Banana Pepper Soup Recipe

Banana Pepper Soup Recipe is made with ground pork, onion, banana peppers, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, all-purpose flour, chicken stock, milk, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and breadcrumbs. This hearty banana pepper soup recipe creates a flavorful and comforting dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Banana Pepper Soup Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 7 medium/large banana peppers, seeded and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken stock or broth
• 1 cup milk
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, for topping
• 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs, toasted, for topping

Banana Pepper Soup Instructions

1. In a stock pot or Dutch oven, brown the pork over medium heat, crumbling and stirring until the pork just starts to turn crusty and fragrant. Drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon.
2. Add the onion, peppers, garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables become tender (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
3. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne as needed.
5. For each serving, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs. Optionally (and only with broiler-safe dishes), broil until golden and melted.

Recipe Tips

• Roast the Banana Peppers: For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the banana peppers before adding them to the soup. This will intensify their sweetness and smokiness.
• Use Freshly Ground Pork: Grinding your own pork using a food processor or meat grinder can result in a more flavorful and textured soup. Choose a fatty cut like pork shoulder for best results.
• Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil towards the end of cooking to brighten up the flavors of the soup.

How To Store Banana Pepper Soup

Refrigerate: Once the banana pepper soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: To freeze the soup for longer storage, allow it to cool completely. Transfer the soup to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, or use a freezer bag. Seal tightly and label with the date. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

How To Reheat Leftover Banana Pepper Soup

In The Microwave: Place a portion of the banana pepper soup in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on high power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

On The Stove: Transfer the desired amount of soup to a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup is warmed through. Add a splash of additional broth or water if needed to prevent sticking or drying out.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is hot all the way through.

What To Serve Banana Pepper Soup

Banana Pepper Soup pairs well with crusty bread, such as French baguette or garlic bread. It also complements a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing and steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside cooked rice or pasta. For a more indulgent experience, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top of the soup. These pairings will enhance the flavors of the soup and make your meal more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or beef according to your preference.

How spicy is this soup with banana peppers?

The spice level can vary depending on the heat of your banana peppers. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level to your liking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground pork and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Increase the amount of vegetables or add beans for extra protein.

Try more recipes:

• Bean and Bacon Soup Recipes
• Asian Pork Soup Recipe
• Recipes Using Cream Of Jalapeno Soup