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Savory Banana Pepper Stuffed with Italian Sausage and Cream Cheese

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A quick and easy appetizer featuring banana peppers stuffed with a creamy, savory mixture of Italian sausage and cream cheese. Perfect for snacks or gatherings, this recipe balances mild heat with rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 medium fresh banana peppers
  • 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or sweet)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse banana peppers and slice off the tops. Carefully remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon or fingers, keeping the peppers intact. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the sausage. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to a mixing bowl. Let cool slightly, then stir in softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully blended and creamy.
  6. Using a spoon, fill each banana pepper cavity generously with the sausage and cream cheese mixture, packing gently to avoid breaking the peppers.
  7. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Use foil tent or nestle peppers close if they wobble.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until peppers soften slightly and filling bubbles and turns golden on top.
  9. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overfill peppers to prevent bursting during baking. For extra crisp on top, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Softening cream cheese before mixing ensures a silky filling. Use mild sausage if sensitive to spice. Peppers can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers reheat well in oven; avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana peppers, stuffed peppers, Italian sausage, cream cheese, appetizer, easy recipe, savory snack

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/savory-banana-pepper-stuffed-with-italian-sausage-and-cream-cheese-recipe-easy-and-delicious-appetizer-ideas/