These Sausage-Stuffed Banana Peppers are a delicious, hearty dish that combines sweet banana peppers with savory sausage and cheese, all roasted to perfection in the oven. Perfect as an appetizer, side, or even a light lunch, this dish offers a satisfying balance of flavor, spice, and creamy texture. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a party spread, these stuffed peppers are always a crowd-pleaser.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 8 banana peppers (medium-sized, firm, and fresh)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, casing removed)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Wash the banana peppers and carefully slice each pepper lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes, being careful not to tear the peppers.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté onions until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture with mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Spoon the sausage filling into each banana pepper half, pressing gently to fill them evenly.
7. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts 

• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 340mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 4g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Vitamin A: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 30% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

Flavor Profile and Taste Experience

Sausage-Stuffed Banana Peppers offer a unique combination of sweet, spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors all in one bite. The banana peppers themselves have a mild heat and slightly tangy flavor, which balances well with the rich, bold taste of Italian sausage. When baked, the peppers become tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness. The sausage adds a savory depth, and the blend of cheeses melts into a creamy, gooey finish that ties the whole dish together. Every bite offers a comforting and satisfying experience, making it a true favorite for spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.

Cultural Background and Regional Influence

Stuffed peppers are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, from Mediterranean dolmas to Latin American stuffed chiles. The version using banana peppers and sausage has roots in Italian-American cuisine, where sweet or hot peppers are often stuffed with meats, cheeses, and herbs. This particular variation is especially popular in regions with strong Italian immigrant influence, such as the Northeastern United States. The use of banana peppers, a milder alternative to bell or jalapeño peppers, adds a unique regional twist that blends Midwestern produce with Italian culinary tradition.

Perfect for Appetizers and Entertaining

This recipe shines as an appetizer at parties, game nights, or family gatherings. The individual stuffed pepper halves are easy to serve, bite-sized, and visually appealing. Since they can be eaten with your hands or forks, they make for convenient finger food that guests can enjoy without much fuss. Plus, their vibrant appearance and melty cheese topping make them a visually attractive centerpiece on any appetizer platter. You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat right before serving, making them ideal for stress-free entertaining.

Adaptability and Customization

One of the greatest features of sausage-stuffed banana peppers is how easily the recipe can be adapted. You can choose between mild or hot Italian sausage based on your heat preference or even go with chicken or plant-based sausage for dietary reasons. Some cooks add rice, breadcrumbs, or even cream cheese to the filling for added texture and richness. You can also top them with marinara sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra spice. This flexibility allows the dish to be modified for different palates, dietary needs, and ingredient availability.

Health Benefits of Banana Peppers

Banana peppers are not only flavorful but also nutritious. They are low in calories and rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are essential for immune health and eye health, respectively. They also provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive wellness. Their capsaicin content, though milder than hotter peppers, still contributes to metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Including banana peppers in your meals can add both zest and nutrition without excessive calories.

Balancing Richness with Freshness

While the sausage and cheese components are rich and filling, the banana peppers serve to lighten the overall dish. Their natural acidity and mild heat cut through the fat, preventing the dish from feeling overly heavy. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish further balances the richness by adding a burst of freshness. This careful balance of hearty and light elements makes the dish suitable even for those who usually avoid heavy appetizers.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Sausage-stuffed banana peppers are great for meal prepping. Once cooked, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. They also freeze well—just allow them to cool completely, place them on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to freezer bags for long-term storage. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This makes the dish perfect for busy weeknights, meal planning, or saving leftovers from large gatherings.

Kid-Friendly Appeal

Though some stuffed pepper recipes may be too spicy for younger eaters, using mild banana peppers and mild Italian sausage makes this dish more kid-friendly. The gooey cheese and soft pepper texture are usually appealing to kids, especially when served with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch. You can even let kids help with assembling the peppers, which turns cooking into a family-friendly activity and encourages them to try the final product.

Ideal for Low-Carb and Keto Diets

With minimal carbs and no breading or starchy fillers, this recipe fits perfectly into low-carb and ketogenic eating plans. The combination of sausage, cheese, and peppers creates a high-fat, moderate-protein meal that supports ketosis. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a satisfying dish that won’t derail dietary goals. To boost the fat content even more, some variations include cream cheese or additional oils in the filling.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Sausage-Stuffed Banana Peppers pair well with a wide range of dishes. As an appetizer, they go great with light salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. As a main dish, consider serving them over a bed of spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or alongside cauliflower rice. For drinks, red wine or light beers work well, while sparkling water with citrus provides a refreshing, non-alcoholic pairing. This dish’s versatility makes it suitable for casual meals or elegant dinners alike.

Tips for Selecting and Handling Banana Peppers

When shopping for banana peppers, look for ones that are bright yellow or pale green with smooth skin and no blemishes. They should feel firm and have a slight snap when bent. To prepare them, slice lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat and make room for stuffing. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can leave a few seeds in. Rinsing them under cold water helps reduce any excess bitterness or lingering heat.

Conclusion

Sausage-Stuffed Banana Peppers are more than just a tasty treat—they’re a flexible, nutritious, and visually appealing dish that works across a variety of occasions. From appetizers to main course accompaniments, their blend of savory sausage, melty cheese, and mildly spicy peppers creates a flavor-packed experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party snack or a weeknight dinner with a twist, this recipe is sure to satisfy.