Cubanelle pepper substitutes
Cubanelle pepper substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Banana peppers
Same amount as the cubanelle pepper
Mild, sweet pepper with similar shape and flavor profile.
The best substitutes for Cubanelle peppers are banana peppers, Italian frying peppers, or bell peppers depending on the recipe.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- sautéing
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cubanelle pepper | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Banana pepperssautéing | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Italian frying pepperssautéing | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Bell peppersstuffed peppers | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Anaheim pepperssautéing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Poblano peppersstuffed peppers | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Sweet Italian pepperssautéing | Same amountWorks | Works |
Banana peppers
similar taste and texture
Mild, sweet pepper with similar shape and flavor profile.
- Best for
- sautéing, stir-fries, stuffed peppers, pickling
Very similar flavor and texture. Close substitute for most applications.
Italian frying peppers
similar taste and texture
Generic term for mild, sweet peppers used in Italian cooking.
- Best for
- sautéing, stir-fries, stuffed peppers, Italian dishes
May include various mild pepper varieties. Very similar to Cubanelle.
Bell peppers
similar taste, different texture
Sweet, mild peppers with thicker skin but similar flavor.
- Best for
- stuffed peppers, sautéing, stir-fries, roasting
Thicker skin and different shape, but similar sweet flavor. May need longer cooking.
Anaheim peppers
different taste, similar texture
Mild, long peppers with similar shape and mild heat.
- Best for
- sautéing, stir-fries, stuffed peppers, roasting
Slightly more heat than Cubanelle but still mild. Good substitute for cooking.
Poblano peppers
different taste, similar texture
Mild Mexican peppers with similar size and shape.
- Best for
- stuffed peppers, roasting, sautéing, Mexican dishes
Slightly more heat than Cubanelle but still mild. Good for stuffing applications.
Sweet Italian peppers
similar taste and texture
Mild, sweet peppers commonly found in Italian markets.
- Best for
- sautéing, stir-fries, stuffed peppers, Italian cooking
Very similar to Cubanelle. May be the same pepper with different regional name.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between Cubanelle and banana peppers?
Cubanelle and banana peppers are very similar - both are mild, sweet peppers with elongated shapes. They can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Can I use bell peppers instead of Cubanelle peppers?
Yes, bell peppers work as a substitute, but they have thicker skin and a different shape. They'll need slightly longer cooking time.
Are Cubanelle peppers spicy?
No, Cubanelle peppers are mild and sweet with no heat. They're good for people who don't like spicy food.
Can I stuff Cubanelle peppers?
Yes, Cubanelle peppers are good for stuffing due to their elongated shape and mild flavor. They're commonly used in Italian stuffed pepper recipes.
Tips for substituting cubanelle pepper
8 tips- Cubanelle peppers are good for sautéing and stir-frying
- Great for stuffing with meat, rice, or cheese mixtures
- Thin skin means they cook quickly and don't need peeling
- Cubanelle peppers are mild and sweet, good for sensitive palates
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week
- Wash and remove seeds before using
- Cubanelle peppers pair well with Italian herbs and garlic
- Good for making pepper and onion sandwiches