What are Italian long hot peppers?

Italian long hot peppers are slender, green, mildly wrinkled peppers that range from 6 to 8 inches long. Known for their unpredictable spice level , they can be mild or pack a fiery punch. These peppers are a staple in Italian-American cuisine , often served roasted or stuffed with sausage, cheese, and breadcrumbs—especially in the popular dish stuffed Italian long hot peppers .

Can you make stuffed long hots less spicy?

Yes, absolutely. While long hots can be quite spicy, the heat level can be reduced in a few ways: Remove the inner membranes and all seeds during prep, as they contain most of the heat. Use a creamy or cheesy stuffing (like ricotta or mozzarella) to balance the spice. Choose peppers that are lighter in color—darker ones tend to be hotter. For milder flavor with all the same charm, you can also substitute Cubanelle or banana peppers in your stuffed Italian long hot peppers recipe.

What’s the best cheese to use in stuffed peppers?

Mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese for stuffed Italian long hot peppers , thanks to its creamy melt and mild flavor. But you can also experiment with: Sharp provolone for a bolder bite Fontina or Asiago for a rich, nutty flavor Parmesan or Pecorino Romano in the breadcrumb mix for added umami Mixing cheeses often yields the best results—think mozzarella for melt and Parmesan for punch.

How long do you bake stuffed long hot peppers?

Bake stuffed Italian long hot peppers at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes . This ensures the sausage is cooked through, the cheese is melted, and the breadcrumbs are golden. You can cover them with foil for the first 15 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover to crisp the tops.

Are long hot peppers hotter than jalapeños?

Sometimes—but not always. Italian long hot peppers can vary in heat, whereas jalapeños have a more consistent Scoville rating (2,500–8,000 SHU). Some long hots are milder than jalapeños, but others can match or even surpass their heat level. When using them in stuffed Italian long hot peppers , it’s a good idea to taste a small piece first.

Can you freeze stuffed Italian long hot peppers?

Yes, you can freeze them! After baking and cooling, wrap each stuffed Italian long hot pepper individually in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months . To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or use an air fryer for a crispier finish.

Stuffed Italian Long Hot Peppers Sausage and Cheese: 5 Irresistible Ways you will love

Name: Stuffed Italian Long Hot Peppers: 7 Easy Ways To Make Them Perfect
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 fresh Italian long hot peppers; 1 lb hot Italian sausage (casing removed); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan; 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional); 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped; Olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients

Scale

8 fresh Italian long hot peppers

1 lb hot Italian sausage (casing removed)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan

½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

Prep the Peppers

Wash and dry your Italian long hot peppers. Make a clean slit down one side of each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. For softer peppers, roast them for 5 minutes before stuffing.

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine sausage, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, Pecorino Romano, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and herbs. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Stuff the Peppers

Gently spoon the filling into each pepper. Don’t overfill—you want them to close without splitting. Press the mixture down gently so it fills every crevice.

Bake Until Perfect

Place stuffed peppers in the baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with extra cheese or breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the tops are golden and bubbling.

Let Cool & Serve

Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Serve your stuffed Italian long hot peppers with crusty bread, marinara sauce, or over pasta.

Author: Nick
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 stuffed Italian long hot peppers
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 760 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Stuffed Italian Long Hot Peppers Sausage and Cheese, Italian long hots, stuffed hot peppers recipe, sausage stuffed peppers, spicy stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, Italian appetizer recipes, comfort food recipes