Pepperoncini, also called Golden Greek peppers or sweet Italian peppers, is a type of chili pepper. It has a green to light green color when young and transforms into a bright red pepper as it matures. This small pepper has a mild and tangy flavor and packs just a touch of heat.
You can enjoy pepperoncini pickled, raw, or use it to enhance the flavor and color of different foods like pizzas and sandwiches. If you’ve been lucky enough to find a bag of these Golden Greek peppers at the grocery store, give these 14 pepperoncini recipes a whirl. Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed!
#1. Antipasto Platter
This Antipasto platter is a medley of flavors and textures and has something to offer to everyone’s palate. Make it with your favorite meats, pepperoncini, and other veggies and crackers. What makes this platter a success? The marinated mozzarella balls that give you a flavor burst in every bite! Serve this delicious appetizer when hosting a girls’ night or for family gatherings and parties.
#2. Guacamole with Tomatoes and Pepperoncini
Guacamole, thanks to its creamy soft texture and delicious flavor profile, is a wonderful dip, salad ingredient, and even condiment. Although the classic dish is delicious as-is, this recipe enhances its appeal by featuring the tart and moderately spicy pepperoncini. Serve it with chips and tacos or spread it on sandwiches for a delicious snack.
#3. How to Pickle Pepperoncini Peppers (And Other Peppers!)
Brought more pepperoncini peppers than you need for your recipe? Make pickled pepperoncini! The recipe can be made in a little over 30 minutes but has to be cooled overnight in a draft-free location to infuse the peppers with delectable flavors. You can add them to deviled eggs, pizzas, tacos, and salads to enjoy!
#4. Italian Sub Lettuce Wraps with Pepperoncini Aioli
This recipe is made just like the popular Italian sub sandwiches, except it uses lettuce wraps instead of bread. These wraps have the most wonderful combination of flavors and textures; they’re good that you’ll never tire of them. You can also make them ahead of time and pack them for work lunches and picnics.
#5. Low Carb Steak and Cheese Bowl
This steak and cheese bowl comes together in under 30 minutes and will satisfy both your health and palate. It’s loaded with steak strips, fresh veggies, and delightful provolone cheese, all flavored with lots of spices and Worcestershire sauce. The meal also gets a nice kick of spice from the pepperoncini peppers. Serve it with lettuce leaves and tomatoes for a low-carb dinner.
#6. Mississippi Pot Roast
This pot roast recipe is comfort food at its finest. Cooked in a slow cooker, the chuck roast is melt-in-your-mouth tender and slathered in a rich, flavorsome gravy featuring the tangy and mildly spicy pepperoncini, which also adds a pleasant crunch. It’s a simple dish that is brimming with flavors and will be loved by everyone!
#7. Muffuletta Dip
Bold and zesty, this muffuletta dip is low-key the stuff of dreams. In it, cured meats and provolone cheese are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette made with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, vinegar, olive oil, and liquid from the pepperoncini jar. This is a deliciously versatile recipe that offers a multitude of serving ideas you can explore!
#8. Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches
This easy and tasty recipe calls for spicing fork-tender juicy beef with the mild-flavored pepperoncini. This mixture is then layered between toasted crusty sandwich rolls and topped with melted provolone cheese for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests. This recipe is super versatile; you may also enjoy it in tortillas or over your favorite salads.
#9. Pepperoncini Deviled Eggs
These adorable little deviled eggs are hard to resist and make a wonderful addition to your dinner table. What makes it so divine? The bite-sized appetizers are garnished with pepperoncini peppers; it ensures that the brine seeps into the egg yolk mixture to give a flavor burst in every bite. Love spice in your meals? Add some smoked paprika to pack heat!
#10. Pepperoncini Garlic Bread
Who doesn’t love garlic bread? It’s a simple and delicious snack that you can elevate by adding pepperoncini peppers for a nice punch of spice. To make, simply combine butter, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, parsley, peppers, and salt. Next, spread the mixture on the cut sides of the French bread loaf, and broil until golden-brown and crispy.
#11. Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
Tender boneless chicken thighs swimming in a deliciously tangy pepperoncini sauce? That’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser! This dish, a spin-off of Mississippi Pot Roast, is equally delicious but tangy and less spicy — safe to say, it has all the makings of a dish even the young ones can enjoy! Serve over plain rice or buns for a substantial meal.
#12. Spicy Chopped Greek Salad with Pepperoncini
In this recipe, pepperoncini transforms a traditional Greek salad into something otherworldly. This refreshingly delicious salad is made with a combination of cucumbers, feta, olives, onions, pepperoncini, and tomatoes tossed with a delicious pepperoncini brine-based dressing. It’s fresh, healthy, and packs just enough heat to add a wonderful flavor to your meal!
#13. Three Cheese Pepperoncini Spread
This three-cheese creamy pepperoncini dip gets a kick from pepperoncini peppers and is destined to give your dinner table a touch of the Mediterranean. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the spiciness, taking your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride. Serve this delicious appetizer with crackers or cucumber slices to enjoy.
#14. Vegetarian Italian Chopped Salad
This light and bright veggie-packed bowl of goodness will make a delightful addition to your meals. It calls for tossing crisp lettuce, fresh juicy tomatoes, radicchio, pickled pepperoncini, red onions, delicious provolone cheese, hearty chickpeas, and umami-flavored sun-dried tomatoes with an Italian vinaigrette. This salad features layers of flavor to keep you wanting more!
