt.

You can adjust the heat level by using sweet or hot banana peppers. For more kick, toss in a jalapeño.

Serve your homemade salsa with chips or use it as a topping for tacos and burgers.

This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for using up garden-fresh produce in the summer months.

11. Banana Pepper and Tomato Soup

This tasty soup combines the sweet heat of banana peppers with tangy tomatoes.

Start by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until soft.

Add chopped banana peppers and cook for a few minutes.

Pour in canned crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.

Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or oregano. Let the soup cook for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors.

For a smoother texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. You can adjust the spice level by using more or fewer banana peppers.

12. Banana Pepper Stir Fry

Banana pepper stir fry is a tasty and quick meal option. You can make it with chicken or keep it vegetarian.

To start, heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. If using chicken, cook it first until golden brown.

Add sliced banana peppers, onions, and garlic to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes.

For extra flavor, mix in soy sauce and oyster sauce. These add a savory touch that goes well with the sweet, tangy banana peppers.

Serve your stir fry hot over rice for a filling meal. You can also pair it with noodles if you prefer.

This dish is great for using up extra banana peppers from your garden. It’s a simple way to enjoy their unique taste.

13. Banana Pepper Biscuits

Banana pepper biscuits are a tasty twist on classic biscuits. They add a zesty kick to your breakfast or brunch spread.

To make them, chop up some banana peppers and mix them into your biscuit dough. You can use fresh or pickled peppers, depending on your preference.

The peppers give the biscuits a subtle heat and tangy flavor. They pair well with eggs, sausage, or cheese.

Try serving these biscuits with honey butter for a sweet and spicy combo. You can also use them to make mini sandwiches for a fun appetizer.

14. Grilled Cheese with Banana Peppers

Grilled cheese gets a tasty upgrade with banana peppers. Start by buttering the outside of two bread slices. Place one slice butter-side down in a hot pan.

Add cheese and sliced banana peppers on top of the bread. Put the second slice on top, butter-side up. Cook until golden brown, then flip.

For extra flavor, try adding bacon bits or spreading garlic butter on the bread. You can also mix different cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar.

The mild heat and tangy taste of banana peppers perfectly complement the melty cheese. This quick and easy sandwich makes a great lunch or snack.

15. Banana Pepper Quesadillas

Banana pepper quesadillas are a tasty twist on a classic Mexican dish. You can make them with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by chopping some banana peppers. Mix them with shredded cheese and place the mixture between two tortillas.

Cook the quesadilla in a pan until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden brown. Cut it into wedges and serve hot.

For extra flavor, try adding some grilled chicken or BBQ sauce to your quesadilla. The mild heat of the banana peppers pairs well with smoky BBQ flavors.

16. Banana Pepper Hummus

Banana pepper hummus is a zesty twist on classic hummus. You can make it by blending chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Add chopped banana peppers for a mild kick.

Mix in some cumin for extra flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, remove the chickpea skins before blending.

Serve this hummus with pita chips, veggie sticks, or as a sandwich spread. It’s a tasty way to use up extra banana peppers from your garden or fridge.

Try adding other ingredients like roasted red peppers or jalapeños to change up the flavor. You can also swap out some chickpeas for white beans for a different texture.

Health Benefits of Banana Peppers

Banana peppers pack a nutritious punch and can boost your health in several ways. They’re low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals that support your body’s functions.

Nutritional Profile

Banana peppers are full of good stuff your body needs. A cup of sliced banana peppers has only about 33 calories. They give you lots of vitamin C – over 100% of what you need each day.

This helps your immune system and keeps your skin healthy.

These peppers also have vitamin B6, which aids brain function. You’ll get some vitamin A too, which is good for your eyes.

Banana peppers contain potassium, an important mineral for heart health. They’re also a source of fiber, which helps digestion.

Role in a Balanced Diet

Adding banana peppers to your meals can help you eat better overall. They’re a tasty way to get more veggies without many calories.

This makes them great for weight control. The fiber in banana peppers can make you feel full longer.

This might help you eat less at meals. Their vitamin C can help your body absorb iron from other foods better.

Try adding them to salads or sandwiches for a nutrition boost.

Banana peppers may help lower blood pressure due to their potassium content. They also have antioxidants that fight harmful molecules in your body.

Eating these peppers regularly could support your heart health and reduce disease risk.

Cooking Tips for Banana Peppers

Banana peppers can add a zesty kick to many dishes. Knowing how to choose and prepare them will help you get the most flavor from these peppers in your recipes.

Choosing the Right Peppers

Look for firm, smooth banana peppers with bright color. Yellow or light green peppers are milder, while orange or red ones are spicier.

Avoid peppers with soft spots or blemishes. Fresh banana peppers should feel heavy for their size. Pick peppers that are 4-6 inches long for the best flavor and texture.

Smaller peppers tend to be hotter. If you want less heat, choose larger peppers.

Preparation Techniques

Wash banana peppers under cool water and pat dry. Cut off the stem end.

For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes.

Slice peppers into rings or strips based on your recipe.

You can eat banana peppers raw or cooked.

Try roasting them to bring out their sweetness. Grill or broil whole peppers until the skin blisters. Let them cool, then peel off the skin.

Pickle banana peppers to preserve them.

Slice peppers and pack in jars with vinegar, salt, and spices.

Store in the fridge for a crunchy, tangy topping.