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Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Peppers

Close-up of six baked, cheese-stuffed banana peppers with browned tops served on a white plate.

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Make these crowd-pleasing cream cheese stuffed banana peppers for an easy appetizer. The mild heat of the peppers pairs well with the rich, seasoned cream cheese filling. Bake them until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large banana peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 ounces cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional, for a heartier filling)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Carefully slice each banana pepper lengthwise down one side. Gently remove the seeds and membranes. You want to create a boat shape for the filling.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, cooked Italian sausage (if using), Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into the hollowed-out banana peppers, pressing gently to fill the cavity.
  5. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is melted and lightly golden brown on top.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a low-carb option, omit the Italian sausage and ensure your mozzarella cheese is low-carb.
  • If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can place the stuffed peppers under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • You can substitute the Italian sausage with cooked ground turkey or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.

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