Stuffed Banana Pepper Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Stuffed Banana Pepper Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Combining spicy Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and tangy banana peppers creates a deliciously addictive dip that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Italian sausage (hot or mild, bulk or with casings removed)
• 4 large fresh banana peppers (sliced and seeded, plus extra for garnish if desired)
• ½ medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 block cream cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
3. Step 3: When the sausage begins to brown, add the sliced banana peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink, and the peppers and onions have softened.
4. Step 4: While the meat cooks, blend together the marinara sauce, cream cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, and parmesan cheese in a food processor until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
5. Step 5: Remove the sausage and vegetable mixture from heat. Stir in the cheese mixture until well combined. Transfer to a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella evenly over the surface.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
7. Step 7: Garnish with extra sliced banana peppers if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dip, use mild Italian sausage and remove seeds from the banana peppers completely.
• Try adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the cheese mixture for extra freshness.
• Substitute the marinara sauce with your favorite tomato sauce or a spicy arrabbiata for more heat.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly, or microwave in short intervals stirring in between.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have banana peppers?

You can substitute with mild or pickled peppers like poblano or roasted bell peppers for a different but delicious flavor profile.

Stuffed Banana Pepper Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews

This Stuffed Banana Pepper Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer combining spicy Italian sausage, tangy banana peppers, and a blend of creamy cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for parties or game days, it pairs wonderfully with chips, fresh veggies, or toasted bread.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb. Italian sausage (hot or mild, bulk or with casings removed)
• 4 large fresh banana peppers (sliced and seeded, plus extra for garnish if desired)
• ½ medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauces and Cheeses

• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 block cream cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip.
2. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage. Break the meat into small crumbles as it browns, cooking until no longer pink.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced banana peppers, chopped onions, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Continue cooking until the vegetables soften and the sausage is fully cooked through.
4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the sausage and vegetables cook, blend together the marinara sauce, cream cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, and all the parmesan cheese in a food processor until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
5. Combine and Assemble: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cheese mixture until well combined. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with extra sliced banana peppers. Serve the dip hot alongside tortilla chips, pita chips, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread for dipping.

Notes

• Choose mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
• For less heat, remove all seeds from banana peppers; keep some seeds for more spice.
• This dip can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• Serve with a variety of dippers like crackers, sliced baguette, or raw veggies for variety.

Keywords: stuffed banana pepper dip, Italian sausage dip, baked cheese dip, party appetizer, game day dip