This stuffed banana pepper dip recipe has all the flavors of a stuffed banana pepper appetizer from a fancy restaurant. However, it's made into a fun dip form making it easier to share with the group.
One of my husband's favorite restaurant appetizers is stuffed banana peppers. So when we were going to a party I thought I'd try making a dip out of the same ingredients.
What are Banana Peppers?
Banana peppers are relatively mild peppers as far as the heat index goes. However, if you are like me then you probably know that there seems to be a mystery among peppers. How many times have you had a stuffed banana pepper at a restaurant that was really hot and other times not hot at all. I find this same phenomenon with jalapeno peppers.
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However, like many vegetables or edible plants, you will find different varieties of similar plants. For example, the hot Hungarian wax pepper is often considered a banana pepper and they are a little hotter but make a great substitution for this dip.
How to Make Hot Banana Pepper Dip
For this dip I start by charring the peppers. That gave them a nice smoky flavor.
How to Char Peppers
Hold the pepper over an open flame on the stove with tongs turning slowly until it starts to blister all over. If you don't have a gas stove you could grill the peppers instead.
Or, if you want, you can skip this step, and I'm pretty sure the dip will still taste great.
Next chop up the peppers removing the ends, ribs and seeds. You could leave some of the ribs or seeds for a little extra heat.
Saute the peppers with onions and sausage before adding your favorite marinara sauce and cheese.
Sometimes the restaurant will give you some bread to go with the stuffed banana peppers. Everyone loves bread and it can come in handy when the peppers are really hot.
This is why I served slices of french baguette which is easy to find at the bakery section of the grocery store. And, I like the fact that bread is great for absorbing the sauce and cheese from this dish.
Other Side Serving Options
- sliced baguette or Italian bread
- tortilla scoops
- pita chips or bread wedges
- crackers
Substitutions
- Try using a different meat. Ground beef, hot Italian sausage or even chorizo.
- Mix up the cheeses. Try fresh mozzarella, and/or adding grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
- Switch out the marinara. Use tomato sauce, and adding in some fresh basil and oregano.
It's spicy, hearty, warm and cheesy. Great party food that will be gobbled up in no time.
P.S. Finger food is one of my favorite things to bring to a party. If you like a good cheesy dip you may want to try my Pizza Party Dip or this Cheesy Chicken Chili Dip.
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Stuffed Banana Pepper Dip
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 large clove garlic - grated
- 1 cup diced onions
- 5 large hot banana peppers ~ 1 cup
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
Instructions
- Hold peppers over a flame or place on a grill to char.
- Chop peppers removing ends, rib and seeds.
- Saute onions and garlic in olive oil for about a minute.
- Add sausage and brown for another minute
- Add peppers and continue to saute until they are wilted.
- Add marinara and mix well.
- Add cheese reserving a handful (1/4 cup) for the top.
- Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Place under broiler to melt cheese.
- Serve with baguette slices, chips or crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although attempts have been made to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Sandi
Do you think this would freeze ok? And add the extra cheese on the top when ready to heat and serve? I have a bumper crop of sweet banana peppers and trying to find new ways to use them and I think your recipe sounds amazing!
Patti Estep
Sandi, I have never tried freezing it but I do think you could do it. I think the key would be to place the dip in an airtight container. Holding the cheese back until you reheat it is a could idea too.
Sandi
thank you so much! I may give freezing it a try! 👍
Judy
Hi Patti
Love this recipe! I put it in a crockpot to keep it warm. Usually doesn’t last long but I take it to parties this way.
Thanks again for this fantastic recipe.
Patti Estep
Putting the dip in a crockpot is a great idea, Judy. Thanks for sharing!
Malerie
Hi, could you use cream cheese with this recipe?
Patti Estep
Malerie, I have never used cream cheese with this recipe. However, if I were to try it I might add about 4 ounces to the meat and peppers after they were sauteed. Then add the marinara and top with shredded Italian cheese.
Jennifer
Your directions say to sauté onions and garlic but onion is not listed in the ingredients.
Patti Estep
Ooops. It should read 1 cup of diced onions. I usually use sweet onions. Good catch Jennifer. Thanks for letting me know.
Carole West
I think you should just have your own restaurant or catering outfit because everything you make looks amazing. This would just be dinner for me so simple and I love food that I can snack on. I also like banana peppers, all peppers in general and they're great for increasing materialism. Need to add these to my planting list it's been a while since I grew this variety.
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. We do like to eat. Sometimes that's not always a good thing. I've never grown hot banana peppers but I'm sure they are pretty easy like most others.