Chorizostuffed Banana Peppers with Smoked Paprika Aioli

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy adding some spice to your life? Thinking about what to do with those banana peppers from the garden? Then look no further.
These Chorizo Stuffed Banana Peppers are smoky, spicy, and seriously addictive!
Brief Overview
Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, but these babies have a Spanish twist. They come together in under an hour.
This recipe makes enough for 6-8 as appetizers or 3-4 for a light meal.
Main Benefits
These peppers are packed with protein from the chorizo and cheese. Baked banana pepper appetizers are perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or even a tapas style party.
What makes these special is the creamy smoked paprika aioli .
Let’s Get These Banana Pepper Cooking!
These stuffed banana pepper recipes are total game changers. They are not at all difficult. I used to be intimidated by them, honestly.
No need to be! The combo of the spicy chorizo, the creamy aioli, and the slightly sweet banana peppers is unreal.
I can't even begin to tell you.
Banana pepper recipes easy to find are a dime a dozen but this is unique. The aioli is the real star.
The smoked paprika just takes it over the top! I experimented with a few batches, and that smoked paprika aioli? Chef's kiss.
Seriously. It adds a smokiness that makes every bite heavenly.
It gives the spicy stuffed peppers the perfect balance. You could also consider adding Italian sausage instead of chorizo for Italian sausage stuffed banana peppers , if you prefer a milder flavor.
Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick.
I always make a double batch of the Smoked Paprika Aioli . I use it on everything from sandwiches to grilled chicken.
The base recipe is very versatile. You can also use a dash of lime instead of lemon. If you're feeling adventurous, try a dash of chili oil.
Want a vegetarian option? Swap the chorizo for sautéed mushrooms and quinoa. Either way, have fun with it! This recipe is all about making something delicious and sharing it with people you love.
And hey, why not add some pickled banana pepper recipes to the mix? It's all about variety, innit? Plus, don't even get me started on a banana pepper casserole .
Oh my gosh! Now that's a party. And if you are not interested in chorizo, you could also explore some sweet banana pepper recipes and combine the flavors in different ways.
Alright then, next up, here’s what you’ll need.
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, let's get these banana pepper recipes cooking! These Chorizo stuffed banana peppers with a Smoked paprika aioli are epic! The full list is below, but here's the goss.
The banana pepper recipes easy ones are great, but we are going for something special here.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you will need for amazing baked banana pepper appetizers :
For the Chorizo Filling:
- 1 pound (454g) fresh chorizo sausage, casings removed. Look for quality chorizo! The flavor will change a lot based on that alone.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/113g )
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (113g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup (57g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (approximately 5g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Banana Peppers:
- 8-10 large banana peppers (approximately 1.5 - 2 lbs/680-907g ), similar in size. Make sure they are fresh and firm.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Smoked Paprika Aioli:
- 1 cup (237ml) mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade). Good quality mayo is essential!
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Seasoning Notes
This combo rocks!. Smoked paprika and cayenne are key! If you haven't got smoked paprika, regular paprika works okay , but try and get your hands on the smoked kind.
You can also substitute Chorizo with Italian sausage stuffed banana peppers . These will be spicy stuffed peppers ! Salt and pepper, always.
Honestly, you can even make a banana pepper casserole out of this recipe. Just chop everything up.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a ton of fancy kit for banana pepper recipes .
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (9x13 inch recommended)
- Knife and cutting board
- Garlic press (optional)
- Whisk
- Small bowl for aioli
If you haven't got a skillet, a large frying pan will do just fine. No garlic press? Just finely mince the garlic.
Cooking Method: Baking Stuffed Banana Peppers
Alright, let's get these banana pepper recipes cooking! I love banana peppers. These Chorizo Stuffed Banana Peppers with Smoked Paprika Aioli are amazing .
They are a great easy dish to make that can impress! Honestly, they're like little flavor bombs.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place for Pepper Perfection
First, let's get organised. It's all about that essential mise en place, you know? Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go.
Dice that onion, mince the garlic. It will make your life way easier. Then, preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
Trust me, you don't want to be fumbling around later. Safety first: If you're sensitive to spice, wear gloves when seeding those peppers.
Capsaicin is no joke!
step-by-step: Baking Banana Pepper Appetizers
These baked banana pepper appetizers are so easy to prepare.
- Halve 8-10 banana peppers lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes.
- Season with 2 tablespoons olive oil , salt, and pepper.
- Brown 1 pound (454g) chorizo in a skillet. Break it up.
- Add 1/2 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves . Cook for 5 minutes.
- Mix chorizo with 1 cup Monterey Jack , 1/2 cup Parmesan , 1/4 cup parsley , and 1 beaten egg . Season it well.
- Spoon that mixture into your peppers. Pack it in!
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes . The filling should be bubbly.
- Drizzle with smoked paprika aioli and serve!
Pro Tips: From Good to Great
Don't overcook them! You want them tender, not mushy. You want a nice bite from the Sweet banana pepper recipes , too.
Also, make the Smoked paprika aioli ahead of time. This allows flavors to meld. Honestly, it's next level. A common mistake? Not tasting as you go.
Adjust seasoning to your liking. The cayenne pepper in the aioli gives it a nice spicy kick!. Speaking of spicy stuffed peppers , for a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chorizo filling.
Okay, let's get these banana pepper cooking! Chorizo stuffed banana peppers are awesome. They hit the spot. Italian sausage stuffed banana peppers are also delicious! And pickled banana pepper recipes will preserve the taste of summer.
You know?
Recipe Notes for Stuffed Banana Pepper Recipes
So, you're ready to dive into these chorizo stuffed banana peppers ? Awesome! Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make sure your banana pepper recipes are a total success.
Honestly, these little details can make or break the dish.
Serving Suggestions That Wow
Want to plate like a pro? Lay those golden baked banana pepper appetizers on a platter. Drizzle generously with the smoked paprika aioli .
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. For sides, think light and refreshing. A simple salad or some crusty bread works wonders.
And for drinks? A cold beer is your best mate!
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store those spicy stuffed peppers in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Freezing isn't really recommended, as the peppers can get a bit mushy. Reheating? Just pop them back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
You can also microwave them, but oven baked is always tastier.
Variations to Suit Every Taste
You know, sometimes you want to tweak things. For a vegetarian option, ditch the chorizo. Sauté some mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Add cooked quinoa or rice for texture. To make these banana pepper recipes easy even spicier, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy chorizo.
Nutrition Nuggets
Each serving of these Italian sausage stuffed banana peppers packs a punch. You're looking at roughly 350-400 calories. Around 20g of protein.
About 25-30g of fat, and 10-15g of carbs. Plus, all that fresh veg is a win for your health!
Right then, remember to have fun with these sweet banana pepper recipes ! Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own.
I know you'll nail it! And remember if you want to try pickled banana pepper recipes , consider the pickling liquid and process.
Now you know banana pepper casserole can be a thing if you have too much of a good thing! Go on get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot are banana peppers, really? I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to spice!
Banana peppers are generally very mild, think more "tingle" than "fire breathing dragon." They're significantly milder than jalapenos. However, heat levels can vary, so if you're truly worried, taste a small piece before stuffing and remove more of the seeds and membranes, as that's where most of the capsaicin (the spicy stuff) resides.
Can I prepare these chorizo stuffed banana pepper recipes ahead of time? I'm hosting a party, and want to get a head start.
Absolutely! You can stuff the banana peppers up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through.
The smoked paprika aioli can also be made a day ahead; in fact, it's even better because the flavors have time to meld, like a good cuppa tea that's been left to stand a little while.
I'm trying to cut back on calories, are there any lighter variations I can make to these banana pepper recipes?
You bet! Swap out the chorizo for ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat content. Use reduced fat cheeses and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the aioli. Roasting the banana peppers before stuffing them can also bring out their natural sweetness, allowing you to use less filling overall.
Another great option is to load up on the veggies. Add some spinach or diced tomatoes to the chorizo mixture for added nutrients and fewer calories.
What's the best way to store leftover stuffed banana peppers? I always make too much!
Store any leftover stuffed banana peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can microwave them, but they'll be best if reheated in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) to prevent them from becoming soggy.
You can also freeze the stuffed peppers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
My local shop doesn't have Monterey Jack, is there a good cheese substitution for this banana pepper recipe?
Not to worry, cheese is pretty flexible here! Monterey Jack is lovely for its mild flavour and meltability. Great substitutes would be Mozzarella, Cheddar, or even Colby Jack cheese as they all melt similarly and offer a complementary flavour.
Just make sure the flavour profile is what you want to go for and avoid anything too strong that will overpower the other ingredients.
Can I grill these stuffed banana peppers instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor. Place the stuffed banana peppers on a grill preheated to medium heat. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
You could also place the stuffed peppers in a foil packet with a little olive oil if you're worried about them sticking to the grill or the filling falling out.
Chorizostuffed Banana Peppers With Smoked Paprik

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 2g |