Name: Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487363H14M15S
Total time: PT-487363H14M15S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 banana peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup crumbled cooked beef (optional); Optional: finely sliced green onions; Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste

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Short description

Tender banana pepper halves baked until soft and filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture—perfect as a warm appetizer or snack with gooey melted cheddar and savory cream cheese (plus optional beef).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet satisfying: Easy prep with bold flavor and gooey cheese.
Customizable: Add cooked beef for heartiness or go all‑vegetarian on flavor.
Great appetizer: Bite-sized peppers make for sharable, crowd-pleasing trays.
Quick and warm: Ready in under 30 minutes, easy to bake and serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 banana peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup crumbled cooked beef (optional)
Optional additions: green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper (to taste)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet or lightly grease it.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled cooked beef (if using), finely sliced green onions (if adding), a pinch of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and evenly mixed.
Stuff each halved and seeded pepper with a generous amount of the cheese mixture—lightly pressing to compact.
Arrange the filled peppers seam‑side up on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the banana peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side.

Servings and timing

Serves: about 6 stuffed pepper halves (adjust for share size)
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Bake time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~25–30 minutes

Variations

Add chopped cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
Mix in diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Stir in chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for brightness.
Substitute cheddar with pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
For vegetarian version, omit the beef and add chopped sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cheese mix.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Keep cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Rewarm in a preheated oven at 325 °F (160 °C) for 5–7 minutes until cheese is warm again. Microwave works in a pinch, but texture may soften.

FAQs

Can I use other peppers?

Yes—you can use poblano, mini sweet peppers, or jalapeño for variety. Adjust bake time accordingly if peppers are thicker.

Should I cook the beef first?

Yes—beef should be fully cooked and crumbled before mixing into the filling to ensure food safety and texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Assemble and refrigerate the stuffed peppers up to a few hours before baking. Bake directly from chilled—add a couple of minutes if needed.

Do peppers need to be blanched before stuffing?

No, raw peppers soften nicely in the oven as the cheese bakes.

Can I freeze these?

Freezing may alter texture; best eaten fresh. You can freeze the cheese filling separately for up to 1 month.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just ensure any added ingredients are gluten-free if relevant.

Can I make them vegan?

Replace cream cheese and cheddar with vegan alternatives, and use plant-based “beef” or sautéed veggies to keep the flavor ratio.

How do I prevent peppers from collapsing?

Place on a baking sheet with a side edge so that the peppers stay upright and maintain their shape while baking.

Would these work on a grill?

Yes—grill filled peppers covered with foil for about 10–12 minutes until peppers are soft and cheese melts.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers are easy to whip up and deliver a satisfying blend of creamy cheese, optional savory beef, and tender pepper bite. They’re ideal as appetizers or sides—and flexible enough to suit spice preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy these warm, cheesy bites at any gathering or simple snack time!