Stuffed Banana Peppers

12 stuffed peppers Prep: 30 m Cook: 45 m Total: 1 h 15 m Intermediate
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Stuffed Banana Peppers
Pawpaw picked a peck of cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped banana peppers with cheddar, mushrooms, and spinach. When his hands started burning, we found he could coat his hands in sour cream, evaporated milk, fresh lime juice, vaseline, or vegetable oil to soothe his skin.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 12 Sweet Banana Peppers or 6 large
  • 1 small chopped fresh tomato seeded
  • 1 small chopped onion
  • 1 small chopped bell pepper
  • 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper (optional if you don't want heat)
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tsp each garlic powder and onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne or more (optional)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 pound bacon

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Wash, seed and slice peppers lengthwise on one side. Set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a skillet; add the mushrooms, salt, garlic and onion powder.
  3. Saute on low heat gently until tender, about 8-10 minutes; add spinach if using and saute 5 minutes more until wilted.
  4. Remove from heat. Mix the mushrooms, spinach and the remaining ingredients (tomato, onion, bell pepper, cheddar cheese, jalapeno if using, and cayenne if using) except the bacon and the peppers you are stuffing.
  5. Stuff each pepper with the cheese mixture and wrap the pepper in bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
  6. Bake at 375 degrees until bacon is cooked and crispy, 30 to 45 minutes.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my hands burning after handling the peppers?

A: Banana peppers contain capsaicin oil that can burn your skin. Coat your hands in sour cream, evaporated milk, fresh lime juice, vegetable oil, or wear gloves when handling peppers. Don't touch your eyes or face!

Q: How do I keep the bacon from falling off during baking?

A: Secure the bacon with toothpicks before baking. You can also use a baking rack over a sheet pan to help the bacon cook evenly and stay in place.

Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?

A: Yes! Stuff the peppers and wrap them in bacon, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. They may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.

Tips and Techniques

For extra crispy bacon, place the wrapped peppers on a baking rack set over a sheet pan rather than directly on the pan. This allows air to circulate and fat to drip away. If you want more heat, leave some of the seeds in the banana peppers when you clean them out.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • bacon: turkey bacon or prosciutto
  • cheddar cheese: pepper jack, monterey jack, or cream cheese
  • banana peppers: poblano peppers or Anaheim peppers

Equipment Needed

  • skillet
  • baking sheet
  • toothpicks