Banana peppers and pepperoncini may appear quite similar, especially when sliced and added to sandwiches or pizzas, making it hard to distinguish between the two. However, biting into them reveals notable differences. Here’s a guide to understanding the distinctions between banana peppers and pepperoncini, including advice on substituting one for the other.
Banana peppers are medium-sized chili peppers with a vibrant yellow color and a zesty, mild flavor. Also known as yellow wax peppers, they have smooth, waxy skin. They can be enjoyed raw or pickled, and are commonly used in sandwiches, salads, pizzas, nachos, and on charcuterie and cheese boards.
Pepper-oncini are yellow-green chili peppers with a mildly spicy, tangy taste. Typically sold pickled, they offer a more sour flavor. Known also as sweet Italian peppers, golden Greek peppers, or friggitello in Italy, they are popular in Mediterranean dishes such as antipasto platters, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. They are also a common garnish for Bloody Mary cocktails.
While both banana peppers and pepper-oncini belong to the capsicum annuum family, they differ in several key ways: