Baked Stuffed Banana Peppers With Cream Cheese
Banana peppers are a delicious and mildly spicy pepper that is often used in Italian cuisine. One of the most popular dishes made with banana peppers is baked stuffed banana peppers with cream cheese. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to make, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
To make baked stuffed banana peppers with cream cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6-8 large banana peppers
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to make baked stuffed banana peppers with cream cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut off the top of each banana pepper and remove the seeds and membranes from inside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture and mix until well combined.
- Stuff each banana pepper with the beef and cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake the peppers for 35-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the beef is cooked through.
- Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations:
There are many ways to customize baked stuffed banana peppers with cream cheese to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
- Add some diced tomatoes to the beef mixture for a pop of color and flavor.
- Top the stuffed peppers with a little marinara sauce for a more Italian-inspired flavor.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for a different flavor profile.
- Add some diced jalapenos or other spicy peppers to the beef mixture for a spicier dish.
Conclusion:
Baked stuffed banana peppers with cream cheese is a delicious and easy dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Try out some of the variations listed above to make this dish your own, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Italian dish!