The banana pepper, a mild chili pepper with a tangy flavor, shines in salads, pizzas, Greek salads, and pickles. They offer a mild kick to any dish with a Scoville heat rating of 0 to 500 SHU.
However, diving into banana pepper substitutes can lead to delightful culinary surprises if you’re out to discover a new zest or the grocery stores are short on them.
Key Takeaways
- Bell peppers, cubanelle peppers, and pepperoncini are closest in taste to banana peppers, with slight variations in heat.
- Hungarian wax and jalapeño peppers are excellent choices for those looking to add extra heat to their dishes.
- Poblano and Anaheim peppers provide a range of flavors and heat levels, making them versatile substitutes.
7 Top Banana Pepper Substitutes for a Mildly Tangy Twist
1. Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are significantly milder than banana peppers.
| Banana pepper | Bell pepper | |
| SHU | 0 - 500 | 0 - 0 |
| Median SHU | 250 | 0 |
| Flavor | Sweet and tangy, with a mild heat | Sweet and mild, with no heat |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | South America (believed) | Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America |
| Uses | Pickling, stuffing, roasting, grilling, salads, etc. | Raw or cooked in a variety of dishes, salads, etc. |
Why are bell peppers a good substitute for banana peppers?
Bell peppers provide a sweet, crisp alternative to tangy banana peppers, ideal for those seeking a milder flavor in various dishes.
Bell peppers, boasting a Scoville heat rating of 0 SHU, bring a sweet flavor to the table that contrasts with the tanginess of banana peppers.
Their crispy texture and the ability to be eaten raw or cooked make them a practical pepper substitute. Available in most grocery stores, they’re a convenient substitute for banana peppers. Whether in cooked dishes or fresh salads, their mildness and vibrant colors add variety, making them a good banana pepper alternative.
2. Cubanelle Pepper
Cubanelle peppers are 2 times hotter than banana peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Banana pepper | Cubanelle pepper | |
| SHU | 0 - 500 | 100 - 1,000 |
| Median SHU | 250 | 550 |
| Flavor | Sweet and tangy, with a mild heat | Mild and sweet, with a slight heat |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | South America (believed) | South and Central America, but commonly grown in Italy too |
| Uses | Pickling, stuffing, roasting, grilling, salads, etc. | Salads, stir-fries, stuffing, sandwiches, etc. |
Why are cubanelle peppers a good substitute for banana peppers?
Cubanelle peppers offer a sweeter flavor and thicker flesh, making them a notable banana pepper substitute in various culinary applications.
Cubanelle peppers, with a Scoville heat rating from 100 to 1000 SHU, present a sweeter flavor and thicker flesh, distinguishing themselves as a notable banana pepper substitute in cooked dishes or when enjoyed fresh.
Their position in the heat scale situates them as a hotter choice within the pepper family, enriching the range of pepper substitutes available. This feature contributes to the broader palette of flavors and textures, reflecting the rich diversity within the pepper family and offering a unique culinary adventure to those exploring alternative pepper options.
3. Pepperoncini Pepper
Pepperoncini peppers are on par with banana peppers regarding heat.
| Banana pepper | Pepperoncini pepper | |
| SHU | 0 - 500 | 100 - 500 |
| Median SHU | 250 | 300 |
| Flavor | Sweet and tangy, with a mild heat | Mildly sweet and tangy, with a slight heat |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | South America (believed) | Italy |
| Uses | Pickling, stuffing, roasting, grilling, salads, etc. | Pickling, salads, sandwiches, antipasto, etc. |
Why are pepperoncini peppers a good substitute for banana peppers?
Pepperoncini peppers offer a mild heat and tangy taste, complementing Mediterranean dishes well and providing a satisfying, distinct alternative to banana peppers.
Pepperoncini peppers rank at 100 to 500 SHU on the Scoville scale. They add a mild heat and tangy taste, which works wonders in various recipes, especially Greek salads and antipasto platters. Native to Italy, their unique, tangy, slightly bitter taste complements multiple dishes.
Their milder spice level and distinct flavor make them popular for pickling, garnishing, and use in Mediterranean dishes, providing a different yet satisfying alternative to banana peppers. Whether eaten fresh or incorporated into cooked dishes, pepperoncini peppers offer a similar, albeit unique, flavor experience.
4. Hungarian Wax Pepper
Hungarian wax peppers are 30 times hotter than banana peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
Why are Hungarian wax peppers a good substitute for banana peppers?
Hungarian wax peppers provide a spicier, tangy alternative to banana peppers, ideal for recipes requiring extra heat.
Hungarian wax peppers, boasting a heat level of 5,000 to 10,000 SHU, significantly outshine banana peppers in terms of spiciness. They bring a tangy flavor to cooked dishes and can be eaten fresh, providing a spicy kick. Their visual resemblance to banana peppers often leads to confusion. Still, their heat quickly sets them apart, making them a potent pepper substitute when a recipe calls for more heat, effectively adding spice to various meals.
5. Poblano Pepper
Poblano peppers are 5 times hotter than banana peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Banana pepper | Poblano pepper | |
| SHU | 0 - 500 | 1,000 - 1,500 |
| Median SHU | 250 | 1,250 |
| Flavor | Sweet and tangy, with a mild heat | Mild, rich and earthy flavor |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | South America (believed) | Mexico |
| Uses | Pickling, stuffing, roasting, grilling, salads, etc. | Stuffed, roasted, sauces |
Why are Poblano peppers a good substitute for banana peppers?
Poblano peppers, often chosen for stuffing like banana peppers, provide a unique, mildly spicier alternative for such culinary applications.
Poblano peppers range from 1,000 to 1,500 SHU on the Scoville scale. Their milder flavor and richness add a unique taste to Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. This makes them a good banana pepper alternative for those desiring a bit more heat.
Often used for stuffing, the versatility of poblano peppers is notable. They can be eaten fresh or incorporated into cooked dishes. Combined with their relatively mild heat, they offer a suitable banana pepper substitute. This provides a slightly different but enjoyable taste experience.
6. Jalapeño Pepper
Jalapeño peppers are 21 times hotter than banana peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Banana pepper | Jalapeño pepper | |
| SHU | 0 - 500 | 2,500 - 8,000 |
| Median SHU | 250 | 5,250 |
| Flavor | Sweet and tangy, with a mild heat | Grassy, vegetale, slightly sweet, and moderately spicy |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | South America (believed) | Mexico |
| Uses | Pickling, stuffing, roasting, grilling, salads, etc. | Salsas, guacamole, nachos, jalapeño poppers, etc. |
Why are jalapeño peppers a good substitute for banana peppers?
Jalapeños, often enjoyed pickled like banana peppers, offer a spicier kick and are readily available, making them a suitable, versatile banana pepper substitute.
Jalapeño peppers, with a Scoville rating of 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, offer a medium heat level as a pepper substitute for those desiring more spiciness.
Often enjoyed pickled, like banana peppers, jalapeños bring a moderately spicy kick to cooked dishes.
Their availability in most grocery stores and versatility in being used fresh or pickled make them a highly adaptable pepper substitute. The heat level and bright green color of jalapeños add flavor and visual appeal to dishes, aligning them as a good substitute for banana peppers for those favoring extra heat.
7. Anaheim Pepper
Anaheim peppers are 6 times hotter than banana peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Banana pepper | Anaheim pepper | |
| SHU | 0 - 500 | 500 - 2,500 |
| Median SHU | 250 | 1,500 |
| Flavor | Sweet and tangy, with a mild heat | Mild, sweet and fruity, tangy |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | South America (believed) | USA |
| Uses | Pickling, stuffing, roasting, grilling, salads, etc. | Grilled, stuffed, salsas |
Why are Anaheim peppers a good substitute for banana peppers?
Anaheim peppers, more spicy than banana peppers, offer a mild heat and slightly sweeter undertone, suiting varied recipes.
Anaheim peppers have a Scoville heat rating of 500 to 2,500 SHU. They are excellent in stuffed banana peppers recipes or any dish desiring a mild heat with a slightly sweeter undertone. Their versatility shines in various cooked dishes where a mild kick is aimed.
Whether used fresh or in cooked dishes, Anaheim peppers serve as a good banana pepper alternative, adding a different nuance of flavor while maintaining a manageable heat level.
Banana pepper alternatives summary
This curated list of banana pepper substitutes caters to various palate preferences, ensuring your dishes retain their zest even when banana peppers are off the menu. Whether you are looking for a pepper substitute with similar mildness or want to venture into spicier territories, these substitutes offer a spectrum of flavors and heat levels to suit your culinary explorations.