Stuffed Banana Peppers with Sausage and Cheese: A Flavor-Packed Recipe You'll Crave

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bunch of bright yellow banana peppers wondering what to make, this recipe is for you.

Whether you grew them in your garden or scooped up a few at the farmers market, banana peppers are incredibly versatile.

With their mild heat and slightly tangy bite, they’re the perfect base for one of our favorite comfort foods: Stuffed Banana Peppers with Sausage and Cheese.

This banana pepper recipe brings the best of Italian-American flavors together — spicy or mild Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, rich marinara sauce, and tender roasted banana peppers. It’s cozy, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, weeknight dinner, or game-day snack, these stuffed banana peppers are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pepper Recipe

Uses up garden-fresh banana peppers
Hearty and satisfying
Packed with flavor
Easy to prep ahead or freeze
Customizable filling options

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these stuffed banana peppers:

For the Peppers:

8 banana peppers, fresh and firm
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
½ onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Baking:

1 ½ cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
½ cup shredded mozzarella, for topping
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Stuffed Banana Peppers

1. Prep the Peppers

Wash the banana peppers and slice them lengthwise, keeping the stems intact if possible for a nice presentation. Use a small spoon or knife to gently remove the seeds and ribs. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Make the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan until well combined and creamy.

3. Stuff the Peppers

Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each banana pepper half with the sausage-cheese mixture, mounding it slightly.

4. Arrange and Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Nestle the stuffed peppers into the sauce. Top each with a bit more mozzarella cheese.

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil before serving. Serve warm, either as an appetizer or main dish.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Choose peppers that are similar in size so they bake evenly.
Don’t overbake — you want the peppers to be tender but not mushy.
Make it spicy by using hot banana peppers or spicier Italian sausage.
Use gloves when handling peppers if you have sensitive skin.
Add breadcrumbs to the filling for a firmer texture, if desired.

Variations to Try

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these fun twists:

Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta.
Mexican-Inspired: Use ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Low-Carb: Skip the marinara and bake on parchment for a keto-friendly snack.
Buffalo Style: Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese and buffalo sauce, then stuff and bake.

What to Serve with Stuffed Banana Peppers

Stuffed banana peppers are filling enough to be a main course but can also be served with sides to round out the meal. Here are some great pairings:

Garlic bread or toasted baguette
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted potatoes or cauliflower
Grilled vegetables
Pasta with olive oil and herbs

Can You Make These Ahead?

Absolutely! These stuffed banana peppers are a great meal prep or make-ahead option.

Prep ahead: Assemble the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge and bake when ready.
Freeze: Place stuffed (unbaked) peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes to the cook time.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re trying to use up a summer bounty or just looking for a comforting, flavorful dish, this banana pepper recipe is a surefire win.

With the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and rich tomato flavor, these sausage and cheese stuffed banana peppers are an easy crowd-pleaser.

Serve them up for dinner, set them out at a party, or freeze a batch for later — however you enjoy them, this dish will quickly earn a permanent spot on your recipe list.