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Savory Slow Cooker Banana Peppers with Brown Butter

slow cooker banana peppers - featured image

A simple, flavorful side dish featuring slow-cooked banana peppers softened to perfection and enriched with nutty, caramelized brown butter for a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1012 medium-sized banana peppers, fresh or jarred (rinsed if jarred)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the banana peppers thoroughly. Slice off the tops, then cut into 1-inch rings. Remove seeds if a milder heat is desired.
  2. In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly as it foams and begins to turn golden and smell nutty, about 4-6 minutes. Remove from heat promptly.
  3. Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the warm browned butter. Stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
  4. Transfer the browned butter mixture to the slow cooker. Add banana peppers, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring gently halfway through cooking.
  6. Taste near the end and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as desired.
  7. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour for deeper flavor.

Notes

Watch the brown butter carefully to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it smells nutty and turns golden. Stir peppers gently halfway through cooking to distribute flavors. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, noting flavor changes. Fresh banana peppers provide best texture; if using jarred, rinse well to reduce brine. Peppers can be cooked on high for 2-3 hours but texture will be less tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana peppers, brown butter, slow cooker, savory side, easy recipe, comfort food, tangy peppers